Valdecoxib (Oral)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 24, 2022.
Serious skin reactions (eg, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and erythema multiforme) have been reported in patients receiving valdecoxib, some resulting in death. Patients appear to be at higher risk for these events during the first 2 weeks of treatment, but these may occur at any time. Valdecoxib should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Bextra
Pharmacologic Class: Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor
Uses for valdecoxib
Valdecoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also called NSAIDs) are used to relieve some symptoms caused by arthritis (rheumatism), such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. However, valdecoxib does not cure arthritis and will help you only as long as you continue to take it. It may also be used to treat pain associated with menstrual periods.
Valdecoxib was available only with your doctor's prescription.
Valdecoxib was voluntarily withdrawn from the U.S. market on April 7, 2005 due to safety concerns of increased risk of serious heart problems and skin reactions .
Before using valdecoxib
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For valdecoxib, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to valdecoxib or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Studies on valdecoxib have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of valdecoxib in children with use in other age groups.
Geriatric
Valdecoxib has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking valdecoxib, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using valdecoxib with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Ketorolac
Using valdecoxib with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required i..
