Type: NSAID
Active ingredient: Celecoxib
Common use: Celebrex is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation. It is a COX-2 inhibitor; it blocks the enzyme needed for making prostaglandins. Celebrex can for instance be used to relieve arthritis pain and menstrual pain.
Celebrex is also used to decrease colon polyps in persons with hereditary colon polyps.
How to use: Unless otherwise ordered by your doctor, Celebrex is taken orally with a full glass (circa 250 ml) of water. To decrease the risk of stomach upset, take Celebrex with food. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Celebrex.
If you miss a dose of Celebrex, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose permanently and stick to your regular dosing schedule. Do no take two doses at once or near each other in time.
How to store: Store Celebrex at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, and keep away from heat, light and moisture.
Warnings:
- Do not take Celebrex if you are allergic to aspirin.
- Do not take Celebrex if you are allergic to NSAID’s.
- Do not take Celebrex if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.
- Seek medical attention if you develop signs of an allergic reaction while using Celebrex, e.g. hives, rash, dizziness or breathing difficulties.
- It is important that you keep or doctor and laboratory appointments while being treated with Celebrex.
- Celebrex can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. The risk is especially high if you drink alcohol during Celebrex treatment.
- If you drink alcohol on a daily basis, discuss the risks and benefits of using Celebrex with your doctor.
- Your reaction to Celebrex can be impacted by other medications; both prescription medication and over-the-counter medication. Be especially careful with other NSAID’s. Always consult with your doctor before combining Celebrex with any other medicine.
- Contact your doctor if you experience unexpected weight gain, severe headache, swollen hands, swollen feet or change in amount of urine.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience black stools, vomit that looks like coffee-grounds or persistent abdominal pain.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin, yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, fatigue and abdominal pain.
- The elderly can be more sensitive to the side effects of Celebrex. Caution is recommended. Be especially vigilant against symptoms of stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of Celebrex with your doctor. Celebrex is sometimes prescribed during the first and second trimester of pregnancy, if the benefits outweighs the risks. Celebrex should not be prescribed for the third trimester.
- It is unknown if Celebrex is excreted in breast milk. Therefore, breast feeding while using Celebrex is not recommended.
Examples of reported side effects:
- Stomach upset
- Gas
- Headache
- Weight gain
- Swollen hands
- Swollen feet
- Change in amount of urine
- Stomach bleeding
- Intestinal bleeding
- Black stools
- Vomit that looks like coffee-grounds
- Abdominal pain
- Liver or kidney problems with associated symptoms (see above)
- Allergic reaction (see above)