Celebrex
Uses
This medication is a
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which relieves
pain and inflammation (swelling). It is used to treat pain,
swelling and stiffness due to arthritis.
How To Use
Take by mouth,
generally once or twice daily, as directed by your doctor. To
decrease the chance of stomach upset, this drug is best taken
with food. Dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to therapy.Take this medication with 6 to 8 ounces
(180-240ml) of water.Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes
after taking this drug.
Side Effects
Stomach upset,
diarrhea, gas or nausea may occur. If these effects persist or
worsen, notify your doctor promptly.Very unlikely but report
promptly: unusual fatigue, yellowing eyes or skin, severe
headache, unexplained weight gain, change in amount of
urine.If you notice any of the following unlikely but very
serious side effects, stop taking this drug and consult your
doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent
stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee
grounds.In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to
this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an
allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness
or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed
above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Tell your doctor
your medical history, including: allergies (especially
allergies to drugs such as sulfas or NSAID like ibuprofen),
kidney problems, liver problems, heart disease, alcohol use,
high blood pressure, swelling (edema), blood disorders
(anemia), serious infections, stomach problems (bleeding or
ulcers), asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps).This
medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol,
especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your
risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.This medication should be used
only when clearly needed during the first 3 months of
pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last 6
months of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.It is not known whether this drug is excreted into
breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant,
breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.Caution is advised
when this drug is used in the elderly, as they may be more
sensitive to the side effects of this medication.
Overdose
If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool,
ringing in the ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast
or slow heartbeat, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing,
confusion, severe headache or loss of consciousness.
Notes
Do not share this
medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests may be
performed to monitor your progress.
Missed Dose
If you miss a
dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time
of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual
dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room
temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F(15 - 30 degrees C)
away from light and moisture.