What is Celebrex/Celecoxib used for?
This medication is used to treat hereditary polyps in the colon and inflammation or pain caused by many conditions including akylosing spondylitis, arthritis, and menstrual pain. Celebrex (Celecoxib) works by decreasing the amount of hormones that causes inflammation and pain.
How should I take Celebrex/Celecoxib?
Read the directions on the prescription label. Do not take larger doses than prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medication longer than recommended by your doctor. Take this medication as directed by your doctor. To lessen stomach upset, take Celebrex (Celecoxib) with food or milk. To make the swallowing easier, the Celebrex (Celecoxib) capsule can be opened and sprinkled onto a spoonful of applesauce. Without chewing, swallow the mixture with water. The mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for 6 hours. Discard the empty capsule. Patients taking Celebrex (Celecoxib) for a long period of time will need regular visits to the doctor to check if the medication is causing harmful effects. It is important not to miss any doctor appointments. Celebrex (Celecoxib) may cause medical test results to be unusual, it is important you notify the doctor that you are taking Celebrex (Celecoxib) before he/she perform any tests.
How should Celebrex/Celecoxib be stored?
This medication should be stored at room temperature. Keep the medication away from heat and moisture.
When should Celebrex/Celecoxib not be taken?
Do not use Celebrex (Celecoxib) if you are allergic to celecoxib, have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin, other NSAIDS, or sulfa drugs.
What precautions should I follow when taking Celebrex/Celecoxib?
When taking Celebrex (Celecoxib), get emergency medical help if you notice the following symptoms: heart or circulation problems including weakness, chest pain, slurred speech, shortness of breath, or problems with vision or balance. Patients taking Celebrex (Celecoxib) may have an increased risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems including heart attack or stroke. The longer you use Celebrex (Celecoxib) the higher the risk. Stop taking Celebrex (Celecoxib) before or after a heart bypass surgery or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).
What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Celebrex/Celecoxib?
Patients taking Celebrex (Celecoxib) will have an increased risk of serious side effects on the stomach or intestines such as bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). Older patients may have a greater risk of serious gastrointestinal side effects that can occur without warning during treatment of the medication and can be fatal. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines such as black, bloody or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. When taking Celebrex (Celecoxib), do not drink alcohol because it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Also, do not use any allergy, pain, or over the counter medication without informing your doctor or pharmacist first because many over the counter pain medications contain aspirin similar to Celebrex and you can accidentally take too much of the medication.
What are the side effects of Celebrex/Celecoxib?
Most severe:Severe: Black, bloody, or tarry stools; chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; swelling or rapid weight gain; coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; urinating less than usual or not at all; fever, sore throat and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Most common:Common: Bloating, gas; skin rash, itching; ringing in your ears; upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation; blurred vision; or dizziness, nervousness, headache.
Other:Other: None.