Acrobat 25mg Tablet (Rofecoxib): Uses, Side Effects, and Safety Information
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Severe abdominal pain or vomiting blood
- Black, tarry stools
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Decreased urine output or swelling of feet
- Severe allergic reaction with facial swelling or difficulty swallowing
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is Rofexib 25mg Tablet used for?
This medicine contains rofecoxib 25 mg, a selective COX-2 inhibitor NSAID used for pain and inflammation in conditions like osteoarthritis. However, it was withdrawn from the market in 2004 because of a significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke. It should only be used under strict specialist supervision if at all, and never for self-medication.
- Generic Name: Rofecoxib (25mg)
- Manufacturer: Medley Pharmaceuticals
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 Rofexib 25mg Tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा रोफेकोक्सिब 25 मिलीग्राम की एक गोली है, जिसका उपयोग गठिया (ऑस्टियोआर्थराइटिस और रूमेटॉइड आर्थराइटिस) के दर्द और सूजन को कम करने के लिए किया जाता था। यह तीव्र दर्द और मासिक धर्म के दर्द में भी राहत देती थी। हालांकि, 2004 में इसे बाजार से वापस ले लिया गया था क्योंकि इसके लंबे समय तक उपयोग से दिल का दौरा और स्ट्रोक का खतरा बढ़ जाता है। इसलिए, इस दवा का उपयोग केवल डॉक्टर की सलाह पर ही करना चाहिए, और बिना पर्चे के कभी नहीं लेना चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना, पेट दर्द, जी मिचलाना, और पैरों में सूजन शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में पेट के अल्सर, रक्तस्राव, गुर्दे की समस्या, और दिल का दौरा या स्ट्रोक का खतरा शामिल है। यदि आपको सीने में दर्द, सांस लेने में कठिनाई, या शरीर के एक तरफ कमजोरी महसूस हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को केवल डॉक्टर के पर्चे पर ही लें। अपने आप कोई भी दवा न लें। इस दवा को लेते समय शराब का सेवन न करें। यदि आपको दिल की बीमारी, उच्च रक्तचाप, गुर्दे या जिगर की बीमारी है, तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। गर्भावस्था या स्तनपान के दौरान इस दवा का उपयोग न करें। कोई भी असामान्य लक्षण दिखने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
💊 Rofexib 25mg Tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Osteoarthritis","description":"This medicine was used to relieve pain and improve joint function in osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and hand.","evidence":"Well-established for short-term use, but withdrawn due to cardiovascular risks."},{"condition":"Rheumatoid arthritis","description":"It helped reduce joint pain, inflammation" class="semantic-link" title="Medicines for swelling">swelling, and stiffness in adults with rheumatoid arthritis.","evidence":"Well-established for short-term use, but withdrawn due to cardiovascular risks."},{"condition":"Acute pain","description":"It was used for short-term relief of acute pain, such as after dental procedures or minor surgery.","evidence":"Well-established for short-term use, but withdrawn due to cardiovascular risks."},{"condition":"Primary dysmenorrhea","description":"It was used to relieve painful menstrual cramps in women.","evidence":"Well-established for short-term use, but withdrawn due to cardiovascular risks."}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Migraine prophylaxis","description":"Sometimes prescribed off-label for preventing migraines, but evidence is limited and risks outweigh benefits.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Familial adenomatous polyposis","description":"Studied for reducing colorectal polyps in familial adenomatous polyposis, but not approved for this use.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Osteoarthritis
Also treats: Rheumatoid arthritis, Acute pain, Primary dysmenorrhea
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Rofecoxib (25mg) |
| Brand Name | Rofexib 25mg Tablet |
| Manufacturer | Medley Pharmaceuticals |
| Packaging / Form | strip of 10 tablets (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. |
| Shelf Life | Typically 2 years from the date of manufacture. Check the expiry date on the packaging. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. Rofecoxib was withdrawn from the market in 2004 and is not recommended in current guidelines. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. Rofecoxib is not recommended in current Indian guidelines due to safety concerns. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works by selectively inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. COX-2 is responsible for producing prostaglandins that cause pain, inflammation, and fever. By blocking COX-2, this medicine reduces these symptoms. Unlike non-selective NSAIDs, it does not significantly inhibit COX-1, which helps protect the stomach lining and supports platelet function. However, this selectivity also means it does not interfere with blood clotting as much, but it can increase the risk of cardiovascular events by disrupting the balance between prostacyclin and thromboxane.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take Rofexib 25mg Tablet
Strength: Rofecoxib 25 mg immediate-release tablet
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is 12.5 mg to 25 mg taken once daily. For acute pain and primary dysmenorrhea, the recommended dose is 25 mg once daily as needed, but not exceeding 50 mg per day. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and cardiovascular risk. This medicine should be used for the shortest duration possible and only under strict medical supervision due to serious cardiovascular risks. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients (above 65 years) are at higher risk of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and kidney side effects. The dose should be carefully individualized by a clinician, and the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration. Regular monitoring of kidney function and blood pressure is recommended. |
| Renal Impairment | In patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-60 mL/min), no dosage adjustment is necessary. In patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min), this medicine is not recommended. Consult a doctor for alternative treatment. |
| Hepatic Impairment | In patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A), no dosage adjustment is necessary. In patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B), the dose should not exceed 12.5 mg once daily. This medicine is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C). |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose is 50 mg, but doses above 25 mg per day are not recommended due to increased cardiovascular risks. The lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of Rofexib 25mg Tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | Major | |
| ACE inhibitors | Major | |
| ARBs | Major | |
| Diuretics | Major | |
| Lithium | Major | |
| Methotrexate | Major | |
| Corticosteroids | Moderate | |
| Other NSAIDs | Moderate | |
| SSRIs | Moderate | |
| Aspirin | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Warfarin
- ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
- Diuretics
- Lithium
- Methotrexate
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Corticosteroids
- Other NSAIDs
- SSRIs
