My 93 yoa father, with severly advanced heart congestion, has taken vioxx and bextra for temporary problems on three seperate occasions. The last time was this past summer just before the announcement. He nor his cardiologist have seen any ill effects.
I would not hesitate to use it on a temporary basis. I still have a couple left from that 5-6 year old prescription that I'm saving for an emergency.
However, I would give careful thought on using it continuously
Be careful of that expiration date. Many drugs lose their potency, or worse, become toxic. Ask a pharmacist to be sure.