Medication Information
Bextra is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis and to treat painful menstrual periods. Bextra is in a class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications called COX-2 inhibitors. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain and inflammation.
How should Bextra be used?
Bextra comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Bextra exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Other uses for Bextra
Bextra may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Bextra,
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), and lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan) and ketoconazole (Nizoral); aspirin; diuretics ('water pills'); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); and oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have recently had coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), a type of heart surgery) and if you have or have ever had ulcers, stomach bleeding, kidney or liver disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, swelling of legs and ankles, or asthma.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Bextra, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Bextra.
ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking Bextra. Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects from Bextra.
tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may increase the risk of side effects from Bextra.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can Bextra cause?
Bextra may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
stomach pain
diarrhea
heartburn
back pain
headache
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
chest pain
black and tarry stools
red blood in stools
bloody vomit
vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
unexplained weight gain
upset stomach
extreme tiredness
lack of energy
pain in the right upper part of the stomach
yellowing of the skin or eyes
Bextra may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking Bextra.
What storage conditions are needed for Bextra?
Keep Bextra in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to Bextra.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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