Celebrex

celecoxib

This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which relieves pain and swelling (inflammation). It is used to treat arthritis, acute pain, and menstrual pain and discomfort. Celecoxib is also used to decrease growths found in the intestines (colon polyps) of persons with a family history of this condition. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.

Celecoxib belongs to a new generation of NSAIDs that selectively block the action of COX-2. This means that it stops the production of inflammatory prostaglandins, without stopping the production of prostaglandins that protect the stomach and intestines. It therefore reduces pain and inflammation, but is less likely than traditional NSAIDs to cause side effects on the stomach and intestines. Celecoxib is a Cox-2 inhibitor, an anti-inflammatory agent with fewer gastrointestinal side effects, approved just a year ago for the management of arthritis pain. Celecoxib is similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. NSAIDS block specific enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) that are induced by inflamed tissue and also are produced by pre-cancerous polyps in the intestine. Celecoxib specifically inhibits only COX-2, and therefore has shown little evidence of causing gastric problems.

Effective dosage
The lowest effective dose should be used. For the management of osteoarthritis, the dose usually is 100 mg twice daily or 200 mg as a single dose. For rheumatoid arthritis, the dose usually is 100 or 200 mg twice daily. For acute pain or menstrual cramps, the dose is 400 mg as a single dose on the first day followed by an additional 200 mg if needed, then 200mg twice daily as needed. For familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), the recommended dose is 400 mg twice daily.

For many people, just one 200mg dose provides 24-hour relief. When taking Celebrex, use the lowest dose possible for the shortest time based on your treatment goals. Remember, not all medicines work the same for everyone. And your needs can change over time.

Take by mouth, usually once or twice daily, or as directed by your doctor. To decrease the chance of stomach upset, this drug is best taken with food. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. The lowest effective dosage should always be used. Take this medication with a full glass of water (8 oz or 240 ml). Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medication. In certain conditions (e.g., arthritis), it may take up to two weeks, taken regularly, before significant benefits of this drug take effect. 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 significantly worsened, the medicine may not work as well.

Since Celebrex is sometimes taken only as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Side effects
Continue to take Celebrex if you experience flatulence or diarrhea, dizziness, headache or insomnia. Stomach upset or gas may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe headache, unexplained weight gain, swelling of the hands or feet, change in amount of urine.

Do not use Celecoxib if you are allergic to any ingredient in Celecoxib, you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, trouble breathing, growths in the nose, dizziness) to aspirin, an NSAID (eg, ibuprofen), or a sulfonamide (eg, sulfamethoxazole), you have recently had or will be having bypass heart surgery, you have severe liver problems, you are in the last 3 months of pregnancy, you are taking another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (eg, ibuprofen).

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Taking Celebrex during the last 3 months of pregnancy may result in birth defects. Celebrex passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.