This medicine is a
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known as a COX-2
inhibitor. It is used to relieve pain and swelling (inflammation).
It is used to treat arthritis, acute pain, and menstrual pain and
discomfort. Celecoxib is also used to decrease growths found in the
intestines (colon polyps) in persons with a family history of this
condition. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that
makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain
and swelling.
Before using
Some medicines or
medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR
DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter
medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR
CONDITION may be needed if you are taking fluconazole, lithium,
"water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide,
triamterene), high blood pressure drugs (e.g., ACE inhibitors such
as captopril and lisinopril), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone),
"blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen,
naproxen), or other Cox-2 inhibitors (e.g., rofecoxib). Inform your
doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney problems,
liver problems, heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure, congestive
heart failure), alcohol use, swelling (edema), blood disorders
(anemia), serious infections, stomach problems (bleeding or ulcers),
dehydration, poorly controlled diabetes, asthma, growths in the nose
(nasal polyps), any allergies (especially to aspirin/NSAIDs such as
ibuprofen, Cox-2 inhibitors such as rofecoxib, or to sulfa drugs),
pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if
you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the
directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Ask your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may have about this
medicine. To decrease the chance of stomach upset, take this
medicine with food. Take this medication by mouth with a full glass
of water (8oz/240ml). Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after
taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77
degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage
between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do
not store in the bathroom. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take
it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do
NOT take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS
MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to aspirin or
any medicine containing aspirin or to a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (such as piroxicam, ibuprofen, naproxen,
sulindac). DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE
ALLERGIC REACTION to a sulfonamide antibiotic (such as
sulfamethoxazole or sulfisoxazole). A severe reaction includes a
severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you
have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine,
contact your doctor or pharmacist. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED
DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without
checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY
APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY
CAUSE stomach bleeding. If you drink alcohol on a daily basis, do
not take this medicine without first discussing it with your doctor.
Alcohol use combined with this medicine may increase your risk for
stomach bleeding. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either
prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or
pharmacist. This includes any medicines that may contain pain
relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen,
naproxen, or ketoprofen) which are similar to this drug. Aspirin as
prescribed by your doctor for reasons such as heart attack or stroke
prevention (usually 81-325 mg per day) should be continued. Caution
should be used in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to
the side effects of this medicine (especially to stomach bleeding
and kidney effects). FOR WOMEN: This medicine should be used only
when clearly needed during the first 6 months of pregnancy. IT
SHOULD NOT BE USED during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Discuss
the risks and benefits with your doctor. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS
MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking
this medicine.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that
may occur while taking this medicine include stomach upset or gas.
If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK
WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience severe
headache, unexplained weight gain, swelling of the hands or feet, or
change in amount of urine. This medicine may rarely cause serious
(possibly fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines; therefore,
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY AND STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE if you
experience any of the following: black stools, vomit that looks like
coffee grounds, persistent stomach/abdominal pain. This medicine may
rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease; therefore,
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of the
following: yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, persistent
stomach/abdominal pain, unusual fatigue. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; dizziness;
tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you
develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take
any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do
so. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions
can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing
its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your
medicines interact with each other.
If you take too much
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, change in the amount of urine, slow
or shallow breathing, severe headache or loss of consciousness.
Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS
MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS
MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT out of the
reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED
PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.