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. |
