Rofecoxib; Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Interactions

Patient Tools

Read, save, and share this guide

Use these quick tools to make this medical article easier to read, print, save, or share with a family member.

Medical guide Drugs (A - Z) Jul 6, 2026 36 reads
Related reading

Patient Mode

Understand this article easily

Switch between simple English and easy Bangla patient notes. This is for education and does not replace a doctor consultation.

Rofecoxib is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) that selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), which was used in the therapy of chronic arthritis and mild-to-moderate musculoskeletal pain. Rofecoxib was withdrawn in 2004 because of an association with an increase in cardiovascular events with its long-term use. Rofecoxib had also been linked transient...

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

Rofecoxib is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) that selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), which was used in the therapy of chronic arthritis and mild-to-moderate musculoskeletal pain. Rofecoxib was withdrawn in 2004 because of an association with an increase in cardiovascular events with its long-term use. Rofecoxib had also been linked transient serum aminotransferase elevations during therapy and too rare instances of idiosyncratic drug-induced liver disease. Rofecoxib is a synthetic, nonsteroidal derivative of...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Mechanism of Action of Rofecoxib in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Indications of Rofecoxib in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Contra-Indications of Rofecoxib in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Side effects of Rofecoxib in simple medical language.
Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.
Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.
Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.
Choose your reading view

Patient View highlights a simple learning journey. Clinical View reveals structure, evidence, and editorial completeness.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

  • Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
  • New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
  • Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.
1

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

2

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

3

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

Before reading

RX Patient Tools

Use these quick guides before reading the article, or return to them when you need help preparing questions for a doctor.

Start here Choose the right pathway for symptoms, reports, medicines, or urgent warning signs. Disease article roadmap Read this topic step by step: meaning, symptoms, warning signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and follow-up. Treatment planner Prepare questions about treatment choices, benefits, risks, side effects, and follow-up. Family & caregiver guide Organize symptoms, reports, medicines, questions, and follow-up safely. Nutrition & diet guide Prepare food, hydration, supplement, and medicine-timing questions safely. Prevention guide Organize risk factors, protective habits, screening, and warning signs. Recovery guide Prepare a safe plan for activity, rehabilitation, warning signs, and follow-up.
Definition

Rofecoxib is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) that selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), which was used in the therapy of chronic pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis and mild-to-moderate musculoskeletal pain. Rofecoxib was withdrawn in 2004 because of an association with an increase in cardiovascular events with its long-term use. Rofecoxib had also been linked transient serum aminotransferase elevations during therapy and too rare instances of idiosyncratic drug-induced liver disease.

Rofecoxib is a synthetic, nonsteroidal derivative of phenyl-furanone with antiinflammatory, antipyretic and pain-relieving medicine. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যথানাশক ওষুধ।" data-rx-term="analgesic" data-rx-definition="An analgesic is a pain-relieving medicine. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যথানাশক ওষুধ।">analgesic properties and potential antineoplastic properties. Rofecoxib binds to and inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), resulting in an inhibition of the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. COX-related metabolic pathways may represent key regulators of cell proliferation and neo-angiogenesis. Some epithelial tumor cell types overexpress pro-angiogenic COX-2.

Mechanism of Action of Rofecoxib

The infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects of NSAIDs appear to result from the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Although the exact mechanism of action has not been determined, these effects appear to be mediated through the inhibition of the COX-2 isoenzyme at the sites of inflammation with subsequent reduction in the synthesis of certain prostaglandins from their arachidonic acid precursors. Rofecoxib selectively inhibits the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is important for the mediation of inflammation and pain. Unlike non-selective NSAIDs, rofecoxib does not inhibit platelet aggregation. It also has little to no affinity for COX-1.

