Celebrex

Generic name: Celecoxib

What is Celebrex?

Celebrex is used to treat acute pain, menstrual cramps, pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis of the spine (ankylosing spondylitis), and rheumatoid arthritis.

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?

Like other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Celebrex could increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke, possibly resulting in death. The risk is greater if you have heart disease or use NSAIDs for a long time.

Although Celebrex is easy on the stomach, it still poses some degree of risk, especially if you have had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding in the past. All NSAIDs, including 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. If you've 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).

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.

Celebrex has not been studied in children less than 18 years old.

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, if you are taking a steroid medication for your arthritis, have kidney or liver disease, or if you are prone to anemia.

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 dosage is 200 mg taken twice a day.

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 of age: From 22 to 55 pounds, the dose is 50 mg twice daily. For children over 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. The sprinkled capsule contents on applesauce are stable for up to 6 hours under refrigerated conditions.

What should I avoid while taking Celebrex?

Avoid taking Celebrex if you also take steroid drugs or blood thinners, smoke, drink alcohol, or if you have been using other NSAIDs for a long time.

If you are taking a steroid medication for your arthritis, do not discontinue it abruptly when you begin therapy with Celebrex.

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: ACE-inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril, or lisinopril; blood-thinning agents such as warfarin; fluconazole; furosemide; lithium; methotrexate; thiazide diuretics (water pills) such as hydrochlorothiazide or hydrochlorothiazide with triamterene.

If you take low-dose aspirin to protect against 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, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, itching, nausea, respiratory infection, sinus inflammation

Serious side effects include: heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, kidney problems, allergic reactions, asthma attacks if you have a history of asthma

Celebrex may cause serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (marked by blisters of the eyes, mouth, and skin) and toxic epidermal necrosis (marked by large patches of red, peeling skin). If you have a skin reaction, stop taking Celebrex and seek medical attention immediately.

If you develop symptoms of liver poisoning, stop taking the drug and see your doctor immediately. Warning signs include nausea, fatigue, itching, yellowish skin, pain in the right side of the stomach, and flu-like symptoms.

Can I receive Celebrex if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Celebrex can harm a developing baby if taken during the third trimester. Take Celebrex during pregnancy only if the risk is justified. It is possible that Celebrex makes its way into breast milk and could cause serious reactions in a nursing infant. If Celebrex is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop 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 2 doses at the same time.

How should I store Celebrex?

Store Celebrex at room temperature.