About Celebrex
Celebrex is commonly prescribed as a treatment for pain and
inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
(See arthritis and joint pain.) Celebrex is sometimes prescribed
for short-term pain relief after surgery.
Celebrex may also be given to patients with familial adenomatous
polyposis (FAP) to reduce the numbers of colorectal polyps these
individuals develop. It has not been demonstrated that Celebrex
reduces their increased risk for colorectal cancer.
Celebrex belongs to a new group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) that target the Cox-2 enzyme. Previous NSAIDs, like
Naprosyn or Motrin, can also interfere with the COX-1 enzyme associated
with protecting the stomach lining. However, long term use of Celebrex
may show a similar side effect profile (GI irritation and bleeding)
to other related medications.
Celebrex is only available by prescription.
Celebrex Side Effects
Though Celebrex side effects are rarely serious enough for patients
to discontinue use, some may require medical attention. Contact
your doctor if you experience any of the following while taking
Celebrex.
Common Celebrex side effects: Cold-like symptoms (fever,
sore throat, sneezing, cough), skin rash, swelling in the extremities.
Less common Celebrex side effects: Burning sensation in
chest or stomach, chest congestion, diarrhea, decreased appetite,
difficulty sleeping, flu-like symptoms (muscle aches, weakness,
nausea, chills), stomach tenderness, indigestion, back pain, or
runny nose.
Rare Celebrex side effects: Anxiety, susceptibility to infection,
constipation, breathing problems, breast problems, eye infection,
cataract, dermatitis, diabetes, difficult urination, sweating, numb
or tingling fingers or toes, ear infection, fungal infection, hepatitis,
inflamed digestive tract or bladder, kidney stones, skin sensitivity
or increased reaction to sunlight, tendonitis, hair loss, laryngitis,
menstrual difficulties, herniated stomach, migraine, hypercholesterolemia,
hyperglycemia, leg cramps, or nosebleeds.
Cautions: Certain conditions are incompatible with Celebrex treatment, or indicate that treatment should proceed with care. Advise your doctor of any of the following reactions.
- Allergic reactions to Celebrex mean that you should end
treatment immediately. Allergies to Sulfonamides (sulfadiazine,
sulfisoxazole, Gantanol, or Thiosulfil), other NSAIDs, or Aspirin
also indicate that a person should not take Celebrex.
- Anemia - This medication may trigger this condition in
rare cases, and should be used cautiously in individuals with
a prior history of this iron deficiency. Do not take supplemental
iron unless your doctor has diagnosed you with anemia and directly
advised it.
- Asthma - Celebrex could trigger an attack, make sure
that your doctor closely monitors any adverse reaction. Asthmatics
with a sensitivity to Aspirin are at the highest risk for an allergic
reaction to Celebrex.
- Dehydration - This problem should be corrected before
beginning treatment with Celebrex, as it increases the risk of
kidney damage.
- Diabetics - Consult with your physician before taking
Celebrex, as you may be especially vulnerable to side effects.
- Heart problems - Long-term Celebrex treatment may cause
renal toxicity and decreased blood flow to the heart. Patients
with pre-existing heart conditions, liver problems, and those
taking diuretics or ACE-inhibitors are most likely to be affected.
High blood pressure is also a possible side effect of this medication.
Normal function is usually restored when the patient stops taking
Celebrex.
- Kidney or liver impairment - Celebrex could aggravate
or trigger these conditions. If you have a history of kidney or
liver problems, use Celebrex with caution. Kidney damage may result
from long-term use, always drink extra water with your treatment.
Liver problems may be indicated by yellowing skin, pain to
the right of your stomach, itchy skin, nausea, drowsiness, or
other flu-like symptoms. Stop taking Celebrex and contact your
doctor immediately if these conditions develop. Do not consume
alcohol during the time of treatment with this medication if you
have any history of liver problems.
- Pregnancy - COX II inhibitors should not be taken in
the last 3 months of pregnancy, and have not been studied for
safety earlier in pregnancy.
- Ulcer or Gastrointestinal Bleeding - Any history of these
conditions is an indication for extreme caution in the use of
any NSAID, including the COX II inhibitors. These medications
may cause or aggravate deterioration and bleeding in the GI tract.
Active ulcers are a contraindication for treatment.
