Is Rofecoxib compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Rofecoxib?

Rofecoxib

July 1, 2015 (High Risk)

Medication indicated for treatment of Arthritis, acute pain and Primary Dysmenorrhea. It acts by blocking the activity of enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX-2).

Excretion into breast milk is insignificant.

Withdrawn from the world market since 2004, because an observed higher risk for severe cardiovascular damage (myocardial infarction, ictus) among patients who were treated for longer than one year.

Alternatives

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Writings

  • روفيكوكسيب (Arabic)
  • Рофекоксиб (Cyrillic)
  • 罗非考昔 (Chinese)
  • ロフェコキシブ (Japanese)

References

  1. Gardiner SJ, Begg EJ, Zhang M, Hughes RC. Transfer of rofecoxib into human milk. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2005Abstract
  2. Burdan F, Korobowicz A. [Coxibs: highly selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors. Part II. Side effects]. Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2003Abstract