Celebrex General information Page
The
information below is related to Celebrex a medication for the treatment of
arthritis. It is not meant to take the place of your doctor's instruction.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Celebrex is
for the relief of the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis (OA) and adult
rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and was introduced in the United States in early
1999. Celebrex is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that exhibits
anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. By effectively
reducing the pain, inflammation and stiffness of arthritis, Celebrex can help
you through the day with activities like standing, walking or climbing stairs,
and through the night while sitting or lying in bed.
Some 40 million
Americans suffer from some form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common
form. It occurs when cartilage - the slippery, lubricated cushion between bones
- erodes either because of a previous injury, excessive use or other factors.
After the cartilage erodes, bone grinds against bone. Pain, stiffness, a limited
range of motion and inflammation may occur in the affected joint.
Prior
to Celebrex, these individuals depended on the traditional non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as Voltaren, Naprosyn, Lodine,
Aspirin, etc.
NSAIDS are a group of medications commonly used to treat
arthritis secondary to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and fever reduction
properties. The mechanism of action of NSAIDS is the inhibition of the enzyme
cyclooxygenase.
Today, advances in research have shown that there are
actually two types of the cyclooxygenase enzymes. COX-1, this is responsible for
protecting the stomach and COX-2 responsible for inflammation. Unfortunately,
traditional NSAIDS target both of these enzymes. Subsequently, these medications
are associated with a high incidence of gastro-intestinal side effects including
dyspepsia, bleeding, ulceration and perforation of the stomach, small and large
intestine. Celebrex does not inhibit the cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1)
isoenzyme.
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Celebrex 200mg tablets
Celebrex 100mg tablets
How does
Celebrex work?
The human body produces two enzymes called COX-1
and COX-2. COX-1 helps regulate normal cell function in the stomach and blood.
COX-2 plays a role in causing arthritis pain and inflammation. Celebrex is a
scientific breakthrough-the first product to target only the COX-2
enzyme.
Clinical trials have proven that Celebrex is effective at
reducing arthritis pain, inflammation and stiffness. It is also effective for
the relief of pain and inflammation of one of the most severe forms of
arthritis, RA.
Who should consider
Celebrex?
Celebrex is a prescription medicine that delivers
powerful relief of pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis and adult
rheumatoid arthritis. Anyone who has been diagnosed as having any of the above
conditions can consider taking Celebrex.
In addition Celebrex is
indicated to reduce the number of adenomatous colorectal polyps in familial
adenomatous polyposis (FAP), as an adjunct to usual care (e.g., endoscopic
surveillance, surgery).
How can Celebrex help
me?
Celebrex:
- Effectively
reduces the pain, inflammation and stiffness associated with arthritis.
- Can help you
through the day with activities like standing, walking or climbing
stairs.
- And can help
through the night while sitting or lying in bed.
Who
should not take Celebrex?
You should not take Celebrex in late
pregnancy or if you have allergic reactions, such as asthma, to aspirin, other
arthritis medicines or certain sulfa drugs called
sulfonamides.
What should I tell my Doctor?
You
should tell your doctor about your complete medical history. Be sure to tell
your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, or are pregnant.
Inform
your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy or
breast-feeding.
Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
What are the most
common side effects of Celebrex?
The most common side effects
were indigestion, diarrhea and abdominal pain. In rare cases, serious stomach
problems, such as bleeding, can occur without warning.
Check with your
doctor as soon as possible if you experience skin rash or itching; unexplained
weight gain; bloating or swelling of ankles, feet, or hands; vomiting materials
that look like coffee grounds; blood in stool or vomit; yellowing of skin or
eyes; or unusual fatigue.
Contact your doctor immediately if you
experience swelling of face, lips, eyes, throat or tongue; difficulty swallowing
or breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Are there any precautions I should be
aware of?
Do not take this medicine if you have had a severe
allergic reaction to aspirin or any medicine containing aspirin or to a
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as Feldene, Motrin, Naprosyn,
Clinoril). Do not take this medicine if you have had a severe allergic reaction
to a sulfonamide antibiotic (Septra DS, Bactrim DS, Gantrisin). A severe
reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If
you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine, contact
your doctor or pharmacist. If you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of
chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives,
tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless
your doctor tells you to do so. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take this
medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Keep all
doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. This
medicine may cause stomach bleeding. If you drink alcohol on a daily basis, do
not take this medicine without first discussing it with your doctor. Alcohol use
combined with this medicine may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Before
you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter,
check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that contain
aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen.
FOR WOMEN: If
you plan to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of
using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted
in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
Do not
share this medication with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use the
medicine for other health conditions. Keep this product out of the reach of
children. If using this medicine for an extended period, obtain refills before
your supply runs out.
Can I take Celebrex if I am taking other
medicines?
If you take Celebrex with certain other medicines, they
may affect or interact with one another. Be sure to tell your doctor or other
healthcare professional about all prescription and nonprescription medicines you
are taking.
Additional monitoring of your dose and/or condition may be
needed if you are taking an ACE inhibitor, an anticoagulant, furosemide,
lithium, or fluconazole. Inform your doctor.
If you are one of the many
people who take low-dose aspirin for the prevention of heart attack or stroke,
you can still take Celebrex. However, taking Celebrex and aspirin together can
increase your risk for developing stomach ulcers compared to taking Celebrex
alone. Celebrex is not a substitute for aspirin for heart attack or stroke
prevention.
How much and when?
Your doctor or healthcare
professional will tell you how to take Celebrex. You should continue to take
Celebrex as prescribed even when you are feeling better. Celebrex can be taken
with or without food.
In OA, the recommended dose for Celebrex is 200 mg
a day. Celebrex delivers 24-hour relief from a once-daily dose of 200 mg. Or if
preferred, a dose of 100 mg twice a day.
In RA, the recommended dose for
Celebrex is 100 mg to 200 mg, twice a day. Celebrex provides relief through the
day and through the night.
Your doctor will determine which dosage is
right for your therapy.
Where do I keep it?
Store at
controlled room temperature 59° to 86° F (15° to 30° C) in a tightly closed
container, away from heat and light.
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