Celebrex
Generic Name: Celecoxib
What is Celebrex?
Celebrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat acute (sudden) pain, menstrual cramps, pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis of the spine (ankylosing spondylitis).Celebrex is also used to reduce the number of growths in the wall of the lower intestine and rectum (colorectal polyps) in people with a condition called familial adenomatous polyposis, an inherited tendency to develop large numbers of colorectal polyps that eventually become cancerous.
What is the most important information I should know about Celebrex?
Celebrex may increase the risk of developing serious life-threatening heart or circulation problems, such as a heart attack or stroke, which can lead to hospitalization or even death. This risk increases with longer use of NSAIDs and in people who have heart disease. These problems may occur without warning signs, so tell your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or weakness.Celebrex can cause serious, and even life-threatening, ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines. These side effects can happen without symptoms and may occur at any time during treatment. The risk is higher if you also take corticosteroids or blood-thinning medications, if you use Celebrex for a long period of time, or if you smoke. If you have ever had ulcers or stomach bleeding, let your doctor know. Be sure to alert your doctor if you develop any digestive problems or notice a change in your bowel movements (such as blood in the stool or black, sticky stools).
Stop taking Celebrex immediately and contact your doctor if you experience a skin rash or blisters with fever, unexplained weight gain or fluid retention, yellowing of the skin or eyes, "flu-like" symptoms, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat while taking Celebrex.
Who should not take Celebrex?
Do not take Celebrex right before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).Do not use Celebrex if you are allergic to it or to sulfonamide drugs such as sulfadiazine, sulfamethizole, sulfamethoxazole, or sulfisoxazole. Avoid using Celebrex if you have ever had an asthma attack, experienced face and throat swelling, or skin eruptions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Celebrex?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Celebrex. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have had any stomach ulcers or bleeding in the past. Tell your doctor if you have asthma, heart failure, high blood pressure, or kidney or liver disease.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.The following dosages are typically reduced in half for people with moderate liver problems.
Acute Pain and Menstrual Cramps
Adults: The recommended starting dose is 400 milligrams (mg), followed by an additional 200 mg if needed on the first day. On subsequent days, the recommended dose is 200 mg taken twice a day as needed.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Adults: The recommended dose is 200 mg taken once a day, or 100 mg taken twice a day. If there is no effect after 6 weeks, the doctor may increase your dose to 400 mg. If there is no effect after 6 weeks at this higher dose, other treatments should be considered.
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
Adults: The recommended dose is 400 mg taken twice a day with food.
Osteoarthritis
Adults: The recommended dose is 200 mg, taken as a singe dose or as two 100-mg doses.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Adults: The recommended dose is 100-200 mg taken twice a day.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Children ≥2 years: From 22-55 pounds, the dose is 50 mg twice daily. For children >55 pounds, the dose is 100 mg twice daily.
How should I take Celebrex?
Take Celebrex exactly as prescribed. You can take it with or without food. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, the contents of a Celebrex capsule can be added to applesauce. Carefully empty the entire contents of the capsule onto a level teaspoon of cool or room temperature applesauce and ingest immediately with water.What should I avoid while taking Celebrex?
Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other NSAIDs while you are taking Celebrex. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about any over-the-counter products that may contain aspirin or other NSAIDs.What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Celebrex?
If Celebrex is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Celebrex with the following: alcohol; ACE inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril, or lisinopril; blood-thinning agents such as warfarin; corticosteroids; fluconazole; furosemide; lithium; methotrexate; thiazide diuretics (water pills) such as hydrochlorothiazide or hydrochlorothiazide with triamterene.If you take low-dose aspirin to protect against a heart attack, you can continue taking it with Celebrex. Using aspirin increases your risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding, but Celebrex does not have aspirin's protective effect on the heart.
What are the possible side effects of Celebrex?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, dizziness
Can I receive Celebrex if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Celebrex can harm a developing baby if taken during the last three months of pregnancy. It is possible that Celebrex makes its way into breast milk and it could cause serious reactions in a nursing infant. Contact your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Celebrex?
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Celebrex?
Store at room temperature.
I'm Shereen A. Gharbia, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
