celecoxib ( celebrex )

Brand Name: Celebrex

Celecoxib is used for:
Treating rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, menstrual pain, or pain. It is used in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) to decrease the number of polyps (growths) in the rectal area. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Celecoxib is a COX-2 inhibitor NSAID. It works by blocking certain substances in the body that cause inflammation. NSAIDs treat the symptoms of pain and inflammation. They do not treat the disease that causes those symptoms.

Do NOT use Celecoxib if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Celecoxib
you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, trouble breathing, growths in the nose, dizziness) to aspirin, an NSAID (eg, ibuprofen), or a sulfonamide (eg, sulfamethoxazole)
you have recently had or will be having heart bypass surgery
you have severe liver or kidney problems
you are in the last 3 months of pregnancy
you are taking another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (eg, ibuprofen)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

How to use Celecoxib :
Use Celecoxib as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Celecoxib comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Celecoxib refilled.
Take Celecoxib 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 Celecoxib should be taken with food. Ask your doctor if you have questions about how to take Celecoxib .
Take Celecoxib with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL) as directed by your doctor.
Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Celecoxib .
If you miss a dose of Celecoxib 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.

Possible side effects of Celecoxib :
All medicines can cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; sore throat; stomach upset; stuffy nose.Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hearing loss; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision or speech changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes.