Question:
Which medicine is safer now??

I'm over 2 years out from an open RNY, lost over 200 lbs and doing so much better, until recently. My heart started slowing down and I was hospitalized, had a Pacemaker put in 2 weeks ago and getting my energy back now. The question is-- can I still take Vioxx for my arthritis?? One of my doc's says NO and put me on Bextra, then I hear from several different people that we can't take NSAID'S now. What do I do now?? I had my right knee replaced in 2000 and was going to have my left one done soon but can't for at least another 6 to 8 wks. Any suggestions, please. Thanks, Susy    — kysunshine (posted on September 5, 2004)

September 5, 2004
No bextra or vioxx..they both are on the list. i took sklaxation. hope this helps! All the Best! Tracey
   — traceybubbles

September 5, 2004
My WLS let me try vioxx with protonix to protect my stomach. Ask if that is an option. Otherwise, maybe ultram or ultracet which do not contain NSAIDs.
   — Margaret S.

September 6, 2004
Hi Susy~ To answer you question about whether the "new, improved" NSAID's are safe for us, generally no NSAID is safe. The COX-2 inhibitors have a decreased risk of causing ulcers, but there is *still* a risk involved. Also, I had Vioxx prescribed for my fibromyalgia only to find that it didn't cause an ulcer in my pouch, but it caused one in the lower segment of my stomach, which could not be visualized in an EGD. My surgeon told me that Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra tend to cause ulcers in that lower, "unused" portion of the stomach. I would (from my own experience) err on the side of caution and not take them....b/c once you get an ulcer in your pouch/stomach it really is difficult to get ahold of once there.
   — Marni

September 7, 2004
I'm the original poster. I appreciate all your help. I've gone off all the meds with NSAID's. Susy
   — kysunshine