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