Celecoxib



Celebrex®







Celecoxib

(ce le COX ib)

U.S. Brand Names
Celebrex®
Canadian Brand Names
Celebrex®
Pharmacologic Category
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), COX-2 Selective
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Celecoxib may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. This has been observed with long-term use or at critical times (right after heart surgery). Use caution if you have risk factors for heart disease (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight, diabetes, cigarette smoking, male older than 40 years of age, other family members with early heart disease, postmenopausal female). Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Please read the medication guide given to you.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to celecoxib or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have a sulfonamide (“sulfa”) allergy, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you are more than 24 weeks pregnant.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to relieve pain and inflammation.
  • This medicine is used to reduce colorectal polyps.
How does it work?
  • Celecoxib blocks production and release of chemicals that cause pain and inflammation.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with food to prevent stomach upset.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than every 12 hours, unless instructed by healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you are taking a blood thinner, you will require more frequent monitoring.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • If you have asthma, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have had an ulcer or bleeding from your stomach or intestines, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.
  • Do not take antacids with this medicine.
  • Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin, aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines (ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen), blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
  • Belly pain or heartburn.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Black stools.
  • Diarrhea.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Watch for tarry black stools.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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