or

Rofecoxib is a synthetic, nonsteroidal derivative of phenyl-furanone with antiinflammatory, antipyretic and pain-relieving medicine. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যথানাশক ওষুধ।" data-rx-term="analgesic" data-rx-definition="An analgesic is a pain-relieving medicine. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যথানাশক ওষুধ।">analgesic properties and potential antineoplastic properties. Rofecoxib binds to and inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), resulting in an inhibition of the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. COX-related metabolic pathways may represent key regulators of cell proliferation and neo-angiogenesis. Some epithelial tumor cell types overexpress pro-angiogenic COX-2. (NCI04)

Indications of Rofecoxib

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Pain due to especially musculoskeletal system
  • Lumbago
  • Low back pain
  • PLID
  • Polyarthralgia
  • Muscles stiffness in nerve diseases
  • Morning stiffness
  • For the treatment of pain and stiffness. সহজ বাংলা: বয়স/ক্ষয়ের কারণে জয়েন্টের ব্যথা।" data-rx-term="osteoarthritis" data-rx-definition="Osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear joint disease causing pain and stiffness. সহজ বাংলা: বয়স/ক্ষয়ের কারণে জয়েন্টের ব্যথা।">osteoarthritis, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint disease causing infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, and swelling. সহজ বাংলা: রোগপ্রতিরোধ ব্যবস্থার ভুল আক্রমণে জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="rheumatoid arthritis" data-rx-definition="Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint disease causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. সহজ বাংলা: রোগপ্রতিরোধ ব্যবস্থার ভুল আক্রমণে জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain in adults, and primary dysmenorrhea, as well as acute treatment of nausea, or light sensitivity. সহজ বাংলা: বারবার হওয়া বিশেষ ধরনের মাথাব্যথা।" data-rx-term="migraine" data-rx-definition="Migraine is a recurring headache disorder often with throbbing pain, nausea, or light sensitivity. সহজ বাংলা: বারবার হওয়া বিশেষ ধরনের মাথাব্যথা।">migraine attacks with or without auras.

Contra-Indications of Rofecoxib

Allergies to

  • Salicylates
  • NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">Anti-Inflammatory Drug)
  • Cox-2 Inhibitor
  • Cox-2 Inhibitor/Nsaid

Side effects of Rofecoxib

Less common

Rare

  • Abdominal or stomach cramping, burning, or tenderness
  • back or leg pains
  • bleeding gums
  • blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
  • bloody or black, tarry stools
  • blue lips and fingernails
  • breast enlargement and tenderness
  • burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles”, or tingling feelings
  • burning upper abdominal or stomach pain
  • chest pain, discomfort, or burning
  • confusion
  • continuing diarrhea
  • cough or hoarseness
  • coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
  • cracks in the skin
  • dark urine
  • decreased appetite
  • decreased vision or any change in vision
  • depression
  • difficult or labored breathing
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
  • double vision
  • dry mouth
  • extreme fatigue
  • false sense of well-being
  • feeling of unreality
  • feeling of warmth
  • general body swelling
  • greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine
  • hair loss
  • headache
  • heavier menstrual periods
  • increased hunger
  • increased sweating
  • jerky movements of the head, face, mouth, and neck
  • joint pain
  • large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • loss of appetite
  • loss of balance control
  • loss of bladder control
  • loss of consciousness
  • loss of hearing
  • loss of heat from the body
  • lower back or side pain
  • mask-like face
  • mood swings
  • muscle aches, pains, or weakness
  • muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
  • numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
  • pain in the ankles or knees
  • pain or discomfort in the upper stomach or throat
  • pain with swallowing
  • painful or difficult urination
  • painful, red lumps under the skin, mostly on the legs
  • seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
  • seizures
  • sense of detachment from self or body
  • severe constipation
  • severe mental changes
  • severe or continuing stomach pain
  • shuffling walk
  • skin rash, hives or welts, itching
  • slow, fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
  • slowed movements
  • slurred speech
  • small red or purple spots on the skin
  • sore throat
  • unexplained weight loss
  • unpleasant breath odor
  • vaginal bleeding
  • vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • weight gain
  • yellow eyes or skin

