Question:
Is it ok to take liquid vioxx, post op?

I am 2 weeks post op and altho my surgeon gave me a perscription for liquid vioxx, I haven't taken any yet. He wasn't happy about giving me anything for the arthrit. in my knees. I'm scared to take it, but my knees are so bad I can't do as much walking as I know I need to. Please advise me. Thanks and God bless.    — Mary U. (posted on August 23, 2003)

August 23, 2003
Vioxx is very harsh, esp with our new pouches. My Dad who was not a wls pt, took this and within a week developed a bleeding ulcer. He eventually died from this complication. I know everyone is different, but thought I'd mention this as I'm not a fan of Vioxx. Have you talked to your doctor about Remicade infusions? It might or not pertain to your condition, but it can't hurt to ask. So Sorry! It's terrible to be in pain. Best of Luck!
   — ZZ S.

August 23, 2003
I have severe arthritis and my doctor is allowing me to take celebrex. With the option if I have any syptoms of bleeding blood in stools etc I would notify them immediatly. If your arthritis is not debilitating I would not risk it. I am a nurse and saw two people die from end stage liver failure with Vioxx so I would never take that drug. Do some research and weigh the risks ulcers liver damage etc with the benefits.
   — thesaurkratkid

August 23, 2003
I wouldn't if you had any other options at all. I was given vioxx post op from having an overy removed (cystic, and pre RNY), and it made me really nauseous and dizzy. It actually kept me in the hospital a day longer than expected til it got through my sssystem. I made sure it was on my chart and on an "allergy alert" bracelet NOT to give it to me this time---as well as morphine as it wasn't too great for me either. See if there is anything else that can be substituted. Good luck!!
   — Fixnmyself

August 24, 2003
My surgeon let me go back on Vioxx one month post op--as long as I continued on the Protonix she has everyone take for 30 days after surgery. Unfortunately, my stomach was so chewed up from the years of taking heavy doses of anti-inflammatories that the Vioxx gave me stomach cramps so I had to stop. I know how you feel. I wish there was something to take besides the Vicodin for the awful pain of arthritis.
   — Margaret S.

August 24, 2003
I have been taking Voixx 25 mg about 3 days a month since about 4 weeks after surgery with no problem. I take it in pill form. Why not try taking a smaller dose and see if that helps. (Remicade infusions are very expensive and I think that might be a bit too much.) If you se an orthopedic doctor, you might look at Synvisc or Supartz injections into the knee joints. These injections are not appropriate in all cases, but you could ask about them. Remember that your pouch is made from your stomach, so sometimes I think that if you tolerated it okay before, you should be fine once your incisions heal .
   — koogy

August 24, 2003
Vioxx has asprin in it and after the RNY you shouldn;t have asprin check with you surgery for something without (ASPRIN)
   — Betty W.

August 24, 2003
My surgeon has allowed me to take 25mg Vioxx daily since my surgery in June of 2002. It can slightly increase your risk of ulcers, but much less than aspirin, advil, or naprosen. It does NOT have aspirin in it but it is an N-SAID with a similar chemical make-up, causing some to have problems with ulcers. Since it is a COX-2 inhibitor it is much gentler than the other n-saids (COX-1 inhibitors) like aspirin, etc. I have arthritis in my spine and I need the Vioxx, period. I haven't had any problems at all with taking it. Other "better" options if the Vioxx doesn't work for you are Celebrex or Bextra. Good luck!
   — cjabates

August 24, 2003
I have to wait until 6 weeks post-op before I can take my vultaren again for my DJD.
   — Beverly S.