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine because it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers. It may also increase the risk of liver problems.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity to rofecoxib or any component of the formulation","History of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reaction after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs","Active or recent gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer","Severe kidney disease","Severe liver disease","Heart failure","History of heart attack or stroke","Uncontrolled high blood pressure","Pregnancy (especially third trimester)","Breastfeeding"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke. It should not be used in patients with heart disease.","It can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, which can be fatal. Use with caution in patients with a history of ulcer disease.","It can cause kidney problems, including acute kidney injury. Monitor kidney function in at-risk patients.","It can cause fluid retention and worsen heart failure and high blood pressure.","It may cause serious skin reactions. Discontinue at the first sign of rash or other allergic reaction.","It should not be used during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, or during breastfeeding.","It should be used with caution in the elderly, who are at higher risk of side effects.","It should not be taken with other NSAIDs."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether rofecoxib is excreted in human breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, this medicine is not recommended during breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for alternative options.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, and increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney problems. There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. If overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a healthcare professional.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor who has carefully assessed your heart and kidney health. Never share this medicine with others. Do not take more than the prescribed dose or for longer than recommended. Avoid taking other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, while on this medicine unless your doctor approves. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, or stomach ulcers. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Avoid alcohol, as it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, or slurred speech, seek emergency medical help immediately. Keep all follow-up appointments and lab tests as advised.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are at higher risk of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and kidney side effects from this medicine. The dose should be carefully individualized, and the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration. Regular monitoring of kidney function, blood pressure, and signs of bleeding is recommended.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy or when planning pregnancy. It may cause harm to the fetus, especially in the third trimester. Consult your doctor for safe alternatives for pain relief if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
This medicine may increase the risk of bleeding and kidney problems after surgery. It should be used with caution in the post-operative period. Consult your surgeon or doctor before taking this medicine after any surgery.
🦷 Dental Procedures
If you are scheduled for dental work, inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine. It may increase the risk of bleeding during procedures. Your dentist may recommend stopping it temporarily or taking precautions.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
While taking this medicine, you may experience dizziness or fatigue. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. If you have joint pain, low-impact exercises are generally safer. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness or fatigue, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how the medicine affects you. It may also cause stomach upset, so take it with food. If you experience any serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
This medicine should be stopped immediately if you experience any signs of a heart attack or stroke, severe allergic reaction, gastrointestinal bleeding, or liver problems. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor if you are on it for a chronic condition, but be aware that long-term use is not recommended. Always consult your doctor before stopping any prescribed medicine.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is associated with a significantly increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. It can also cause kidney damage, liver damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, and high blood pressure. Regular monitoring of cardiovascular, kidney, and liver function is essential. Due to these risks, this medicine is not recommended for long-term use and was withdrawn from the market in 2004.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Can complement medicine for chronic pain and improve joint function.
Evidence: Well-establishedA safer alternative for mild to moderate pain, especially for those with cardiovascular risks.
Evidence: Well-establishedCan provide local pain relief with fewer systemic side effects.
Evidence: Well-establishedWeight loss, exercise, and diet changes can reduce pain and improve function.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are scheduled for vaccination, inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children
❌ DON'T
Do not use after expiry date
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
If you are prescribed this medicine and need to travel, carry it in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in your hand luggage to avoid loss. Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. If crossing time zones, consult your doctor about adjusting the dosing schedule. Check the laws of your destination country regarding this medicine, as it may be banned or restricted. Always carry enough supply for your entire trip.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: Pain relief typically begins within 1 hour after taking this medicine, but full anti-inflammatory effects may take up to 2 weeks.
A: No, this medicine is associated with a significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke. It should not be used in patients with heart disease and should be avoided if possible.
A: You should not take this medicine with other NSAIDs, as it increases the risk of stomach bleeding and kidney problems. Consult your doctor before taking any other pain reliever.
A: Seek emergency medical help immediately. Chest pain could be a sign of a heart attack, which is a known risk of this medicine.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for Rofexib 25mg Tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
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Rofidin Forte 25mg TabletMankind Pharma Ltd ₹13.97 22.4% CHEAPER
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okabax 25mg tabletCipla Ltd ₹15.82 12.1% CHEAPER
-
koxiflam 25mg tabletBiological E Ltd ₹15.94 11.4% CHEAPER
-
delroff 25mg tabletPharmatech Healthcare ₹18.00 SAME PRICE
-
Rofetab 25mg TabletCentaur Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd ₹18.09 0.5% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Rofecoxib is safer for the stomach than other NSAIDs, so it can be taken freely.
Fact: While it may cause fewer stomach ulcers, it significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, which led to its withdrawal. - Myth: Rofecoxib is still widely prescribed for arthritis.
Fact: Rofecoxib was withdrawn from the market in 2004 and is not recommended for general use. - Myth: You can take rofecoxib without a prescription.
Fact: Rofecoxib is a prescription-only medicine and should only be used under strict medical supervision, if at all.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Rofecoxib 25 mg tablet (generic)
Brand Alternatives
- Acrobat 25mg Tablet