Celecoxib (Systemic)
Brand Names : Celebrex
Precautions While Using This MedicineIf you will be taking this medicine for a long time, your doctor
should check your progress at regular visits
.
Stomach problems may be more likely to occur if you drink alcoholic beverages
while being treated with this medicine. Therefore, do
not regularly drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medicine
,
unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Taking two or more of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs together
on a regular basis may increase the chance of unwanted effects. Also, taking
acetaminophen, aspirin or other salicylates, or ketorolac (e.g., Toradol)
regularly while you are taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug may increase
the chance of unwanted effects. The risk will depend on how much of each medicine
you take every day, and on how long you take the medicines together. If your
health care professional directs you to take these medicines together on a
regular basis, follow his or her directions carefully. However, do not take acetaminophen or aspirin or other salicylates together with this
medicine for more than a few days, and do not take any ketorolac (e.g., Toradol)
while you are taking this medicine, unless your doctor has directed you to
do so and is following your progress
.
Serious side effects can occur during treatment with this medicine. Sometimes
serious side effects can occur without any warning. However, possible warning
signs often occur, including swelling of the face, fingers, feet, and/or lower
legs; severe stomach pain, black, tarry stools, and/or vomiting of blood or
material that looks like coffee grounds; unusual weight gain; and/or skin
rash. Stop taking this medicine and check with your doctor
immediately if you notice any of these warning signs.
Check with your doctor immediately if fever, drowsiness,
itching of the skin, tiredness, nausea, or stomach pain occurs; these effects
may be the first signs of liver toxicity
.
Celecoxib may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
Although this is rare, it may occur often in patients who are allergic to
aspirin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or sulfonamide-type drugs.
Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention
.
The most serious signs of this reaction are very fast or irregular breathing,
gasping for breath, wheezing, or fainting. Other signs may include changes
in color of the skin of the face; very fast but irregular heartbeat or pulse;
hive-like swellings on the skin; and puffiness or swellings of the eyelids
or around the eyes. If these effects occur, get emergency help at once. Ask
someone to drive you to the nearest hospital emergency room. If this is not
possible, do not try to drive yourself. Call an ambulance, lie down, cover
yourself to keep warm, and prop your feet higher than your head. Stay in that
position until help arrives.
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