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.
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