Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

CELECOXIB - ORAL

(sell-eh-COX-ib)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Celebrex

Uses

This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), specifically a COX-2 inhibitor, which relieves pain and swelling (inflammation). It is used to treat arthritis, acute pain, and menstrual pain and discomfort. Celecoxib is also used to decrease growths found in the intestines (colon polyps) of persons with a family history of this condition. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.

How To Use

Take by mouth, usually once or twice daily, or as directed by your doctor. To decrease the chance of stomach upset, this drug is best taken with food. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Take this medication with a full glass of water (8 oz or 240 ml) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medication.

Side Effects

Stomach upset or gas may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe headache, unexplained weight gain, swelling of the hands or feet, change in amount of urine. This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. If you notice any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking celecoxib and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, persistent stomach/abdominal pain. This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. If you notice any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention: yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, unusual fatigue. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: allergies to sulfa drugs, aspirin, other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), or other COX-2 inhibitors (e.g., rofecoxib). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure, congestive heart failure), alcohol use, swelling (edema), blood disorders (anemia), serious infections, stomach problems (bleeding or ulcers), asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), dehydration, poorly controlled diabetes, any allergies in addition to those listed above. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication, especially stomach bleeding and kidney effects. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first 6 months of pregnancy. It should not be used during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.

Drug Interactions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: high blood pressure drugs such as ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril), "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), fluconazole, lithium, other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene). Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin) which are similar to this drug. Aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually these dosages are 81-325 mg per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, change in amount of urine, slow or shallow breathing, severe headache or loss of consciousness.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.