
The following information is a summary about Celebrex. It is
not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
(CELECOXIB)
USES
Celebrex is a
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known as a COX-2 inhibitor used to
relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It
may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
BEFORE USING
Some
medicines or medical conditions may interact with Celebrex. Inform your doctor
or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are
taking. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are
taking an ACE inhibitor, an anticoagulant, furosemide, lithium, or
fluconazole.
Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions,
allergies, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or
pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
HOW TO TAKE THIS
MEDICATION
The usual dose of Celebrex for osteoarthritis is 200 mg
daily or 100 mg twice daily. While patients with rheumatoid arthritis should
start with these dosages, some patients with rheumatoid arthritis may benefit
from dosage of 200 mg twice daily.
The maximum daily dose should not
exceed 200 mg twice daily. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions
you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach
or with food. Store this medicine at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees
F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.
If you miss a does of Celebrex take it as soon as possible. If it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular
dosing schedule. DO NOT TAKE TWO DOSES AT ONCE.
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects
that may occur while taking Celebrex include diarrhea, indigestion, mild stomach
pain, gas, nausea, or headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with
your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience skin
rash or itching; unexplained weight gain; bloating or swelling of ankles, feet,
or hands; vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds; blood in stool or
vomit; yellowing of skin or eyes; or unusual fatigue.
CONTACT YOUR
DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience swelling of face, lips, eyes, throat, or
tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
DO NOT TAKE
THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to aspirin or any
medicine containing aspirin or to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as
Feldene, Motrin, Naprosyn, Clinoril).
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU
HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to a sulfonamide antibiotic (Septra DS,
Bactrim DS, Gantrisin). A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives,
breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you
are allergic to Celebrex, contact your doctor or pharmacist. If you experience
difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or
if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any
more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so.
DO
NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take Celebrex for longer than prescribed
without checking with your doctor. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments
while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE STOMACH BLEEDING. If
you drink alcohol on a daily basis, do not take this medicine without first
discussing it with your doctor. Alcohol use combined with Celebrex may increase
your risk for stomach bleeding. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either
prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This
includes any medicines that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen.
FOR WOMEN
If you plan on
becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this
medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast
milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED WHILE TAKING CELEBREX.
OVERDOSE
Do not share this
medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed or use it for other health
conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. If using Celebrex
for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
STORAGE
Store at room
temperature away from sunlight and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT
OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.