CELEBREX
Celecoxib
Anti-inflammatory Agent—Analgesic
*The
image used above of the drug Celebrex, is that of a 200 mg capsule.
Patient Information for CELEBREX
Your doctor and pharmacist are your primary sources of information about your health and the medicine you take.
Consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your health, any medication you take, or the
information given here.
Celebrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces the joint swelling, redness and pain of arthritis.
Your body produces chemicals called prostaglandins. Some of these prostaglandins help line the stomach with a protective layer.
In arthritis, other prostaglandins cause pain and swelling. Celebrex reduces the type that causes pain and swelling.
At prescribed doses, Celebrex does not affect the type that maintains the protective layer of the stomach, and reduces the
chances of bleeding.
This medicine does not cure arthritis, but promotes suppression of the inflammation and tissue damaging effects resulting from this
inflammation. Celebrex will help you only as long as you continue to take it.
You should take Celebrex only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often and do not take it for
a longer period of time than your doctor ordered. Taking too much of any NSAID may increase the chance of unwanted effects,
especially if you are an elderly patient. It is unclear at this time, whether this also applies to the use of Celebrex in elderly patients.
Therefore, elderly patients should continue to be cautious.
Be sure to take Celebrex regularly as prescribed. In some types of arthritis, up to 2 weeks may pass before you feel the full
effects of this medicine. During treatment, your doctor may decide to adjust the dosage according to your response to the
medication.
Do not take ASA (acetylsalicylic acid), ASA-containing compounds or other drugs used to relieve symptoms of arthritis while taking
Celebrex unless directed to do so by your physician. For example, your doctor may prescribe low dose aspirin as a blood thinner
while you are taking Celebrex.
Celebrex is usually taken once or twice a day. Celebrex may be taken with or without food. If you are prescribed this medication
for use over a long period of time, your doctor will check your health during regular visits to assess your progress and to ensure
that this medicine is not causing unwanted effects.
Before taking this medication tell your doctor and pharmacists if you:
- or a family member are allergic to or have had a reaction to Celebrex, sulfonamide drugs or
other anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ASA, diclofenac, diflunisal, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen,
indomethacin, ketoprofen, mefenamic acid, naproxen, piroxicam, sulindac, tiaprofenic acid, tolmetin,
nabumetone or tenoxicam) manifesting itself by increased sinusitis, hives, the initiating or worsening
of asthma or anaphylaxis (sudden collapse);
- or a family member has had asthma, nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, or chronic urticaria (hives);
- have a history of stomach upset, ulcers, liver or kidney diseases;
- are taking any other medication (either prescription or nonprescription) such as NSAIDs, high blood pressure medication,
blood thinners, corticosteroids, fluconazole, or lithium;
- are pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking this medication;
- are breast-feeding or intend to breast-feed while taking this medication;
- have blood or urine abnormalities;
- have high blood pressure;
- are on any special diet, such as a low-sodium or low-sugar diet;
- have diabetes;
- have any other medical problem(s) such as alcohol abuse, bleeding problems, etc.
While Taking This Medication:
- tell any other doctor, dentist or pharmacist that you consult or see, that you are taking this medication;
- some NSAIDs may cause drowsiness or fatigue in some people taking them. Be cautious about driving or participating in activities
that require alertness if you are drowsy, dizzy or lightheaded after taking this medication;
- check with your doctor if you are not getting any relief of your arthritis or if any problems develop;
- report any untoward reactions to your doctor. This is very important as it will aid in the early detection and prevention of potential complications;
- stomach problems may be more likely to occur if you drink alcoholic beverages. Therefore, do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medication;
- check with your doctor immediately if you experience unexpected weakness while taking this medication, or if you vomit any blood or have dark or bloody stools;
- some people may become more sensitive to sunlight than they are normally. Exposure to sunlight or sunlamps, even for brief
periods of time, may cause sunburn, blisters on the skin, skin rash, redness, itching or discoloration, or vision changes. If you have
a reaction from the sun, check with your doctor;
- check with your doctor immediately if chills, fever, muscle aches or pains, or other flu-like symptoms occur, especially if they occur shortly before, or together with, a skin rash. Very rarely, these effects may be the first signs of a serious reaction to this medication;
- Your regular medical checkups are essential.
Side Effects of This Medication:
Along with its beneficial effects, Celebrex may occasionally cause some undesirable reactions, especially when used for a long time
or in large doses.
Elderly, frail or debilitated patients often seem to experience more frequent or more severe side effects. Although these side effects
are not common, when they do occur they may require medical attention. No substantial differences in safety and effectiveness of
Celebrex were observed between elderly and younger subjects. However, greater sensitivity of some older patients cannot be ruled
out.
Check With Your Doctor Immediately if any of the Following are Noted:
- bloody or black tarry stools;
- shortness of breath, wheezing, any trouble in breathing or tightness in the chest;
- skin rash, hives or swelling, itching;
- vomiting or persistent indigestion, nausea, stomach pain or diarrhea;
- yellow discoloration of the skin or eyes;
- any change in the amount of or color of your urine (dark red or brown);
- any pain or difficulty experienced while urinating;
- swelling of the feet or lower legs;
- malaise, fatigue, loss of appetite;
- blurred vision or any visual disturbance;
- mental confusion, depression, dizziness, lightheadedness;
- hearing problems.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Dosing: Usual Adult Dose: Rheumatoid Arthritis: Initially 100 mg twice per day. Dose may be increased depending on patient's
response to 200 mg twice per day. Take with or without food.
Osteoarthritis: 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily. Take with or without food.
What to do if You Miss a Dose:
Take the dose as soon as you remember, then take the next dose at the scheduled time.
Storage: Store at room temperature, between 15-30°C.
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