VALDECOXIB
About
VALDECOXIB belongs to a group of medications called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) indicated to relieve signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is also used in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.
VALDECOXIB contains Valdecoxib, which works by blocking the effect of chemical messengers that cause pain and inflammation.
In some cases, VALDECOXIB may cause side effects such as dry mouth, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, indigestion, and nausea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to the doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Avoid taking VALDECOXIB during the last trimester of pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding. VALDECOXIB is not recommended for children below 18 years. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of VALDECOXIB
Medicinal Benefits
VALDECOXIB belongs to a group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) indicated to relieve signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is also used in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. VALDECOXIB contains Valdecoxib, which works by blocking the effect of chemical messengers that cause pain and inflammation. Thereby, VALDECOXIB provides relief from pain.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of VALDECOXIB
- Dry mouth
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take VALDECOXIB if you are allergic to any of its components, if you have severe liver impairment, inflammatory bowel disease, severe congestive heart failure, or have experienced asthma or allergic reactions after taking acetylsalicylic acid or NSAIDs including COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) inhibitors, or have a known hypersensitivity to sulphonamides. VALDECOXIB is not recommended for the treatment of postoperative pain following CABG (coronary artery bypass graft) surgery. Inform the doctor if you have oedema, high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney or liver problems. Avoid taking VALDECOXIB during the last trimester of pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding. VALDECOXIB is not recommended for children below 18 years.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking painkiller (aspirin), anti-rheumatic (methotrexate), ACE inhibitors, diuretics (furosemide), anti-convulsants (phenytoin), anti-histamine (dextromethorphan), antimanic agent (lithium), blood thinner (warfarin), anti-fungal (ketoconazole, fluconazole), anti-diabetic (glyburide), antacid (omeprazole), benzodiazepines (diazepam) and oral contraceptives.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have active peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding problems, severe hepatic impairment, or heart problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if VALDECOXIB interacts with alcohol. Please consult the doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionVALDECOXIB should not be used during the first two trimesters of pregnancy unless the patient's benefit outweighs the foetus's risk. It is not recommended in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeVALDECOXIB is not recommended to be used during breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionVALDECOXIB may cause dizziness, vertigo, and sleepiness in some patients. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionVALDECOXIB is not recommended in patients with severe liver impairment. It should be used with caution in people with moderate hepatic dysfunction. Please consult your doctor if you have liver problems.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this. Caution is recommended for patients with pre-existing kidney disease.
Children
unsafeVALDECOXIB is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get adequate sleep, as resting the muscles can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Follow heat or cold therapy, and apply a cold or hot compress on the joints for 15-20 minutes regularly.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
Serious skin reactions have been reported with the use of VALDECOXIB; patients are at a higher risk within the first two weeks of treatment, but they may occur at any time during the treatment. VALDECOXIB should be discontinued at the first appearance of mucosal lesions, skin rash, or any other sign of hypersensitivity.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Osteoarthritis: It is a joint disease in which the two ends of the joints come together due to the breakdown of a protective covering called cartilage. Due to the absence of this protective covering, the joints rub against each other, leading to pain and stiffness. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, inflammation and tenderness.
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an auto-immune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) which leads to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities and loss of joint function.
Primary dysmenorrhea: Primary dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps are characterised by painful cramps in the lower abdomen, which usually start shortly before or at the onset of the period.
FAQs
VALDECOXIB is used to treat Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and primary dysmenorrhea.
VALDECOXIB works by blocking the effect of chemical messengers that cause pain and inflammation.
Please consult the doctor if you have peptic ulcers. VALDECOXIB should be used with extreme caution and only if prescribed by the doctor in patients with a prior history of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer disease. Seek medical attention if you experience signs or symptoms of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding such as black/tarry stools, abdominal cramps, blood in stools or vomit.
Please consult your doctor before taking aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) with VALDECOXIB, as taking them together may increase the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects.