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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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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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