What
Is Celebrex used for?
Celebrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which relieves pain and inflammation (swelling). It is used to treat pain, swelling and stiffness due to arthritis. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.
Celebrex has not been studied in children. It is not
known if Celebrex is safe and effective for children.
How do you use Celebrex?
Take by mouth, generally once or twice daily, 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 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug.
What Are The Risks?
Tell your doctor your medical history, including:
allergies (especially allergies to drugs such as
sulfas or NSAID like ibuprofen), kidney problems,
liver problems, heart disease, alcohol use, high
blood pressure, swelling (edema), blood disorders
(anemia), serious infections, stomach problems
(bleeding or ulcers), asthma, growths in the nose
(nasal polyps), dehydration, poorly controlled
diabetes. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding.
Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined
with this medicine, may increase your risk for
stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist
for more information. This medication should be
used only when clearly needed during the first
3 months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for
use during the last 6 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.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution
is advised when this drug is used in the elderly,
as they may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this medication.
Can Other Medicines or Food
Affect Celebrex?
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
medications you use, especially of: fluconazole,
lithium, "water pills" (diuretics, e.g.,
furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), drugs for high
blood pressure, ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril,
lisinopril), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), "blood
thinners" (e.g., warfarin), NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen,
naproxen). Check all prescription and nonprescription
medicine labels carefully since many contain pain
relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen,
naproxen, or aspirin) that 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.
Notes
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, dark stool, ringing in the
ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or
slow heartbeat, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing,
confusion, 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-up" the dose
to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature between
59 and 86 degrees F (15 - 30 degrees C) away from light
and moisture.
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