Bextra is a powerful medication that targets an important source of arthritis pain. It's tough on pain and inflammation. And there's one convenient dose that's powerful enough to tackle both the pain of osteoarthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis. BEXTRA also delivers relief to the pain associated with moderate to severe menstrual pain (primary dysmenorrhea).

Bextra ( valdecoxib tablets )

(Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug - NSAID)

Common uses
Bextra is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known as a COX-2 inhibitor used to relieve the symptoms of arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), and menstrual discomfort. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Bextra. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking an azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole), blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril), water pills (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), dextromethorphan, or lithium. USE OF Bextra IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of kidney disease, or severe liver disease. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including asthma, nasal polyps, stomach problems (e.g., bleeding, ulcers), liver problems, blood disorders (e.g., anemia), heart disease, high blood pressure, tobacco or alcohol use, swelling problems (fluid retention), dehydration, poorly controlled diabetes, any allergies - especially aspirin/NSAID allergy (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib), or sulfa allergy, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking Bextra.

Directions
Follow the directions for using Bextra provided by your doctor. Bextra may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE Bextra at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF Bextra and you are taking 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE Bextra IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to aspirin or any medicine containing aspirin or to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as Feldene, Motrin, Naprosyn, Clinoril), or sulfa medicines (e.g., sulfonamide antibiotics). A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to Bextra or if a certain medicine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, contact your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of Bextra unless your doctor tells you to do so. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take Bextra for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using Bextra. ALCOHOL WARNING: If you consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, ask your doctor whether you should take Bextra or other pain relievers/fever reducers. Bextra may cause stomach bleeding. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen. Aspirin as prescribed by your doctor for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (i.e., non-arthritis doses) should be continued. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Bextra during pregnancy. Bextra SHOULD NOT BE USED during the third trimester. IT IS UNKNOWN IF Bextra IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Bextra.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Bextra include stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, or headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience swelling, unusual tiredness and weakness, or weight gain. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness; flu-like symptoms; sluggishness; yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark urine or pale stools; or unusual fatigue, change in amount of urine, dizziness, or blurred vision. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY AND STOP TAKING Bextra if you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects: black stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, vomiting, or stomach pain.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE Bextra with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE Bextra for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT out of the reach of children. IF USING Bextra FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Bextra is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Bextra works by reducing substances in the body that cause inflammation, pain, and fever.

Bextra is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis. Bextra is also used to treat painful menstruation.

Bextra may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.