Description

Chemical Name: CELECOXIB (ce-le-KOX-ib)

Celebrex is a CAPSULE, it CANNOT be split in half.

CELEBREX (celecoxib) is an anti-inflammatory medication that is used to relieve some symptoms caused by arthritis, such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Doctors may prescribe CELEBREX to treat conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and menstrual pain. It is also used in the treatment of hereditary polyps in the colon.

Caution: CELEBREX does not cure arthritis and will help you only as long as you continue to take it.

Directions

CELEBREX should always be taken as prescribed. If you experience side effects, or feel like you're not getting the relief you need, be sure to talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

• Take CELEBREX orally with or without food at any time of the day. It is recommended to begin a daily routine for taking CELEBREX.
• Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
• If you have trouble swallowing pills, try adding the entire contents of a CELEBREX capsule onto one teaspoon of cool or room temperature applesauce and take immediately with water.
• Take CELEBREX with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL) or as directed by your doctor.
• Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking CELEBREX.

• Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding
• Avoid taking Celebrex together with other NSAIDs medications
• Consult your doctor before using any cold, allergy, or pain medicine
• Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Celebrex can make you sunburn more easily

Cautions

Like all medications, there are potential risks that you should be aware of before taking CELEBREX. CELEBREX may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if used long-term. This medication can cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation. These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are taking CELEBREX, especially in older adults.

Do not take CELEBREX:

• before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG)
• if you are allergic to celecoxib, or if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin, sulfa drugs, or other NSAIDs
• if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot
• heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure
• a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding
• liver or kidney disease
• a seizure disorder
• asthma
• polyps in your nose
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder

Side Effects

As with all medications, CELEBREX has side effects which range from moderate to serious.

Less serious side effects from CELEBREX may include:

• upset stomach, diarrhea, bloating, gas
• dizziness, nervousness, headache
• runny or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• mild skin rash
• back pain
• inability to sleep

• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat
• hives
• chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath
• slurred speech, problems with vision or balance
• black, bloody, or tarry stools
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• swelling or rapid weight gain
• urinating more or less than usual
• nausea, upper stomach pain
• itching
• loss of appetite
• dark urine
• clay-colored stools
• jaundice
• skin rash
• bruising
• severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness

Clinical studies prove that a lower percentage of patients taking CELEBREX reported stomach discomfort (including indigestion, abdominal pain, and nausea) versus those taking prescription ibuprofen and naproxen.