Question:
Is Vioxx safe now?

I've been having very bad knee pain for over a year. (Actually having problems with both knees). I had the right one scoped in April and it was full of arthritis. And the calf muscle in my leg hurts like heck too. I think I tore it and it didn't heal properly. Anyway I haven't used my Vioxx since the bypass on May 8th and because of the pain (and being tired) I don't feel like walking. I'm on Pepsid and was wondering if it is safe for my stomach to use the Vioxx for the pain? Perhaps if it is used with the Pepsid it would be safer? Thanks.    — Danmark (posted on June 27, 2001)

June 27, 2001
Seems like thats a good question for your surgeon and possibly your PCP.. good luck.
   — Dawn R.

June 27, 2001
Hi Daniel, I know a lady that had WLS on May 03, 2001. Like yourself she also has arthritis. She was originally taking Motrin 800mg t.i.d. She was also having a rough time with walking and not being able to take the Motrin. Both her PCP and surgeon recommended Vioxx which she is taking currently. She is not having any problems. I encourage you to see your PCP and surgeon to see what help they can offer. Good luck.
   — Margaret M.

June 27, 2001
I posted a similar question today myself. After my initial consultation with a BTC surgeon, he immediately told me no more arthritis meds, i.e. Vioxx, Celebrex, etc. and no aspirin. The next day I saw my rheumatologist, and as soon as I told him I was considering bariatric surgery he said I wouldn't be able to take any of those meds either.
   — scottiemaam O.

June 27, 2001
Pre-op I took Naprosyn daily for back pain and sciatica. Dr. Berkowitz at BTC in Belvidere,Il told me I would have to stop the Naprosyn, Advil, Aspirin at least 2 weeks pre-op. And if I needed something to replace the Naprosyn postop, he would prescribe Vioxx and that it comes in liquid form as well as pill. I had to see my PCP for back pain before my 2 week follow up at BTC and told him about the ok to use Vioxx. He gave me a bunch of 25mg pill samples. They are no larger than an M&M so I knew they would not be a problem size wise. I told Dr. Berkowitz about the Vioxx pills on my follow up and he said that was fine. I am taking Pepcid AC chewables, 2 twice a day. That is routine for 6 weeks following surgery for all BTC clients.
   — Vickie C.

June 27, 2001
Even though I am down 75 lbs, I take my Vioxx daily. I am still carrying 140 lbs EXTRA on this body and I do have pain at times so to keep it from getting really bad because I am so more active now. This help's e through the day. I was told from my surgion that this is a safe drug for me to take. Jay Biller
   — jay B.

June 27, 2001
I know it is supposed to be safe for us, but some of us still cannot take it. I had pain. But one of the potentials, as listed in the literature, is gastric bleed WITHOUT pain. So, it scared me off from even trying again with more pouch protection.
   — vitalady

June 27, 2001
I was having some lower back pain about 6 days post-op. My surgeon gave the ok for Vioxx. I used to take it on a daily basis for knee pain. So far I've taken it 3 times. Tomorrow I'll be 2 weeks post-op. Call you doctor to be sure.
   — Pamela B.

December 21, 2001
I blew out my knee about 10 days pre-op and have had to have two knee surgeries (I am three months post-op RNY) and take Vioxx daily for my knee and also to help with the rib pain from RNY. I chew the Vioxx tablets - they have no flavor and are like chalk - that way I know the pill isn't sitting in my pouch melting.
   — [Anonymous]

December 21, 2001
Hurt my knee last year playing soccer- vioxx was ok'd by my BTC surgeon. Had rotator cuff problems last month- the trusty vioxx worked well. I love the stuff:) What I love even more is I am using it to treat injuries caused by LIVING ACTIVELY! However, as others have posted, I would check with your doctor.
   — M B.

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