Brand
name: Celebrex
(Celecoxib)
Pronounced: SELL-eh-breks
Generic name: Celecoxib
Why is Celebrex prescribed?
Celebrex is prescribed for acute pain, menstrual cramps, and the pain
and inflammation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is
a member of a new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
called COX-2 inhibitors. Like older NSAIDs such as Motrin and Naprosyn,
Celebrex is believed to fight pain and inflammation by inhibiting the
effect of a natural enzyme called COX-2. Unlike the older medications,
however, it does not interfere with a similar substance, called COX-1,
which exerts a protective effect on the lining of the stomach. Therefore,
Celebrex may be less likely to cause the bleeding and ulcers that sometimes
accompany sustained use of the older NSAIDs.
Celebrex Free RX-PRESCRIPTIONS non required - has also been found
to reduce the number of colorectal polyps (growths in the wall of the
lower intestine
and
rectum)
in people
who
suffer from the condition called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP),
an inherited tendency to develop large numbers of colorectal polyps
that eventually become cancerous.
Most important fact about Celebrex without prescriptions
Like other NSAID medication, Celebrex could increase the chance of
having a heart attack or stroke, possibly resulting in death. The risk
is greater if you have heart disease or use NSAIDs for a long time.
It's important to discuss the risks and benefits of using Celebrex
with your doctor and to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest
amount of time possible.
Although Celebrex is easy on the stomach, it still poses some degree
of risk—especially if you've had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal
bleeding in the past. All NSAIDs, including Celebrex, can cause serious—and
even life-threatening—ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and
intestines. These side effects can happen without symptoms and may
occur at any time during treatment. If you've ever had ulcers or stomach
bleeding, make sure the doctor is aware of it. And be sure to alert
the doctor if you develop any digestive problems or notice a change
in your bowel movement (such as blood in the stool or black, sticky
stools).
How should you take Celebrex?
Take Celebrex exactly as prescribed. You can take it with or without
food.
If you miss a dose Celebrex (Celecoxib)
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
Storage instructions Celebrex (Celecoxib)
Store at room temperature.
Celebrex side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Celebrex.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, nausea, respiratory infection,
sinus inflammation
Why should Celebrex not be prescribed?
Do not take Celebrex right before or after heart bypass surgery (also
called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
In addition, you should not use Celebrex if you are allergic to sulfonamide
drugs such as sulfadiazine, sulfisoxazole, Gantanol, and Thiosulfil.
Also avoid the drug if you've ever suffered an asthma attack, face
and throat swelling, or skin eruptions after taking aspirin or other
NSAIDs. If you find that you are allergic to Celebrex, you will not
be able to use it.
Special warnings about Celebrex
Remember to tell your doctor about any stomach ulcers or bleeding
you've had in the past. Also alert your doctor if you develop any digestive
problems, swelling, or rash. The chance of developing a stomach ulcer
or bleeding while taking Celebrex increases if you also take steroid
drugs or blood thinners, smoke, drink alcohol, or use Celebrex or other
NSAID medications for a long time. The risk is also greater if you're
older or in poor health. Be sure the doctor is aware of your full medical
history.
If you have asthma, use Celebrex with caution. It could trigger an
attack, especially if you are also sensitive to aspirin.
If you are taking a steroid medication for your arthritis, do not
discontinue it abruptly when you begin therapy with Celebrex. Celebrex
is not a substitute for such drugs.
Celebrex has been known to cause kidney or liver problems, particularly
in people with an existing condition. If you have such a disorder,
take Celebrex with caution. If you develop symptoms of liver poisoning,
stop taking the drug and see your doctor immediately. Warning signs
include nausea, fatigue, itching, yellowish skin, pain in the right
side of the stomach, and flu-like symptoms.
If you are prone to anemia (loss of red blood cells), make sure the
doctor knows about it. Celebrex occasionally fosters this problem.
Celebrex sometimes causes water retention, which can aggravate swelling,
high blood pressure, and heart failure. Use Celebrex with caution if
you have any of these conditions.
There is no proof that Celebrex reduces the odds of cancer in people
who take the drug for FAP. Although Celebrex can reduce the number
of growths, you'll still need the other treatments and frequent checkups
that this condition requires.
The safety and effectiveness of Celebrex have not been tested in children
under 18.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Celebrex
If Celebrex is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Celebrex with the following:
ACE-inhibitors (a type of blood pressure and heart medication, including
such drugs as Capoten, Vasotec, and Prinivil)
Blood thinning agents such as Coumadin
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Furosemide (Lasix)
Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
Thiazide diuretics (water pills) such as hydrochlorothiazide and Dyazide
If you take low-dose aspirin to protect against heart attack, you
can continue taking it with Celebrex. Using aspirin increases your
risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding, but Celebrex does not have aspirin's
protective effect on the heart.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Celebrex can harm a developing baby if taken during the third trimester,
and its safety earlier in pregnancy has not been confirmed. Take it
during pregnancy only if you feel the risk is justified.
It's possible that Celebrex makes its way into breast milk (limited
data from one subject indicated that the drug was excreted in human
milk), and it could cause serious reactions in a nursing infant. If
Celebrex is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to
discontinue breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for Celebrex
The following dosages are typically cut in half for people with moderate
liver problems.
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
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