Product Description

About

Generic name: Celecoxib Brand names: Celebrex Celebrex is prescribed for acute pain, menstrual cramps, and the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is a member of a new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) called COX-2 inhibitors. Like older NSAIDs such as Motrin and Naprosyn, Celebrex is believed to fight pain and inflammation by inhibiting the effect of a natural enzyme called COX-2. Unlike the older medications, however, it does not interfere with a similar substance, called COX-1, which exerts a protective effect on the lining of the stomach. Therefore, Celebrex may be less likely to cause the bleeding and ulcers that sometimes accompany sustained use of the older NSAIDs. Celebrex has also been found to reduce the number of colorectal polyps (growths in the wall of the lower intestine and rectum) in people who suffer from the condition called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), an inherited tendency to develop large numbers of colorectal polyps that eventually become cancerous.

How to take

- You should continue to take CELEBREX as prescribed even when you are feeling better. CELEBREX can be taken with or without food. - In Osteoarthritis, the recommended dose for CELEBREX is 100 - 200 mg a day. CELEBREX delivers 24-hour relief from a once-daily dose of 200 mg. - In Rheumatoid Arthritis, the recommended dose for CELEBREX is 100 mg to 200 mg, twice a day. CELEBREX provides relief through the day and through the night. CAN I TAKE CELEBREX IF I AM TAKING OTHER MEDICATIONS? If you are one of the many people who take low-dose aspirin for the prevention of heart attack or stroke, you can still take CELEBREX. However, taking CELEBREX and aspirin together can increase your risk for developing stomach ulcers compared to taking CELEBREX alone. CELEBREX is not a substitute for aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention. CAN I TAKE CELEBREX IF I AM PREGNANT? In late pregnancy CELEBREX should be avoided because it may cause problems in the final development of the heart in the fetus. IS CELEBREX A SUBSTITUTE FOR CORTICOSTEROIDS? NO. CELEBREX cannot be expected to substitute for corticosteroids or to treat corticosteroid insufficiency. Abrupt discontinuation of this medicine may lead to exacerbation of corticosteroid-responsive illness. Patients on prolonged corticosteroid therapy should have their therapy tapered slowly if a decision is made to discontinue this medication. INCLUDE IN YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY/PERSONAL PROFILE : - If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Celebrex should not be used in late pregnancy because it may harm the fetus. - If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. It is not known whether Celebrex is passed through to human breast milk and what its effects could be on a nursing child. - If you have kidney disease. - If you have liver disease. - If you have heart failure. - If you have high blood pressure. - If you have had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs. - If you have had a serious stomach problem (ulcers) in the past.

Missed dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Warnings and precautions

Do not take CELEBREX if you: - has had an allergic reaction such as asthma attacks, hives, or swelling of the throat and face to aspirin or other NSAIDs (for example, ibuprofen and naproxen). - havehad an allergic reaction to celecoxib, which is the active ingredient of CELEBREX any of its inactive ingredients.

Side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Celebrex.

* More common side effects may include: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, nausea, respiratory infection, sinus inflammation

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.