How To Take Bextra For Arthritis
Updated December 30, 2014.
Editor note: In Nov. 2001, the FDA approved Bextra. In April 2005, following scrutiny of the class of arthritis drugs known as NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors, the FDA announced planned regulatory actions. Pfizer was asked to withdraw Bextra from the market by the FDA. See: FDA Announces Changes For All NSAIDs; Bextra Withdrawn
Bextra, like Celebrex and Vioxx, is a COX-2 inhibitor prescribed for the relief of pain, inflammation, and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Difficulty: N/A
Time Required: N/A
Here's How:
Tips:
What You Need:
Editor note: In Nov. 2001, the FDA approved Bextra. In April 2005, following scrutiny of the class of arthritis drugs known as NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors, the FDA announced planned regulatory actions. Pfizer was asked to withdraw Bextra from the market by the FDA. See: FDA Announces Changes For All NSAIDs; Bextra Withdrawn
Bextra, like Celebrex and Vioxx, is a COX-2 inhibitor prescribed for the relief of pain, inflammation, and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Difficulty: N/A
Time Required: N/A
Here's How:
- Available in 10-mg or 20-mg strength, Bextra is usually prescribed as a once-daily medication. When taken at recommended doses, Bextra works by targeting the COX-2 enzyme involved in the inflammation pathway, while sparing the COX-1 enzyme which also has a protective effect on the lining of the stomach.
- Your doctor or rheumatologist will diagnose your arthritic condition, evaluate damage to your joints, and will determine your recommended dose of Bextra. For osteoarthritis, the recommended dose is typically one 10-mg tablet of Bextra/day. For rheumatoid arthritis, the recommended dose for adults is usually one 10-mg or 20-mg tablet of Bextra/day.
- Control pain, inflammation, and stiffness with consistent and regular use of Bextra. Take Bextra every day, not only when you experience pain and stiffness.
- Establish a routine and take Bextra at the same time every day. Don't skip doses. Don't double up if you have missed a dose. Take Bextra with or without food.
- See your doctor regularly so your progress can be evaluated. Discuss if changes to your treatment plan are needed or if other arthritis treatment options should be considered.
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you take. Whenever you make any changes, notify your doctor and update your medical records.
- Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience while taking Bextra. Bextra is generally well tolerated and side effects are typically mild to moderate. Possible side effects include headache, abdominal pain, indigestion, upper respiratory infection, nausea, and diarrhea.
- You should not take Bextra if you have had an allergic reaction to sulfonamides, aspirin, or other arthritis medications. You should not take Bextra if you have had aspirin-sensitive asthma. It is also not recommended for people with advanced kidney disease. Notify your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or fluid retention problems.
- If you have arthritis and are pregnant, special precautions must be taken. Bextra should not be taken in late pregnancy.
- In rare cases, serious stomach problems and bleeding can occur without warning. Serious skin reactions can also occur.
- If you think you are having an allergic reaction or you are experiencing unusual symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
- A few of the most common drug interactions with Bextra include: increasing the effects of blood thinners (warfarin), decreasing the effects of blood pressure medicines (ace inhibitors), and decreasing the effects of furosemide (Lasix).
- COX-2 specific inhibitors are the newest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Bextra should not be taken with any other COX-2 inhibitor or any other NSAID, including those sold over-the-counter.
- While taking Bextra, continue to live a healthy lifestyle. It is still important to:
Tips:
- Discuss treatment options for arthritis with your doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you take, as well as any known allergies.
- Obtain a precription for Bextra from your doctor and take only as directed.
- If you experience mild stomach problems while taking Bextra without food, try taking with food. Always inform your doctor of any unusual symptoms, side effects, or adverse events while on Bextra.
- Check with your doctor and determine the correct dose of Bextra for you. Most commonly people take 20-mg Bextra once daily or 10-mg Bextra twice daily. Check prices! By purchasing 20-mg tablets and splitting in half you may save a lot of money if you are prescribed 10-mg twice daily.
What You Need:
- Ask your doctor for free samples of Bextra.
- Check if the manufacturer of Bextra is offering a free trial.
- A prescription from your doctor for Bextra.
- A fact sheet about the prescribing information from your pharmacy.
- Do price comparison among different pharmacies for 10-mg and 20-mg tablets.
Source...