Celebrex

What is the most important information I should know about Celebrex?

• Notify your doctor immediately if you develop abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort; nausea; bloody vomit; bloody, black, or tarry stools; unexplained weight gain; swelling or water retention; fatigue or lethargy; a skin rash; itching; yellowing of the skin or eyes;"flu-like" symptoms; or unusual bruising or bleeding. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects.

What is Celebrex?

• Celebrex is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Celebrex works by reducing substances that cause inflammation, pain, and fever in the body.

• Celebrex is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Celebrex is also used to reduce the number of adenomatous colorectal polyps in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), to treat acute pain, and to treat pain associated with menstruation.

• Celebrex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Celebrex?

• You may not be able to take Celebrex, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions, or are taking any of the medicines, listed above.

• Celebrex is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Celebrex should not be taken late in pregnancy (the third trimester) because it may affect the formation of the baby's heart. Do not take Celebrex without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

• It is not known whether Celebrex passes into breast milk. Do not take Celebrex without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

• Celebrex has not been studied in children younger than 18 years of age.

• If you are over the age of 65 years, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Celebrex. You may require a lower dosage or special monitoring during your therapy.

How should I take Celebrex?

• Take Celebrex exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

• Take each dose with a full glass of water.

• Celebrex can be taken with or without food or milk. Your doctor may recommend taking higher doses of Celebrex with food. Follow your doctor's instructions.

• Store Celebrex at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose/overdose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

• Seek emergency medical attention.

• Symptoms of a Celebrex overdose include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, headache, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, little or no urine production, slow breathing, and coma.

What should I avoid while taking Celebrex?

• There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking Celebrex unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What other drugs will affect Celebrex?

• You may not be able to take an Celebrex, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Celebrex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

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