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. |