Symptoms of overdose

  • Confusion about identity, place, and time
  • severe headache
  • unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness

More common

  • Continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
  • difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
  • discouragement
  • feeling sad or empty
  • general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • hearing loss
  • irritability
  • loss of interest or pleasure
  • sleepiness
  • trouble with concentrating

Rare

  • Anxiety
  • bloated or full feeling
  • changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
  • excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
  • feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
  • involuntary muscle movements
  • lightheadedness
  • passing gas
  • sensation of spinning
  • tiredness
  • trouble sleeping
  • trouble with speaking

Drug Interactions of Rofecoxib

Rofecoxib may interact with following drugs, suppliments & may change the efficacy of drugs

Pregnancy Catagory of Rofecoxib

FDA Pregnancy Catagory C

Pregnancy

In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication and had some babies born with problems. No well-controlled studies have been done in humans, though. Therefore, this medication may be used if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn child.

Lactation

There are no well-controlled studies that have been done in pregnant women. Rofecoxib should be used during pregnancy only if the possible benefit outweighs the possible risk to the unborn baby.

References

 

Rofecoxib; Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Interactions

RX Medical Knowledge Graph

Explore this medical topic

Continue through verified related conditions, investigations, medicines, and patient guides. These links are educational and do not replace professional medical advice.

RX Clinical Pathway Engine

Continue through a complete learning pathway

Move from understanding the topic to symptoms, tests, treatment, medicines, monitoring, and prevention.

Search the complete library
  1. Understand the condition Begin with the essential facts and a clear explanation of the topic.
  2. Recognize symptoms Learn common symptoms, signs, and patterns of presentation.
  3. Know when to seek help Review urgent warning signs and when professional assessment may be needed.
  4. Understand causes and risks Explore causes, risk factors, mechanisms, and contributing conditions.
  5. Explore tests and diagnosis Learn how clinicians assess the condition and which investigations may be discussed.
  6. Learn treatment approaches Review general treatment categories and management principles.
  7. Understand medicines safely Continue to medicine education, uses, precautions, and monitoring.
  8. Plan monitoring and follow-up Understand monitoring, complications, rehabilitation, and follow-up learning.
  9. Review prevention and self-care Explore prevention, healthy routines, and questions to discuss with a clinician.

Conditions & Diseases

Background, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and care.

Explore this library

Tests & Investigations

Laboratory, imaging, screening, and diagnostic education.

Explore this library

Medicines

Uses, safety, monitoring, and related medicine knowledge.

Explore this library

Cancer Knowledge

Cancer types, screening, oncology, and treatment education.

Explore this library
Doctor visit helper

Prepare before seeing a doctor

A simple rural-patient checklist to help you explain symptoms clearly, ask better questions, and avoid unsafe self-treatment.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Orthopedic / spine specialist, physical medicine doctor, or qualified clinician
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Neurological examination for leg power, sensation, reflexes, and straight leg raise
  • X-ray only if injury, deformity, long-lasting pain, or doctor suspects bone problem
  • MRI discussion if severe nerve symptoms, weakness, bladder/bowel problem, or persistent symptoms
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Is physiotherapy, posture correction, or activity modification needed?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Rofecoxib; Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Interactions

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

A global war against illness

Help this medical guide reach someone who may need it

Share reliable health information with a patient, family member, caregiver, or colleague. Reading and awareness can help people ask better questions and seek appropriate care.

Continue exploring

Explore this topic across the RX Medical Library

Open a focused A–Z pathway or continue with closely related indexed articles. These links are educational and do not replace personal medical care.

Search this topic
Diseases A–Z Drugs A–Z Lab Tests A–Z Cancer A–Z
Diseases A–Z

Foodborne Illness (also foodborne disease and colloquially referred to as food poisoning)[rx] is any illness resulting from the spoilage of contaminated food, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or parasites that…