Celebrex
is a drug that helps relieve pain associated with
osteoarthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis.
The reason that Celebrex has become so popular
is because it is easier on the stomach than other
anti-arthritis medication.
Reporting on the 63rd Annual Meeting of the American
College of Rheumatology in December, thirdage.com
reported that in analysis of 800 arthritis patients,
more than one-third had stopped taking medications
because they couldn't handle the stomach pains
associated with the drugs.
50 Celebrex
200mg Capsules
$219.00
100 Celebrex 200mg Capsules
$349.00
CELEBREX DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,
pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not
be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug.
CELECOXIB - ORAL (sell-eh-COX-ib)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Celebrex
USES: This medication is
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which relieves
pain and inflammation (swelling). It is used to treat pain,
swelling and stiffness due to arthritis. This drug works by
blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins.
Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.
HOW TO USE: 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.
SIDE EFFECTS: 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.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this
drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic
reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble
breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor
your medical history, including: allergies (especially allergies
to drugs such as sulfas or NSAID like ibuprofen), kidney problems,
liver problems, heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure,
swelling (edema), blood disorders (anemia), serious infections,
stomach problems (bleeding or ulcers), asthma, growths in
the nose (nasal polyps), dehydration, poorly controlled diabetes.
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. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into
breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding
while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor
before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when this drug is
used in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to the
side effects of this medication.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your
doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications
you use, especially of: fluconazole, lithium, "water
pills" (diuretics, e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide),
drugs for high blood pressure, ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril,
lisinopril), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), "blood
thinners" (e.g., warfarin), NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen).
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels
carefully since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers
(NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin) which are
similar to this drug. Aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor
for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually
these dosages are 81-325 mg per day), should be continued.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not
start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: 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.
NOTES: Do not share this
medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may
be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: 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.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature
between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 - 30 degrees C) away from
light and moisture.
