Brand Name: Celebrex (celecoxib (sell-a-COKS-ib))

Why is Celebrex Prescribed?

Celebrex is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis.

Celebrex is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Celebrex be used to treat arthritis?

Celebrex comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Celebrex exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Celebrex

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Celebrex aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sulfas, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially acetaminophen (Tylenol), amiodarone (Cordarone), anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, chloramphenicol, cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), diuretics ('water pills'), fluconazole (Diflucan), fluvoxamine (Luvox), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), medications for high blood pressure, omeprazole (Prilosec), zafirlukast (Accolate), other medications for arthritis, and vitamins. Do not take aspirin or acetaminophen when using Celebrex unless directed to do so by your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, heart, or kidney disease; high blood pressure; asthma; any stomach problems including ulcers or bleeding; or any other gastrointestinal disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Celebrex call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Celebrex.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Celebrex may be taken with or without food. If Celebrex causes an upset stomach, take it with food.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Celebrex cause?

Although side effects from Celebrex are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• water retention
• upset stomach
• stomach pain or cramps
• diarrhea
• gas
• headache

• bloody vomit
• bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
• ringing in the ears
• blurred vision
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• skin rash
• itching
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• unexplained weight gain

What storage conditions are needed for Celebrex?

Keep Celebrex in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose:

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. Symptoms of overdose may include:

• lack of energy
• drowsiness
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• stomach pain