Bextra (Valdecoxib) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 25, 2012

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Arthritis »

What is arthritis? What causes arthritis?

Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A joint is an area of the body where two different bones meet. A joint functions to move the body parts connected by its bones. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints.

Arthritis is frequently accompanied by joint pain. Joint pain is referred to as arthralgia.

There are many types of arthritis (over 100 identified, and the number is growing). The types range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis). Together, the many types of arthritis make up the most common chronic illness in the United States.

The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis. Causes include injury (leading to osteoarthritis), metabolic abnormalities (such as gout and pseudogout), hereditary facto...

Read the Arthritis article »

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Bextra

Osteoarthritis Overview Slideshow Pictures

Simple Exercises to Relieve OA Pain Slideshow

Rheumatoid Arthritis Slideshow Pictures

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Bextra Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Bextra

Generic Name: valdecoxib (Pronunciation: val deh COCK sib)

What is valdecoxib (Bextra)?

Valdecoxib (Bextra) was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2005.

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 are the possible side effects of valdecoxib (Bextra)?

Serious skin reactions have occurred in patients taking valdecoxib. These reactions tend to occur within the first two weeks of treatment, but may occur at any time during treatment. 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.

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.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take valdecoxib and talk to your doctor if you experience

diarrhea;
nausea or upset stomach; or
headache.

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 is the most important information I should know about valdecoxib (Bextra)?

Valdecoxib (Bextra) was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2005.

The manufacturer of valdecoxib (Bextra) has announced the voluntary withdrawal of the drug from the U.S. market. This withdrawal is due to safety concerns of an increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) in patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (valdecoxib is a "COX-2" selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and safety concerns of an increased risk of rare but serious skin reactions in patients 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), 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.

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