Anyone using Bextra for OA or RA? Has it helped, and what side effects have you experienced?

I tried Bextra when I was first having problems a few months back (for RA). It didn't do much for me, but I also think my dosage was not high enough (it was not prescribed by my rheumy initially). Any improvement I felt was mostly in my knees. I am on Celebrex now (200mg 2x/day) and it seems to be helping. I think the Bextra would have helped had it been the proper dosage. I do recall a little constipation from it... but that was it.

By the way - how much are you taking?

[This message has been edited by Hellokitty1973 (edited 08-09-2002).]

HelloKitty, I haven't started taking it yet. Just trying to get more info before having my prescription filled since it's so expensive. I have been taking Vioxx but it's not doing the job any longer. I'm hoping Bextra doesn't have the same side-effects as Vioxx...weight gain and elevated blood pressure.

Hi; My RA doc was concerned about my taking Indocin with Coumadin, so was changed to Bextra. I tried it for two weeks and felt so much worse that I switched back to Indocin. I get a PT and INR monthly, so I'm monitered. In my case, Bextra was worse than nothing but can't say for everyone. Katherine