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Why is this drug prescribed?
Celebrex is prescribed for acute pain, menstrual cramps, and the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is the first of a new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
s (NSAIDs) called "COX-2 inhibitors." Like older NSAIDs such as Motrin and Naprosyn, Celebrex is believed to fight pain and inflammation by inhibiting the effect of a natural enzyme called COX-2. Unli
ke the older medications, however, it does not interfere with a similar substance, called COX-1, which exerts a protective effect on the lining of the stomach. Celebrex is therefore less likely to cau
se the bleeding and ulcers that sometimes accompany sustained use of the older NSAIDs.
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to c
hange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking celecoxib, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Aspirin or
- Fluconazole (e.g., Diflucan)¡XThe chance of serious side effects may be increased
- Lithium (e.g., Lithane)¡XHigher blood levels of celecoxib and an increased chance of si
effects may occur
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Possible Side Effect
Rare side effects may include:
- loss of appetite, loss of balance, low blood sugar, menstrual disorders, migraine headache, mouth ulcers, muscle ache, nail disorders, neck stiffness, nerve pain,
nervousness, nosebleeds, pain, painful urination, pancreatitis, phlebitis, pneumonia, poor coordination, prostate problems, severe diarrhea, severe skin rash and peeling, skin reaction due to sunligh
t, skin sensitivity, skin tingling, stroke, suicide, sweating, swollen face and throat, taste disturbances, tendonitis, tiredness, tooth disorders, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, vagi
nal problems, vomiting, weakness, weight gain
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How to Use
You should continue to take CELEBREX as prescribed even when you are feeling better. CELEBREX can be taken with or without food. CELEBREX capsules come in 2 strengths: 100 mg and 200 mg.
In O
steoarthritis, the recommended dose for CELEBREX is 200 mg a day. CELEBREX delivers 24-hour relief from a once-daily dose of 200 mg. Or if preferred, a dose of 100 mg twice a day is available.
In Rheumatoid Arthritis, the recommended dose for CELEBREX is 100 mg to 200 mg, twice a day. CELEBREX provides relief through the day and through the night.
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Precautions
Pregnancy¡XCelecoxib has not been studied in pregnant women. However, there is a chance that this medicine may cause unwanted effects on the heart or blood flow of the fetus or newborn baby if it is t
ken regularly during the last few months of pregnancy. Studies in animals have shown that celecoxib has caused birth defects of the ribs and sternebrae. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doc
tor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant
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Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Celebrex overdose may include:
Breathing diffic
ulties, coma, drowsiness, gastrointestinal bleeding, high blood pressure, kidney failure, nausea, sluggishness, stomach pain, vomiting
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