Celecoxib is a NSAID used to treat pain or inflammation which appeared because of arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and even menstrual pain. Also it is useful for treatment of hereditary polyps. Your doctor may also prescribe Celebrex for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Take Celecoxib with food or milk to lessen stomach upset. Do not drink too much alcohol during treatment with celecoxib, because drinking alcohol you increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by celecoxib.
If you need to use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication, ask your pharmacist first. Many pain medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to celecoxib to avoid overdosing. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma. If you experience any of them, call emergency.
Do not exceed recommended by your doctor doses of Celebrex.
Celecoxib capsules may open to sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce to make swallowing easier. Empty capsule must be discarded. Do not chew this medicine. If you do not take the mixture in the moment of capsule opening, you may store it in the fridge and accept it within 6 hours.
You will have to pass all recommended by your doctor lab tests if you are taking Celebrex for a long time. However, Celebrex can cause you to have unusual results with some of them.
Store Celecoxib at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not expose Celebrex to light. Keep far from children.
If you miss a dose of Celebrex, take it as soon as you can or call your doctor for further instructions.
Celebrex Safety information
As every NSAID, Celebrex can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use an NSAID. So use Celecbex only after prescription.
You should avoid Celecoxib if you have allergic reaction to it, or if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin, sulfa drugs, or other NSAIDs.
Before taking Celecoxib inform your healthcare provider if you have:
- a seizure disorder such as epilepsy;
- a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
- liver or kidney disease,
- a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
- asthma;
- polyps in your nose;
- heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;
Celebrex has FDA pregnancy category C. It is very undesirable to use Celebrex during pregnancy, because it may make harm to unborn baby.
Do not drink alcohol while taking celecoxib, because alcohol is able to increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Celecoxib can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. If you must be out in the sun, it is better to use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing.
Celebrex Side effects
You require emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Do not take any more of Celecoxib and seek medical attention or call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
- coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
- chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or urinating less than usual or not at all;
- nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- black, bloody, or tarry stools;
- swelling or rapid weight gain;
- heavy tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness.
You may also experience less serious side effects, such as:
- dizziness, nervousness, headache;
- skin rash, itching;
- upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation;
- bloating, gas;
- blurred vision;
- ringing in your ears.
Also tell your doctor if any other side effect bothers you.
