What You Should Know Before Ordering Celebrex
Taking Celebrex can increase your risk of serious gastrointestinal (digestive tract) problems, including bleeding and holes in the digestive tract. It can also cause swelling in the feet and hands.
Like other NSAIDs, Celebrex blocks enzymes called cyclooxygenases-1 and -2. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. It may be used to treat menstrual pain or rheumatoid arthritis.
Dosage
Celecoxib (celecoxib) is an anti-inflammatory drug that works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins in the body. It is used to treat pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and menstrual cramps. It is also used with surgery and other treatments to reduce the number of polyps in the colon (large intestine) in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.
Celebrex has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities. The mechanism of action is thought to be due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, primarily via COX-2 inhibition.
In the treatment of RA, OA and ankylosing spondylitis, Celebrex is used alone or in combination with methotrexate and/or other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It has been shown to be effective in the reduction of symptoms including joint swelling and tenderness, pain and inflammation, and fever.
The use of NSAIDs, including CELEBREX, late in pregnancy increases the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus, leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, neonatal renal dysfunction. To decrease the risk of these complications, women should not take Celebrex after 30 weeks of gestation and should not exceed a daily dose of 200 mg.
If you are taking this medicine for a long period of time, it is important to visit your doctor regularly for blood tests to check for side effects such as liver and kidney function. This will help your doctor to adjust your dose if needed.
Celecoxib is eliminated mainly by hepatic metabolism and little unchanged drug is recovered in the urine and feces. A radio labeled test in healthy volunteers indicated that less than 3% of the absorbed dose is excreted as carboxylic acid and glucuronide metabolites in the urine and feces.
This medication may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal in older adults. This can be especially dangerous if you have severe or stomach or intestinal ulcers, or are taking certain other drugs that increase your risk for bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have a history of these problems or are taking other drugs that can affect blood clotting such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or sulfonamides.
Side effects
Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which works by blocking the production of certain hormones that cause pain and inflammation in the body. It is used to treat pain or swelling caused by many conditions including arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and menstrual pain. It is also used to reduce the number of polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.
Like other NSAIDs, this drug can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. This risk increases with age and with longer use of the drug. If you have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before taking Celebrex.
Serious skin reactions such as erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis have occurred in some people taking Celebrex. These skin reactions can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have symptoms of these serious skin reactions, including fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, swelling of your face or throat, or red or purple skin rash with blisters and peeling. Tell your doctor if you have had these kinds of serious reactions to other NSAIDs.
NSAIDs, including Celebrex, can affect your kidney function. This can be especially dangerous if you already have kidney problems or are taking other drugs that affect kidney function. Your doctor may test your kidneys before and after giving you this medication. If you have severe kidney problems, this drug should be avoided or given only under close medical supervision.
This drug has been shown to pass through breast milk and can harm a nursing baby. It should not be taken by women who are breastfeeding or anyone else who might nurse. Studies in animals have shown that celecoxib crosses the placenta and can cause fetal damage. Talk to your doctor before using this drug during pregnancy.
This drug has boxed warnings, which are the FDA’s most serious warnings. You should read this information carefully before starting treatment and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Celecoxib (Sell-e-COX-eb) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that works by reducing hormones that cause pain and swelling. It is used for the relief of symptoms of arthritis such as pain, inflammation, and stiffness. This medicine also reduces fever, joint tenderness, and swelling. Celebrex is used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is also used to relieve menstrual cramps. This medicine does not cure arthritis, but it can help improve your quality of life.
NSAIDs increase the risk of stomach and intestinal ulcers, especially in older adults. They may also cause heart attack or stroke. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, weakness in one part or side of the body, slurred speech, or trouble breathing. Get emergency medical help if you have severe side effects, such as a very serious skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, red or purple rash that spreads and blisters) or other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling in the face or throat.
In late pregnancy, use of NSAIDs, such as Celebrex, increases the risk of heart defects in the newborn. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor before taking this medicine. This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medicine without telling your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
This medication interacts with certain drugs, including aspirin, other NSAIDs, and cold/allergy medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements you take.
Using NSAIDs, such as Celebrex, during the last 3 months of pregnancy increases the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus, resulting in oligohydramnios. It may also cause renal dysfunction in the infant. If this occurs, discontinue the medication, but be sure to inform your doctor if you are concerned.
Overdose
The recommended dosage of Celebrex depends on the age and weight of the patient. The medication is taken orally, usually twice daily. The exact dose is determined by the doctor. This drug is not recommended for pregnant women, as it could cause harm to the fetus. Additionally, the medication may pass into breast milk, which could cause serious side effects in a nursing infant.
The medication should be stored at room temperature in a sealed container. It should be kept out of reach of children and pets. If the expiration date has passed, do not use the drug. Instead, consult your pharmacist for alternatives.
Serious side effects of this drug are rare, but can occur. These include liver problems, kidney failure, and digestive tract problems, such as ulcers. These problems can be life-threatening. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Other side effects of this medication include diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, and indigestion. It may also increase your risk for heart attack or stroke. These risks are greater if you have heart disease or have had heart surgery in the past. You are at a greater risk for these problems if you smoke or have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
In rare cases, this drug can lead to a disorder called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This condition causes abnormal blood clotting throughout the body. The condition occurs mostly in children with systemic onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
If you have systemic onset JRA, your doctor will test you for this disorder before starting you on Celebrex. If you have a history of DIC, your doctor will probably not recommend this drug.
NSAIDs, such as Celebrex, can raise your chance of having a heart attack or stroke. This is especially true if you have preexisting heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease or high blood pressure. These conditions can worsen if you take NSAIDs long-term. Your doctor will monitor your heart and blood pressure while you are taking this medication.
