Celebrex

celecoxib

Celebrex is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Celebrex works by reducing substances that cause inflammation, pain, and fever in the body. Celecoxib is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Celecoxib is also used to reduce the number of adenomatous colorectal polyps in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), to treat acute pain, and to treat pain associated with menstruation. Celecoxib has become popular as it is easier on the stomach than other anti-arthritis medications.

Celecoxib is a COX-2 inhibitor NSAID. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling. It does not treat the disease that causes those symptoms.

Take by mouth, generally once or twice daily, as directed by your doctor. To decrease the chance of stomach upset, this drug is best taken with food. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Take this medication with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug.

Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals. For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, the lowest dose of Celebrex should be used. These doses can be given without regard to timing of meals. - Osteoarthritis: For relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis the recommended oral dose is 200 mg per day administered as a single dose or as 100 mg twice per day. - Rheumatoid arthritis: For relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis the recommended oral dose is 100 to 200 mg twice per day. - Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis: Pediatric Patients (2 years and older): 10-25 kg 50 mg twice daily, more than 25 kg 100 mg twice daily. - Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): For the management of the signs and symptoms of AS, the recommended dose of Celebrex is 200 mg daily single (once per day) or divided (twice per day) doses. If no effect is observed after 6 weeks, a trial of 400 mg daily may be worthwhile. If no effect is observed after 6 weeks on 400 mg daily, a response is not likely and consideration should be given to alternate treatment options. - Management of Acute Pain and Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea: The recommended dose of Celebrex is 400 mg initially, followed by an additional 200 mg dose if needed on the first day. On subsequent days, the recommended dose is 200 mg twice daily as needed. - Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP): Usual medical care for FAP patients should be continued while on Celebrex. To reduce the number of adenomatous colorectal polyps in patients with FAP, the recommended oral dose is 400 mg twice per day to be taken with food.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Stomach upset, diarrhea, gas or nausea may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Very unlikely but report promptly: unusual fatigue, yellowing eyes or skin, severe headache, unexplained weight gain, change in amount of urine. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking this drug and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent stomach/ abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first 3 months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last 6 months of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool, ringing in the ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, severe headache or loss of consciousness.