Celecoxib (By mouth)
sel-e-KOX-ib
Treats pain. This medicine is an NSAID.
Drug classes
Analgesic, Antirheumatic, Central Nervous System Agent, Musculoskeletal Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat mild to moderate pain and help relieve symptoms of arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. However, this medicine does not cure arthritis and will help you only as long as you continue to take it.
Celecoxib is also used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of arthritis that affects the joints in the spine. This medicine may also be used to treat acute pain and menstrual cramps.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk so it does not upset your stomach.
Use this medicine for the shortest time possible and in the smallest dose possible. This will help lower the risk of side effects.
If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a teaspoon of applesauce. Stir the mixture well and swallow right away. Drink enough water to make sure you swallow all of the medicine.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Any medicine that has been mixed with applesauce may be stored in a refrigerator and used within 6 hours.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines and foods can affect how celecoxib works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
A blood thinner, such as warfarin A diuretic (water pill), such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), torsemide Blood pressure medicine, such as enalapril, lisinopril, losartan, olmesartan, valsartan Fluconazole Lithium Other pain or arthritis medicine, such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen Steroid medicine, such as hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisoneDo not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction (including asthma) to celecoxib, aspirin, NSAIDs, or a sulfa drug (such as sulfamethoxazole). Do not use this medicine right before or right after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine during the later part of pregnancy, unless your doctor tells you to.
Tell your doctor if you have a history of ulcers or other stomach problems, kidney or liver disease, anemia, aspirin-sensitive asthma, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or other heart or circulation problems.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
A serious liver problem Bleeding in your stomach or intestines Increased risk for a heart attack or stroke Risk for disseminated intravascular coagulation (bleeding problem) in children younger than 18 yearsTell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Bloody or black, tarry stools
Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood
Fast or slow heartbeat
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
Pain in your calf
Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish skin
Sudden or severe headache, dizziness, or problems with vision, speech, or walking
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, rapid weight gain
Unusual tiredness or weakness, pale skin
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild skin rash
Muscle or joint pain
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Celebrex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.