Vioxx Contraindications
All drugs come with some package warnings, which include contraindications (outlining who should not take the drug). Contraindications take into account pre-existing conditions as well as other medications a patient is currently taking.
Vioxx was Not Recommended for Patients Who:
- Had a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers. These patients were shown to have a 10-fold increased risk of developing an ulceration of the stomach or intestines while using Vioxx.
- Were pregnant, nursing, smoked, or drank heavily.
- Suffered from renal insufficiency, and additionally the drug was not well absorbed by these patients. (See Vioxx Dosage Information for more about Vioxx absorption rates.)
- Had a known allergy to rofecoxib, aspirin, sulfur, or any NSAID drugs. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions occurred, including hives, swelling, and even symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Vioxx was Contraindicated for Patients Taking the Following:
- Hepatitis A or B medications
- HIV drugs or certain antivirals and antiretrovirals used in HIV patients
- Immunosuppressive medications, often used in transplant patients
- Other NSAIDs or low-dose aspirin therapy
- Certain muscle relaxers, including those used for Multiple Sclerosis or severe muscle spasms
There were literally hundreds of medications that were listed as having potential interactions with Vioxx, most of which fell into the above groups.
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