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Celebrex provides
relief from pain and inflammation suffered by
those who have adult rheumatoid arthritis. It was
introduced in the United States in early 1999. It
is the number one arthritis medication used in the
United States. Celebrex basically reduces the pain
arthritis sufferers have. They can then go through
daily activities like standing, walking, lying
down, sitting up and climbing stairs much easier.
The following
information is a summary about Celebrex. It is not
intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
USES:
This medicine is
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
known as a COX-2 inhibitor used to relieve the
symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis in adults. It may also be used to treat
other conditions as determined by your doctor.
BEFORE
USING:
Some medicines or
medical conditions may interact with this
medicine.INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all
prescription and over-the-counter medicine that
you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE
OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking an
ACE inhibitor, an anticoagulant, furosemide,
lithium, or fluconazole. Inform your doctor of any
other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or
breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist
if you have any questions or concerns about taking
this medicine.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
The usual dose of Celebrex¨
for osteoarthritis is 200 mg daily or 100 mg twice
daily. While patients with rheumatoid arthritis
should start with these dosages, some patients
with rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from dosage
of 200 mg twice daily. The maximum daily dose
should not exceed 200 mg twice daily. Ask your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may
have about this medicine. This medicine may be
taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS
MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86
degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a
tightly-closed container, away from heat and
light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, 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.
SIDE
EFFECTS:
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur
while taking this medicine include diarrhea,
indigestion, mild stomach pain, gas, nausea, or
headache. If they continue or are bothersome,
check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS
SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience skin rash or
itching; unexplained weight gain; bloating or
swelling of ankles, feet, or hands; vomiting
material that looks like coffee grounds; blood in
stool or vomit; yellowing of skin or eyes; or
unusual fatigue. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY
if you experience swelling of face, lips, eyes,
throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or
breathing; or hoarseness. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF
YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to aspirin
or any medicine containing aspirin or to a
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as
Feldene, Motrin, Naprosyn, Clinoril). DO NOT TAKE
THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC
REACTION to a sulfonamide antibiotic (Septra DS,
Bactrim DS, Gantrisin). A severe reaction includes
a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or
dizziness. If you have a question about whether
you are allergic to this medicine, contact your
doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty
breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of
eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash
or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not
take any more doses of this medicine unless your
doctor tells you to do so. DO NOT EXCEED THE
RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer
than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while
you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY
CAUSE stomach bleeding. If you drink alcohol on a
daily basis, do not take this medicine without
first discussing it with your doctor. Alcohol use
combined with this medicine may increase your risk
for stomach bleeding. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY
NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or
over-the-counter, check with your doctor or
pharmacist. This includes any medicines that
contain aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or
ketoprofen. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING
PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits
and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy.
IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in
breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this
medicine.
DRUG
INTERACTIONS:
Inform
your doctor about all the medicines you take with
and without a prescription. NOTES:
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it
was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for
other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT out of
the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR
AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before
your supply runs out.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take
it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for
your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take
double or extra doses.
STORAGE:
Store at
room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of
children. |
