What
Is Celebrex used for?
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.
Celebrex has not been studied in children. It is not known
if Celebrex is safe and effective for children.
How do you use Celebrex?
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.
What Are The Risks?
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.
Can Other Medicines or Food Affect
Celebrex?
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.
Notes
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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