Celebrex

About

Celebrex is used to relieve some symptoms caused by arthritis, such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. However, this medicine does not cure arthritis and will help you only as long as you continue to take it.

Celecoxib may also be used for the following problems:

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (polyps in the intestines);
• Moderate or severe pain, such as after dental or orthopedic procedures;
• Pain during menstruation

How to use Celebrex

• Take Celebrex by mouth. It may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Taking it with food may not lower the risk of stomach or bowel problems (eg, bleeding, ulcers). Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have persistent stomach upset.
• Some doses of Celebrex should be taken with food. Ask your doctor if you have questions about how to take Celebrex .
• Take Celebrex with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL) as directed by your doctor.
• Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Celebrex .
• If you miss a dose of Celebrex and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Celebrex.

Dosing

The dose of celecoxib will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of celecoxib. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of capsules that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking celecoxib . 

• For ankylosing spondylitis:
  • Adults— 200 mg once a day or 100 mg twice a day. Dose may be increased to 400 mg a day after 6 weeks if no effect is observed.
  • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For familial adenomatous polyposis (polyps in the intestines):
  • Adults— 400 mg twice a day with food.
  • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For moderate or severe pain, such as after dental or orthopedic procedures:
  • Adults— On the first day take 400 mg for the first dose then 200 mg as needed as a second dose. After the first day take 200 mg twice a day.
  • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• Pain during menstruation:
• Adults— On the first day take 400 mg for the first dose then 200 mg as needed as a second dose. After the first day take 200 mg twice a day.
• Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For rheumatoid arthritis:
  • Adults— 100 to 200 mg twice a day.
  • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For osteoarthritis:
  • Adults— 200 mg a day as a single dose or 100 mg twice day.
  • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missdose

Since celecoxib is sometimes taken only as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Important safety information

• Celebrex may cause dizziness or drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Celebrex with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Serious stomach ulcers or bleeding can occur with the use of Celebrex . Taking it in high doses or for a long time, smoking, or drinking alcohol increases the risk of these side effects. Taking Celebrex with food will NOT reduce the risk of these effects. Contact your doctor or emergency room at once if you have severe stomach or back pain; black, tarry stools; vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds; or unusual weight gain or swelling.
• Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor
• Celebrex is an NSAID. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has an NSAID (eg, ibuprofen) in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not take aspirin while you are using Celebrex unless your doctor tells you to.
• FAP patients - Celebrex has not been shown to reduce FAP-related cancers or the need for other procedures or surgeries. Continue your usual care while you use Celebrex .
• Lab tests, including kidney function, complete blood cell counts, blood clotting, and blood pressure, may be performed while you use Celebrex . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Celebrex with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
• Caution is advised when using Celebrex in CHILDREN who have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially blood clotting problems.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Celebrex may cause harm to the fetus. Do not use it during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Celebrex while you are pregnant. Celebrex is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Celebrex .