Generic Celebrex ® : CELECOXIB
Celecoxib is the chemical name of the active ingredient in Celebrex ®
Celebrex ® is the registered trademark of Searle, a subsidiary of Pharmacia Corporation

Medication information about generic Celebrex
Important information about usage, risks and possible side-effects..

Capsules Chemical Name: CELECOXIB ( ce-le-KOX-ib)

Possible Uses of This Medication This medicine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ( NSAID) known as a COX-2 inhibitor used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It is also used to treat acute pain or menstrual pain and discomfort. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.

Before using Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking an anticoagulant. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including dehydration, or poorly controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, swelling ( edema), alcohol use, blood disorders ( anemia), serious infections, asthma, growths in the nose ( nasal polyps), any allergies - especially aspirin/NSAID allergy ( e.g., ibuprofen, rofecoxib), pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of stomach problems ( bleeding or ulcers), severe liver or kidney problems. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

How to take this medication Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may come with a patient information leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine. Take this medicine with food.

Cautions DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to aspirin or any medicine containing aspirin or to a nonsteroidal 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. Aspirin as prescribed by your doctor for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention ( i.e., non-arthritis doses) should be continued. CAUTION IS ADVISED when this medicine is used in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING 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.

Possible side effects SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea, indigestion, gas, nausea, or headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. 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; 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; or hoarseness. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY AND STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE if you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects: black stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take with and without a prescription.

Missed Dose IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are taking 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. do not double the next dose

Storage Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

Other Information DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.