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Brand Name: Celebrex
Generic Name: Celecoxib
(sell a kox' ib)
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Why is celebrex prescribed?
Celebrex (Celecoxib) is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis and to treat painful menstrual periods and pain from other causes. It is also used to reduce the number of polyps in the colon and rectum in patients with a disease called familial adenomatous polposis. Celebrex is in a class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) called COX-2 inhibitors. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain and inflammation. COX-2 inhibitors may cause less stomach bleeding and ulcers than similar medications.
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How should celebrex be used properly?
Celecoxib (Celebrex) comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. For the treatment of familial adenomatous polposis, celecoxib is taken twice a day with food. To help you remember to take celecoxib, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and 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 than prescribed by your doctor.
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What are the common uses for celebrex?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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What special precautions should I follow when using celebrex?
Before taking celecoxib,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to celecoxib, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), sulfa drugs, or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; diuretics ('water pills'); fluconazole (Diflucan); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); and oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease; heart failure; high blood pressure; asthma; or any stomach problems, including ulcers or bleeding.
- 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.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking celecoxib.
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What special dietary instructions should I follow while taking celebrex?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
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What should I do if I forget a dose of celebrex?
You should take the missed dose of celebrex just as soon as you remember to take it. Unless, it is almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose of your medication to make up for a missed one.
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What side effects can celebrex cause?
Celecoxib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- gas or bloating
- stomach pain
- sore throat
- diarrhea
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- nusual bleeding or bruising
- unexplained weight gain
- black and tarry stools
- excessive tiredness
- red blood in stools
- flu-like symptoms
- loss of appetite
- lack of energy
- bloody vomit
- hoarseness
- pale skin
- itching
- rash
Celecoxib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
» top What storage conditions are needed for celebrex?
Always keep the celebrex in the same container it came in. Make sure it is tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture; do not store this medication in the bathroom.
Always be sure to dispose of any medication that is no longer needed or outdated. Be sure to ask your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
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What do I do in case of emergency or a celebrex overdose?
In case of an celebrex overdose, be sure to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim is not breathing or has collapsed, dial 911 for local emergency services.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- upset stomach
- lack of energy
- stomach pain
- drowsiness
- vomiting
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What other information should I know about celebrex?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to celecoxib.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only; please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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