Possible
uses of this medication
Celebrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known
as a COX-2 inhibitor used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis
and rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It may also be used to treat
other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How
to take this medication
The usual dose of Celebrex for osteoarthritis is 200 mg daily
or 100 mg twice daily. While patients with rheumatoid arthritis
should start with these dosages, some patients with rheumatoid
arthritis may benefit from dosage of 200 mg twice daily. The maximum
daily dose should not exceed 200 mg twice daily. Ask your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine.
This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE
THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F
(15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from
heat and light. 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.
Side
Effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Celebrex include diarrhea,
indigestion, mild stomach pain, gas, nausea, or headache. If they
continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH
YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience skin rash or
itching; unexplained weight gain; bloating or swelling of ankles,
feet, or hands; vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds;
blood in stool or vomit; yellowing of skin or eyes; or unusual
fatigue. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience swelling
of face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing
or breathing; or hoarseness. If you notice other effects not listed
above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Precautions
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 Feldene, Motrin, Naprosyn, Clinoril).
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
to a sulfonamide antibiotic (Septra DS, Bactrim DS, Gantrisin).
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. IF YOU EXPERIENCE
difficulty breathing; 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. 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 contain aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen,
or ketoprofen. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss
with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine
during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in
breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
Drug
Interactions
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take with and without
a prescription.
Missed
Dose
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual
dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the amount used to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from sunlight. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
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. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR
AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply
runs out.
