Part Two of Rofecoxib Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

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What are the possible side effects of rofecoxib?

  • Notify your doctor immediately if you develop abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort; nausea; blood in your vomit; bloody, black, or tarry stools; unexplained weight gain; swelling or water retention; fatigue or lethargy; a skin rash; itching; yellowing of your skin or eyes;"flu-like" symptoms; or unusual bruising or bleeding. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects.
  • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking rofecoxib and seek medical treatment or contact your doctor immediately:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
    • abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort;
    • bloody, black, or tarry stools;
    • nausea or heartburn;
    • blood in your vomit;
    • unexplained weight gain;
    • swelling or water retention;
    • unusual fatigue or lethargy;
    • a skin rash or itching;
    • yellowing of your skin or eyes;
    • "flu-like" symptoms; or
    • unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take rofecoxib and talk to your doctor if you experience
    • dizziness;
    • mild fatigue or weakness; or
    • diarrhea.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect rofecoxib?

  • Before taking rofecoxib, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
    • aspirin or an aspirin-like medication such as salsalate (Disalcid), choline salicylate-magnesium salicylate (Trilisate, Tricosal, others), and magnesium salicylate (Doan's, Bayer Select Backache Formula, others);
    • an over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medicine that contains aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen;
    • a diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril, others), chlorothiazide (Diuril, others), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), and others;
    • an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), quinapril (Accupril), and others;
    • a steroid medicine such as prednisone (Deltasone and others), methylprednisolone (Medrol and others), prednisolone (Prelone, Pediapred, and others), and others;
    • an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin);
    • methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Folex);
    • theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theobid, and others);
    • lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, others); or
    • rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin, Rifater).
  • You may not be able to take an rofecoxib, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
  • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with rofecoxib. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about rofecoxib written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

Full public license and copyright information is available separately from Cerner Multum, Inc.

Version: 4.02. Revision Date: 2/14/03.

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