 Celebrex is used to relieve some symptoms caused by arthritis, such as stiffness, swelling, inflammation, and joint pain. However, this medicine does not cure arthritis and will help you only as long as you continue to take it.
Celebrex may also be used for the following problems:
- Pain during menstruation
- Moderate or severe pain, such as after dental or orthopedic procedures;
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (polyps in the intestines);
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form(s):
Special precautions
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For Celebrex , the following should be considered:
Allergies - tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Celebrex , other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin or other salicylates, or sulfonamide-type medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives, foods, or dyes.
Pregnancy - Celebrex has not been studied in pregnant women. However, there is a chance that this medicine may cause unwanted effects on the heart or blood flow of the fetus or newborn baby if it is taken regularly during the last few months of pregnancy. Studies in animals have shown that Celebrex has caused birth defects of the ribs and sternebrae. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding - It is not known whether Celebrex passes into breast milk. However, Celebrex may cause unwanted effects in nursing babies. It may be necessary for you to take another medicine or to stop breast-feeding during treatment. Be sure you have discussed the risks and benefits of the medicine with your doctor.
Children - Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing the use of Celebrex in children with use in older age groups.
Older adults - this medicine has been tested in a limited number of elderly patients 65 years of age and older and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults. However, elderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of Celebrex .
Other medical problems - the presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Celebrex . Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Liver disease - Celebrex may make these conditions worse
- Kidney disease or
- High blood pressure or
- Heart disease or
- Fluid retention (swelling of feet or lower legs) or
- Dehydration or
- Asthma or
- Anemia or
- Tobacco use (or recent history of) - The chance of side effects may be increased
- Stomach ulcer or other stomach or intestinal problems or
- Bleeding problems or
- Alcohol abuse or
Side effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- Symptoms of overdose: Bloody or black, and/or lower legs; sudden decrease in the amount of urine; stomach pain; shortness of breath; nausea and/or vomiting; headache, fingers, tarry stools; vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; unusual tiredness or weakness; troubled breathing; tightness in chest and/or wheezing; swelling of face, severe or continuing; drowsiness ; dizziness; continuing thirst; weight gain
- Less common or rare: Bloody or black tarry stools; vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; unusual weight gain; tenderness in stomach area; stomach pain (severe); shortness of breath; nausea; muscle aches and pains; loss of appetite; fever; fatigue; diarrhea; cough; congestion in chest; chills; burning feeling in chest or stomach; weakness
- More common: Cough; sore throat; sneezing; skin rash; fever; swelling of face, feet, fingers, and/or lower legs
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
- More common: Back pain; stomach pain; pain or burning in throat; nausea ; inability to sleep; heartburn ; headache; gas; dizziness; stuffy or runny nose
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
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