Celebrex (Celecoxib)

Celebrex (celecoxib) is a pain-relief medicine that lowers inflammation. It’s classified as a COX-2 inhibitor that works by blocking a substance in the body (COX-2) that causes pain and inflammation. Celebrex may treat mild to moderate pain and help relieve symptoms of several types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It can also help with menstrual pain, short-term pain after injuries or medical procedures, and juvenile arthritis in children ages 2 and older.

Directions

Celecoxib comes as a capsule that's taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. However, the exact dosage depends on the condition being treated. For osteoarthritis, the usual dose is 200 mg per day taken as a single dose or divided into 100 mg twice daily. For rheumatoid arthritis, the typical dosage is 100 to 200 mg twice daily. For acute pain or menstrual cramps, the recommended starting dose is 400 mg once, followed by an additional 200 mg if needed on the first day, then 200 mg twice daily as needed.

Doses up to 200 mg may be taken with or without food, but doses above 200 mg should be taken with food to improve absorption. The lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration needed to manage symptoms. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Swallow the capsules whole with water rather than opening or crushing them.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Celebrex is celecoxib.

Cautions

• Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about:
  • Any existing health conditions
  • Any allergies
  • A list of all medications currently being taken
• Celebrex can increase the risk of serious heart problems, including heart attack and stroke, which can happen early in treatment and are more likely at higher doses or with long-term use.
• People with heart disease, risk factors for heart disease, or a recent heart attack have a higher overall risk, and Celebrex should generally be avoided after recent heart surgery or a recent heart attack unless necessary.
• Celebrex can cause serious stomach and intestinal problems such as ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the digestive tract, which can occur without warning and may be life-threatening.
• The risk of stomach bleeding is higher in older adults, people with a history of ulcers, those who drink alcohol, smoke, or take blood thinners, steroids, aspirin, or certain antidepressants.
• Liver problems, including rare but severe liver injury, have been reported, so symptoms like nausea, fatigue, itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms should be reported right away.
• Celebrex can raise blood pressure or make existing high blood pressure worse, so blood pressure should be monitored during treatment.
• Fluid retention and worsening heart failure can occur, especially in people with existing heart problems, and symptoms like swelling or shortness of breath should be watched closely.
• Kidney problems may develop, particularly in people who are dehydrated, older, or who have kidney, heart, or liver disease, and kidney function may need monitoring during treatment.
• Serious allergic reactions, including life-threatening reactions, can occur, especially in people with aspirin-sensitive asthma or sulfa allergies, and emergency care is needed if symptoms like trouble breathing or swelling appear.
• Severe skin reactions have been reported and may be fatal, so Celebrex should be stopped immediately if a rash, blistering, or other signs of skin reaction develop.
• Celebrex should be avoided during late pregnancy because it can harm the unborn baby’s heart or kidneys, and use earlier in pregnancy should be limited to the lowest dose for the shortest time if needed.
• Celebrex may increase the risk of anemia and bleeding, especially when taken with blood thinners or certain antidepressants, so signs like unusual fatigue, dizziness, or bleeding should be reported.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

Known hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) to celecoxib, sulfonamides, or any inactive ingredients of the drug

History of asthma, hives, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs

Use during the peri-operative period in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery

Advanced kidney disease

Active peptic ulcer disease or recent gastrointestinal bleeding

Pregnancy during the third trimester (starting at 30 weeks of gestation)

Side Effects

Common side effects of Celebrex include:

• Stomach pain, indigestion, or heartburn
• Diarrhea or nausea
• Headache or dizziness
• Swelling of the legs or ankles (edema)

These side effects are generally mild and may occur early in treatment. Digestive symptoms are among the most commonly reported side effects, especially with longer-term use.

More serious side effects can include heart attack, stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, liver injury, or severe skin or allergic reactions. The risk of serious cardiovascular or GI events may increase with higher doses or prolonged use. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, black or bloody stools, severe rash, swelling of the face or throat, or sudden changes in urine output.