CELEBREX DRUG INFO
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: Celebrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug (NSAID) which relieves pain and inflammation
(swelling). Celebrex 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.
HOW TO USE: Take Celebrex 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.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, diarrhea, gas or nausea
may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your
doctor promptly. Very unlikely but report promptly: unusual
fatigue, yellowing eyes or skin, severe headache,
unexplained weight gain, change in amount of urine. If you
notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side
effects, stop taking this drug and consult your doctor or
pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent stomach/
abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. 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 or
trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed
above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: 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.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: 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.
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. |
Allergies
