Celebrex
Category: Arthritis
Generic name: Celecoxib
Celebrex capsules
When should I take Celebrex?
In case that you have been prescribed a daily dose of Celebrex, take it every day as directed, not just when you’re feeling pain or stiffness. To keep a steady level of Celebrex inside your body helps to manage arthritis pain, inflammation, and stiffness, or acute pain. Celebrex can be taken at any time of the day, but if you take it at the same time every day, probably you’ll be less likely to forget or accidentally skip it.
Do I need to take Celebrex with food?
It does not matter. You can take Celebrex with meals or between meals.
Who should not take Celebrex?
You should not take Celebrex if you:
- Are allergic to celecoxib, which is the active ingredient in Celebrex
- Have had allergic reactions to certain drugs called sulfonamides
- Have experienced asthma, hives, or allergic reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs
- Are in late pregnancy
What types of things should I tell my doctor?
You have to tell the doctor your complete medical history. Is important to mention any kidney or liver problems, asthma, or pregnancy.
What if I’m pregnant or nursing?
Actually, there are no studies of Celebrex in pregnant women. Celebrex should be used during pregnancy only when the potential risk to the fetus is justified by the potential benefit. Women in the third trimester of pregnancy should not take Celebrex. The effects of Celebrex on labor and delivery in pregnant women are unknown. It is also unknown if Celebrex is excreted in breast milk.
Has the safety of Celebrex been established?
Up to date over 20 million people have taken Celebrex. In fact, Celebrex has been widely studied, and is currently one of the most used prescription drugs for the treatment of arthritis. After reviewing the results of extensive clinical trials with many patients suffering from a variety of different painful conditions, the FDA has approved Celebrex for relief from the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, and primary dysmenorrhea.
What are the most common side effects of Celebrex?
Although infrequent, the most common side effects, as many clinical studies have shown, were indigestion, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, serious stomach problems, such as bleeding, can occur without warning. The percentage of patients who stopped taking Celebrex due to all side effects was similar to that seen with placebo (sugar pill).
Can I take other medications when I’m taking Celebrex?
There are some medications that, when taken together, can interact in such a way that there is an increase or decrease in their effects. Be sure to always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products.
If you take low-dose aspirin to help reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke, you can still take Celebrex. However, taking Celebrex and aspirin together may increase your risk for developing stomach ulcers compared with taking Celebrex alone. Celebrex is not a substitute for aspirin in preventing heart attack or stroke.
What should I expect from Celebrex?
Normal people respond in different ways to different pain medicines. While Celebrex can provide pain relief, it may not eliminate all of your pain. Let your doctor know how and when you take Celebrex, and be sure to ask about options to find the most effective way for you to take Celebrex.
What if I forget to take a dose?
If you forget to take your medication, don’t double up. You can resume taking it at your regularly scheduled time. If you have questions, be sure to call your doctor.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
Osteoarthritis is usually determined by your doctor from the study of the medical history, including the symptoms you report, together with a physical exam, and x-rays, which can confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor detects adult rheumatoid arthritis by studying your medical history, including the symptoms you describe, doing a physical exam, and ordering x-rays and lab tests.
Will I need surgery for my arthritis?
It is quite possible that you may never need surgery for arthritis but, for some people, an operation can help relieve pain and disability. This decision to have surgery should be made only after careful consideration with your doctor. Surgery may be recommended to replace damaged joints, reposition and smooth out bones, remove loose pieces of bone or cartilage, or remove inflamed tissue lining a joint.
Does arthritis run in families?
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can run in families, as research is continuing to show this. Tell your doctor if there is a history of arthritis in your family.
What is pain?
Pain is one of the ways your body has of informing you that something is wrong and may need medical attention. Sometimes, when the message is ignored, other problems or complications might develop. It’s very important to visit your doctor to find out the cause of the pain and get the relief you need. Talk with your doctor if Celebrex is right for you.
Will my acute pain return?
With proper diagnosis and treatments acute pain can be managed and controlled. If the acute pain is due to an injury, the pain should get better as that injury heals.
Who is this for?
Celecoxib is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis. Sometimes this medication can be prescribed for other uses; for more information ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How does it work?
Celecoxib is a COX-2 inhibitor that works specifically on an enzyme called COX-2. Scientists have discovered two COX enzymes, called COX-1 and COX-2. The COX-1 enzyme plays a role in stomach and kidney damage while the COX-2 enzyme mainly plays its role in inflammation and pain. While other traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen inhibit the COX-2 enzyme and by this help to relieve pain and inflammation, normally they also inhibit the COX-1 enzyme and thus can cause gastrointestinal side effects like ulcers. COX-2 selective inhibitors like celecoxib, have specific action on the COX-2 enzyme to decrease pain and inflammation, but have very limited action on the COX1 enzyme and thus are associated with a lower occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects.
When should I be careful taking it?
Before taking celecoxib,
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to celecoxib, aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sulfas, or any other drugs.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and over the counter medications you are taking, especially acetaminophen (Tylenol), amiodarone (Cordarone), anticoagulants (”blood thinners”) such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, chloramphenicol, cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), diuretics (”water pills”), fluconazole (Diflucan), fluvoxamine (Luvox), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), medications for high blood pressure, omeprazole (Prilosec), zafirlukast (Accolate), other medications for arthritis, and vitamins. Do not take aspirin or acetaminophen when using celecoxib unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, heart, or kidney disease; high blood pressure; asthma; any stomach problems including ulcers or bleeding; or any other gastrointestinal disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking celecoxib, call your doctor immediately.
If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking celecoxib.
What side effects should I watch for?
Side effects are rare but it may occur a stomach upset or tiredness. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly black or bloody stools, stomach pain, severe headache or a change in the amount of urine. Very unlikely but report promptly dark urine or yellowing eyes or skin. 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. Ifn the event that you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How should I take it?
Celecoxib comes as an orally taken capsule. It is usually taken one or two times a day as needed for pain. Follow the directions on the prescription label carefully, and always ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take celecoxib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often that prescribed by you doctor.
Dietary Considerations
Celecoxib may be taken with or without food. In case celecoxib causes an upset stomach, take it with food.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Where should I keep it?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
