Introduction
Fexib is a pain relieving medicine. It helps relieve pain and reduces swelling, pain and redness in various joint conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used for the treatment of migraine and menstrual pain.
Fexib can be taken with or without food. The dose depends on what you are taking it for and how well it helps your symptoms. You should take it as advised by your doctor and should not take more or use it for longer than recommended.
The most common side effects of this medicine include flu-like symptoms, indigestion, edema, dizziness, headache, irregular heartbeat, and increased blood pressure. These are not usually serious but if you are worried, ask your doctor about ways of reducing or preventing them.
You should not take this medicine if you have had a recent heart attack. Before taking it, you should let your doctor know if you have a history of ulcer or bleeding in your stomach, high blood pressure, or have any trouble with your heart, kidneys, or liver. Let your doctor also know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before starting treatment. You should also avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine. Consumption of alcohol can increase the risk of getting an ulcer or bleeding.
Side effects of Fexib
Common
- Flu-like symptoms
- Peripheral edema
How to use Fexib
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Fexib may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Fexib works
Fexib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called COX-2 inhibitors. It works by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers that are responsible for pain and inflammation (redness and swelling).
Indication
Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Pain
Adult Dose
Oral
Osteoarthritis
Adult: Initially, 12.5 mg once daily. Max: 25 mg/day.
Pain relief
Adult: Initially, 50 mg once daily followed by daily doses of 25-50 mg. Max: 50 mg/day. Treatment duration >5days is not recommended.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Adult: 25 mg daily. Max: 25 mg/day.
Hepatic Impairment Max: 12.5 mg/day.
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity. Severe renal impairment.
Mode of Action
Rofecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities in animal models. The mechanism of action of (rofecoxib) is believed to be due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, via inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).
Precaution
Hepatic dysfunction, pregnancy and lactation. History of ulcer disease or GI bleeding. Elderly or debilitated patients. Prolonged treatment, smoking and alcoholism may increase risk of GI bleeding. Ischaemic heart disease.
Side Effect
Mouth ulcers, chest pain, weight gain, atopic eczema, muscle cramps, diarrhoea, headache, nausea; upper respiratory tract infection, hypertension, ischaemia, dyspepsia, epigastric discomfort, heart burn, nausea, sinusitis, back pain, headache, bronchitis, urinary tract infections.
Potentially Fatal: Renal failure; nephrotoxicity; MI.
Pregnancy Category Note
Pregnancy Category C, D (in 3rd trimester or near delivery)