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). 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. Celebrex 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 WHEN USING CELEBREX: Recent information suggests a possible increased risk for heart attack and stroke in patients taking celecoxib. The relevance of this information is still not known. Ask your doctor if celecoxib is right for you.
 
Do not take celecoxib without first talking to your doctor if you have experienced asthma, hives, or an allergic reaction after taking a sulfa-based medication such as sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Gantanol, and others) or sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin); aspirin; or another NSAID such as valdecoxib (Bextra), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, and others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine, Lodine XL), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketorolac (Toradol), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), or tolmetin (Tolectin). You may experience a similar reaction to celecoxib.
 
Notify your doctor immediately if you develop abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort; nausea; bloody vomit; bloody, black, or tarry stools; unexplained weight gain; swelling or water retention; fatigue or lethargy; a skin rash; itching; yellowing of the skin or eyes;"flu-like" symptoms; or unusual bruising or bleeding. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects.
 
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 of Celebrex 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 Celebrex 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.