Valdecoxib
Valdecoxib is a COX-2 selective inhibitor NSAID used to relieve pain and inflammation. It was primarily prescribed for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual pain. The drug was withdrawn from the market in 2005 due to safety concerns.
Valdecoxib is a pain-relieving NSAID that targets COX-2 enzymes to reduce inflammation, but was removed from markets due to cardiovascular risks.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- M01AH03
- RxNorm
- 278567
- Generic
- Valdecoxib
- Class
- atc-m01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Valdecoxib was used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). It provided anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects for these conditions.
As a COX-2 selective inhibitor, valdecoxib selectively blocks the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, which is responsible for producing prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation. This targeted approach was designed to reduce inflammation while potentially causing fewer gastrointestinal side effects than traditional NSAIDs.
Valdecoxib was withdrawn from the US market in 2005 due to increased risk of cardiovascular events including heart attack and stroke. It also carried risks of serious skin reactions. Patients taking this medication should have consulted their healthcare provider about alternative treatment options.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy