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: 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.
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, 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. |
