CELEBREX (CELECOXIB)
Celebrex contains the active ingredient celecoxib. It comes as a capsule that you swallow. You can also open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on a spoonful of applesauce to swallow. This is available in four different strengths: 50 milligrams (mg), 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg. Celebrex is available as a generic drug called celecoxib. A generic equivalent medication is similar to a brand-name medication. This medication delivers the same therapeutic effect as the brand name medication but may differ in size, shape and colours. The generic equivalent is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generic equivalents tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. In some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may come in different forms and strengths. Celebrex contains the active drug celecoxib.
USE
Celebrex is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s FDA-approved to treat the following conditions* by reducing inflammation (swelling and damage) and relieving pain: osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing, spondylitis (a form of arthritis that affects the spine), acute (short-term) pain in adults, primary dysmenorrhea (period pain or menstrual cramps) and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Celebrex belongs to a drug class called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A drug class is a group of medications that work in a similar way.
BEFORE YOU TAKE THIS MEDICATION
You should not use Celebrex if you are allergic to celecoxib, or if you have: an allergy to sulfa drugs; or a history of asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: a stomach ulcer, bleeding in your stomach or intestines; heart disease, high blood pressure; asthma; bleeding problems; liver or kidney disease; or if you smoke or drink alcohol. If you are pregnant, you should not take Celebrex unless your doctor tells you to. Taking a NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy. It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
HOW TO USE CELEBREX (CELECOXIB)
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. To decrease the chance of stomach upset, this drug is best taken with food. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Take this medication at the lowest effective dose and only for the prescribed length of time. Take this medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication. For certain conditions (such as arthritis), it may take up to two weeks of taking this drug regularly before you get the full benefit. If you are taking this drug on an “as needed” basis (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
SIDE EFFECTS
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath. Stop using celecoxib and call your doctor at once if you have: the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; heart problems–swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; signs of stomach bleeding–bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; liver problems–nausea, stomach pain (upper right side), itching, tiredness, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); kidney problems–little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or low red blood cells (anemia)–pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet. Common side effects may include: stomach pain, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting; swelling in your hands or feet; dizziness; or cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
WHAT DRUGS AND FOOD SHOULD I AVOID WHILE TAKING CELEBREX (CELECOXIB)?
Avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs unless your doctor tells you to. Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to celecoxib (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).
WILL I NEED TO USE THIS DRUG LONG TERM?
It depends why you’re taking it. Celebrex is taken on a short-term basis to relieve acute pain, such as back pain or menstrual cramps. But you may take Celebrex on a long-term basis for chronic conditions such as arthritis, if your doctor determines this is safe for you. Celebrex should be taken at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time. Be sure to take Celebrex only as directed by your doctor.
Celebrex (Celecoxib) is a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that is used to treat pain, arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, and colonic polyps. Celebrex is also used for relief of pain, fever, swelling, and tenderness caused by osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. There are important drug interactions to review when taking Celebrex. Side effects should also be reviewed. At USA Script Helpers, we carry a wide variation of medications including Celebrex (Celecoxib) as well as Canadian Insulin. Only at USA Script Helpers you can find approved and the most affordable medications. Including both brand name and generic equivalent medications. USH also offers PetMeds aside from human medications. Place your order online at www.usascripthelpers.com.
