Dangers of Celebrex & Vioxx
Celebrex and Vioxx are both prescription medications that work to combat inflammation. Celebrex may be used in patients with arthritis, as well as those with menstrual pain. It may also be used to treat polyps in the colon. Vioxx was used to reduce inflammation and pain in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It was also used for patients with migraines and menstrual pain.
Other People Are Reading
-
Identification
-
Celebrex is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, also called an NSAID. Celebrex is available by prescription only. Vioxx is also an NSAID. However, unlike Celebrex, Vioxx was voluntarily withdrawn from both the U.S. and international market by the manufacturer. This occurred in 2004.
Pregnancy
-
Celebrex and Vioxx are both considered by the FDA to be in the pregnancy category C. This means that they both could cause harm to an unborn baby. If Vioxx is taken late in the pregnancy, it may harm the baby's heart. If Celebrex is taken during the last three months of pregnancy, it may especially harm the fetus. Celebrex passes into breast milk. It is unknown whether Vioxx passes into breast milk. Do not use these medications if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without talking with your doctor.
-
Interactions
-
Celebrex and Vioxx may interact with other medications, both prescription and non-prescription. If you take Celebrex, disclose all of your other medications to your doctor. These other medications may include other NSAIDs, blood thinners, diuretics, fluconazole, lithium, an ACE inhibitor and any heart or blood pressure medications. For patients who used Vioxx before it was taken off the market, Vioxx had the potential to interact with anticoagulants, lithium, rifampin, theophylline, methotrexate, steroid medications, diuretcs, ACE inhibitors, aspirin and cold medications.
Mild Side Effects
-
Celebrex has the potential to cause side effects. Some of the more mild side effects include bloating, gas, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, headache, nervousness, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, skin rash and itching. Patients who used Vioxx may have experienced dizziness, diarrhea, weakness and fatigue.
Serious Side Effects
-
These medications also have the potential to cause more serious side effects. If you experience more serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately. In the case of Celebrex, these side effects may include swelling, rapid weight gain, black, bloody or tarry stools, chest pain, weakness, slurred speech, vision or balance problems, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, changes in urination, numbness, tingling, bruising, jaundice, nausea, fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite and a sore throat. Patients who used Vioxx may have experienced many of these symptoms as well, including unusual lethargy, jaundice, flu symptoms, swelling and bloody vomit.
Pre-existing Conditions
-
It's important to tell your doctor about your complete medical history before taking any prescription medications. You may be unable to use Celebrex if you have kidney or liver disease, asthma, polyps in the nose, a bleeding disorder, epilepsy, heart disease, congestive heart failure, a history of heart attack or stroke, high blood pressure or a history of stomach ulcers. Patients who considered using Vioxx may have been unable to do so due to ulcers, kidney or liver disease, asthma, hypertension and lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking.
-
