Celecoxib (By Mouth)

Celecoxib (se-le-KOX-ib)

Treats menstrual cramps, or chronic pain caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Also treats certain types of polyps in the colon. This medicine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Brand Name(s):

Celebrex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to celecoxib, sulfa drugs, aspirin, or other NSAIDs such as Motrin®, Naprosyn®, Aleve®, Clinoril®, Daypro®, Indocin®, Relafen®, or Orudis®. You should not use this medicine during the last 3 months of a pregnancy.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Take the capsule with a full glass of water.
• You may take the medicine with or without food. If the medicine upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aspirin, blood thinners (Coumadin®), fluconazole (Diflucan®), furosemide (Lasix®), a steroid taken by mouth (such as cortisone, prednisone Celestone®, Cortone®, Decadron®, Deltasone®, Pediapred®), blood pressure medicine (such as Accupril®, Altace®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Vasotec®, Zestril®), or other pain or arthritis medicines.
• Drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco while taking this medicine may increase the risk of ulcers or stomach bleeding.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, asthma, bleeding disorders, or ulcers and other stomach problems.
• This medicine will not cure colorectal or stomach cancer. If you are being treated for polyps, continue all other medical care as instructed by your doctor.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Bloody or black, tarry bowel movements
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools
• Fever, chills, sore throat
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach
• Rapid weight gain
• Severe stomach pain, bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhea, gas

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.