Information on Bextra and How to Use It, Precautions and Other Medications to Avoid While Taking

This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.

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Bextra Consumer Information

BEXTRA

Generic Name: valdecoxib (val deh COCK sib)

Brand Names: Bextra

What is the most important information I should know about valdecoxib?

  • Do not take valdecoxib without first talking to your doctor if you have experienced asthma, hives, or an allergic reaction after taking a sulfa-based medication such as sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Gantanol, and others) or sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin); aspirin; or another NSAID such as celecoxib (Celebrex), rofecoxib (Vioxx), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, and others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine, Lodine XL), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketorolac (Toradol), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), or tolmetin (Tolectin). You may experience a similar reaction to valdecoxib.
  • Notify your doctor immediately if you develop abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort; nausea; bloody vomit; bloody, black, or tarry stools; unexplained weight gain; swelling or water retention; fatigue or lethargy; a skin rash; itching; yellowing of the skin or eyes;"flu-like" symptoms; or unusual bruising or bleeding. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects.
  • Stop taking valdecoxib and contact your doctor immediately if you develop a skin rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue or face; or other symptoms of an allergic reaction.

What is valdecoxib?

  • Valdecoxib is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Valdecoxib works by reducing substances in the body that cause inflammation, pain, and fever.
  • Valdecoxib is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis. Valdecoxib is also used to treat painful menstruation.
  • Valdecoxib may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valdecoxib?

  • Do not take valdecoxib without first talking to your doctor if you have experienced asthma, hives, or an allergic reaction after taking a sulfa-based medication such as sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Gantanol, and others) or sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin); aspirin; or another NSAID such as celecoxib (Celebrex), rofecoxib (Vioxx), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, and others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine, Lodine XL), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketorolac (Toradol), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), or tolmetin (Tolectin). You may experience a similar reaction to valdecoxib.
  • Before taking valdecoxib, tell your doctor if you have
    • a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding in the stomach;
    • liver disease;
    • kidney disease;
    • asthma;
    • congestive heart failure;
    • fluid retention;
    • heart disease;
    • high blood pressure; or
    • a coagulation (bleeding) disorder or are taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin).
  • You may not be able to take valdecoxib, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions, or are taking any of the medicines, listed above.
  • Valdecoxib is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Valdecoxib should not be taken late in pregnancy (the third trimester) because it may affect the formation of the baby's heart. Do not take valdecoxib without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
  • It is not known whether valdecoxib passes into breast milk. Do not take valdecoxib without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take valdecoxib?

  • Take valdecoxib exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
  • Take each dose with a full glass of water.
  • Valdecoxib can be taken with or without food or milk. Your doctor may recommend taking higher doses of valdecoxib with food. Follow your doctor's instructions.
  • Store valdecoxib at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

  • Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

  • Seek emergency medical attention.
  • Symptoms of a valdecoxib overdose include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

What should I avoid while taking valdecoxib?

  • There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking valdecoxib unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

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