|
Common uses
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. Additional
monitiring 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 medicines (e.g.,
ACE inhibitors such as captopril and lisinopril), corticosteroids
such as prednisone, "blood thinners" such as warfarin, other NSAIDs
such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or other COX-2 inhibitors such as
rofecoxib or valdecoxib. 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 medicines), pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Directions
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 reactoin 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 reactoin to a sulfonamide
antibiotic (such as sulfamethoxazole or sulfisoxazole). A severe
reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or
dizziness.
Do not exceed the
recommended dose or take this medicine for longer than prescribed.
This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. 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 aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen. Aspirin
as prescribed by your doctor for reasons such as heart attack or
stroke prevention (usually 81-325 mg per day) should be discussed
with your doctor before combining with this medicine. Caution is
advised when using this medicine 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. This medicine may be 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. 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, 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 if you experience any of the following: yellowing
eyes or skin, dark urine, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, unusual
fatigue; difficulty breathing; dizziness; tightness of chest;
swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives. |