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What is Celebrex?

Celebrex is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis and to treat painful menstrual periods and pain from other causes. It is also used to reduce the number of polyps in the colon and rectum in patients with a disease called familial adenomatous polposis. Celebrex is in a class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) called COX-2 inhibitors. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain and inflammation. COX-2 inhibitors may cause less stomach bleeding and ulcers than similar medications.

Precautions with Celebrex

Before taking Celebrex,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Celebrex, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), sulfa drugs, or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; diuretics ('water pills'); fluconazole (Diflucan); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); and oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease; heart failure; high blood pressure; asthma; or any stomach problems, including ulcers or bleeding.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Celebrex, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Celebrex.

Celebrex Dosage

Celebrex comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. For the treatment of familial adenomatous polposis, Celebrex is taken twice a day with food. To help you remember to take Celebrex, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Celebrex exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Celebrex - Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Celebrex Side Effects

Celebrex may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• stomach pain
• diarrhea
• gas or bloating
• sore throat

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• black and tarry stools
• red blood in stools
• bloody vomit
• vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
• excessive tiredness
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• itching
• lack of energy
• loss of appetite
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• flu-like symptoms
• rash
• pale skin
• unexplained weight gain
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty swallowing or breathing

Celebrex may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What storage conditions are needed for this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to Celebrex.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.