Valdecoxib medication belong to Analgesic/NSAID class. Valdecoxib inhibits inflammation, pain and fever, probably by inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).

How to Take Valdecoxib

Take Valdecoxib exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Valdecoxib is generally available in market in the form Tablets 500 mg , Tablets 1 g.Ensure valdecoxib is not used in patient with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C). Ensure renal function has been assessed prior to initiating therapy and periodically during therapy in patient with mild to moderate renal impairment. Ensure valdecoxib is not used in patient with advanced renal disease, unless there are no other options. If valdecoxib is used in patient with advanced renal disease ensure that renal function is closely monitored. If decision is made to use valdecoxib in patient with mild to moderate hepatic impairment and fluid retention, ensure patient is closely monitored for worsening fluid retention.

Dosage Instructions for Valdecoxib Drug

Valdecoxib Drug is used in the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles); treatment or suppression of genital herpes; treatment of herpes labialis (cold sores).

Contraindications of Valdecoxib Drug

Asthma; urticaria; allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or NSAIDs; sensitivity to valdecoxib; allergic-type reactions to sulfonamides; treatment of post-operative pain immediately following coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Interactions of Valdecoxib with other drugs

ACE inhibitors: Antihypertensive effect may be decreased.

Aspirin: Risk of GI complications (eg, ulceration) may be increased.

Dextromethorphan: Plasma levels may be reduced by valdecoxib, decreasing the pharmacologic effect.

Diazepam, fluconazole, ketoconazole, lithium, oral contraceptives: Plasma levels may be elevated by valdecoxib, increasing the pharmacologic and adverse effects.

Loop diuretics (eg, furosemide), thiazide diuretics: Diuretic effect may be decreased.

Phenytoin: May decrease valdecoxib levels, reducing the clinical efficacy.

Warfarin: Risk of bleeding may be increased.

What are the Side Effects of Valdecoxib

Like other medicines, Valdecoxib can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Valdecoxib include

* Hypertension (at least 2%); aneurysm; angina pectoris; arrhythmia; cardiomyopathy; CHF; coronary artery disorder; heart murmur; hypotension; generalized edema; bradycardia; palpitation; tachycardia; intermittent claudication; acquired hemagioma; varicose veins

* Dizziness, headache (at least 2%); cerebrovascular disorder; hypertonia; hypoesthesia; migraine; neuralgia; neuropathy; paresthesia; tremor; twitching; vertigo; fatigue; anorexia; anxiety; increased appetite; confusion; depression; aggravated depression; insomnia; nervousness; morbid dreaming; somnolence.

* Rash (at least 2%); cellulitis; contact dermatitis; acne; alopecia; dermatitis; fungal dermatitis; eczema; photosensitivity allergic reaction; pruritus; erythematous rash; maculopapular rash; psoriaform rash; dry skin; skin hypertrophy; skin ulceration; increased sweating; urticaria; erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (postmarketing).

* Abdominal fullness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea (at least 2%); abnormal stools; constipation; diverticulosis; dry mouth; duodenal ulcer; duodenitis; eructation; esophagitis; fecal incontinence; gastric ulcer; gastritis; gastroenteritis; gastroesophageal reflux; hematemesis; hematochezia; hemorrhoids; bleeding hemorrhoids; hiatal hernia; melena; stomatitis; increased stool frequency; tenesmus; tooth disorder; vomiting; taste perversion; panreatitis (postmarketing).

* Back pain, peripheral edema, flu-like symptoms, accidental injury, myalgia (at least 2%); goiter; allergic reaction; aggravated allergy; asthenia; chest pain; chills; cyst; face edema; fever; hot flushes; malaise; pain; periorbital swelling; peripheral pain; halitosis; arthralgia; accidental fracture; neck stiffness; osteoporosis; synovitis; tendonitis; breast neoplasm; lipoma; malignant ovarian cyst; herpes simplex; herpes zoster; fungal infection; soft tissue infection; viral infection; moniliasis; hypersensitivity including anaphylactic reactions and angioedema (postmarketing).

Warnings and precautions before taking Valdecoxib

* Serious and sometimes fatal skin reactions (eg, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and erythema multiforme) may occur. The risk for these reactions is greatest during the first 2 wk of treatment, but may occur at any time. Discontinue valdecoxib at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any sign of hypersensitivity.

* Advise patient before taking Valdecoxib that dose is individualized based upon severity of symptoms and response to therapy.

* Caution patient that valdecoxib does not have antiplatelet activity and is not a substitute for aspirin for CV prophylaxis. Advise patient to continue to take aspirin, as instructed by health care provider, for CV protection.

* Instruct patient to take prescribed dose once or twice daily as prescribed.

* Advise patient to take each dose without regard to meals but to take with food if stomach upset occurs.

* Caution patient not to change the dose or stop taking unless advised by health care provider. Advise patient to notify health care provider if medication does not adequately control arthritis symptoms or dysmenorrhea.

* Caution patient to avoid smoking, alcohol, and self administration of aspirin-containing medications (other than that advised for CV protection) while taking valdecoxib.

* Advise patient before taking Valdecoxib that if a dose is missed to take it as soon as possible, but if close to the next to skip that dose and take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Caution patient not to double the dose to catch up.

* Caution patient before taking Valdecoxib that valdecoxib can cause serious skin reactions, especially during the first 2 wk of treatment. Instruct patient to stop taking and notify health care provider immediately if any of the following occur: skin rash, mouth sores, or any other sign of a hypersensitivity reaction (eg, itching).

* Advise patient before taking Valdecoxib to discontinue drug and notify health care provider if any of the following occur: persistent or recurrent GI upset, black stools, vomiting blood, rapid weight gain or swelling, changes in urine patterns, joint pain, fever, persistent nausea, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, pain under right rib cage, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

* Advise women before taking Valdecoxib to inform health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

* Instruct patient not to take any prescription or OTC medications, herbal preparations, or dietary supplements unless advised by health care provider.

* Advise patientt before taking Valdecoxib that follow-up examinations and lab tests may be required to monitor therapy and to keep appointments.

* Advise patient before taking Valdecoxib not to change brands of medicine.

What if Overdose of Valdecoxib ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Valdecoxib , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, GI bleeding, hypertension, acute renal failure, respiratory depression, coma, anaphylaxis are may be the overdose symptoms of Valdecoxib .

What if Missed Dose of Valdecoxib ?

If you miss a dose of Valdecoxib medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Valdecoxib

* Administer Valdecoxib prescribed dose without regard to meals. Administer with food if GI upset occurs.

* Valdecoxib Dose and duration of therapy is dependent on condition being treated.

* Store Valdecoxib at controlled room temperature (59? to 77'F).