Celecoxib
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Celebrex
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Celebrex
USES: This medication 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.
HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION: 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.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, diarrhea, gas or nausea may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly black or bloody stools or persistent stomach pain. Very unlikely but report promptly unusual fatigue, yellowing eyes or skin, severe headache, unexplained weight gain or change in amount of urine. 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 any allergies, especially allergies to drugs such as sulfas or aspirin-type drugs (NSAIDs); kidney, liver or heart disease; alcohol use, high blood pressure, swelling (edema), blood disorders (anemia), serious infections, stomach problems (bleeding or ulcers), asthma, or growths in the nose (nasal polyps). 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 nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially fluconazole, lithium, ‘water pills’ (diuretics, e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), drugs for high blood pressure, ‘ACE inhibitors’ (e.g., captopril, lisinopril), ‘corticosteroids’ (e.g., prednisone-like drugs), ‘blood thinners’ (e.g., warfarin) or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen). Check all nonprescription medicine labels carefully, since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs/aspirin) which are similar to this drug. Aspirin as prescribed by your doctor for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (i.e., non-arthritis doses) should be continued. Consult your pharmacist. 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.
