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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)
which 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. |