- Water retention - Celebrex can aggravate any problems
related to fluid retention such as heart failure, high blood pressure,
or swelling.
Warning signs: Stop taking Celebrex and contact your doctor
immediately if you notice severe stomach cramps, swelling in your face or extremities, skin rash, black stools, vomiting bloody or black material, or sudden weight gain.
Seek emergency treatment if any of the following symptoms
occur while taking Celebrex, as they are signs of anaphylaxis, a
severe allergic reaction most common in asthmatic patients with aspirin sensitivity: severe breathing difficulties (breathing
too fast, shortness of breath, irregular breathing or fainting),
hive-like rash, fast or irregular heartbeat, swelling around eyes.
Have someone drive you to the hospital or call for an ambulance,
it is extremely dangerous to drive in this condition. If you must
wait for an ambulance, lie down with your feet elevated and be sure
to keep warm. If this rare reaction occurs, or you have had a similar
reaction to aspirin or a sulfonamide, you will have to stop taking
Celebrex.
Celebrex Interactions
Certain drugs react with Celebrex. Your doctor may adjust the dosage
of one of the medications, or may indicate that they should not
be taken together. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist about
potential drug interactions.
- ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors like Accupril (quinapril), Aceon (perindopril), Altace
(ramipril), Capoten
(captopril), Lotensin (benazepril), Mavik (trandolapril),
Monopril (fosinopril),
Prinivil or Zestril (lisinopril),
Univasc (moexipril), and Vasotec (enalapril) - Celebrex
may reduce the effectiveness of these blood pressure medications.
- Alcohol - Do not drink alcoholic beverages while using Celebrex,
as it puts you at risk for stomach problems and liver deterioration.
- Aspirin - Taking Aspirin with Celebrex may increase the risk
of gastrointestinal bleeding. If you have ever had an allergic
reaction to Aspirin, you should not take Celebrex.
- Cordarone (amiodarone) - Lower doses of Celebrex recommended.
- Corticosteroids - mixing these drugs with Celebrex increses
the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Coumadin (warfarin) - Increased
risk of bleeding, do not combine.
- Diflucan (fluconazole) -
May increase risk of side effects.
- Fosamax (alendronate) - The effectiveness of this osteoporosis
medication may be decreased by Celebrex.
- Lasix (furosemide)
- Lithium (Eskalith, Lithane, etc.)
- May prevent Celebrex from clearing from the blood and increase
side effects
- Methotrexate (Amethopterin) - This medication may build up to
toxic levels with combined use.
- NSAIDs of any other type, such as Naprosyn or Motrin may increase
risk of side effects when mixed with Celebrex, particularly GI
bleeding or stomach irritation. If you have ever had an allergic
reaction to one of these drugs, you should not take Celebrex.
- Plavix (clopidogrel) -
Increased risk of GI bleeding.
- Protease inhibitors like Norvir (ritonavir) may need to be accompanied
by lower doses of Celebrex.
- Rhythmol (propafenone) - Dosing adjustment may be necessary.
- SSRIs like Prozac (fluoxetine)
and Zoloft (sertraline)
may reduce clearance of COX II inhibitors and increase side effects.
Lower doses are recommended if you are currently being treated
with one of these medications.
- Thiazide diuretics like Anhydron (cyclothiazide), Diuril (chlorothiazide),
Enduron (methyclothiazide), Metahydrin (trichlormethiazide), Naturetin
(bendroflumethiazide), Renese (polythiazide), and others may be
less effective in combination with Celebrex, and increase the
risk of heart problems.
- Tobacco - May increase the risk of side effects.
- Toradol (ketorolac) - Do not take this medication while taking
Celebrex.
Celebrex Dosages
Celebrex is commonly prescribed in the following doses. Follow your doctor's advice if he suggest a different dosage.
- Rheumatoid arthritis - 100-200mg twice a day
- Osteoarthritis - 200mg once a day, or 100mg twice a day
- Kidney Impairment: This medication is not recommended in acute
kidney disease or failure.
- Liver Impairment: Patients with liver disease or impairment
may be prescribed half the regular dose. This medication is not
recommended in acute liver disease.
Celebrex Directions
Celebrex should be taken according to your doctor's instructions
about dosage and frequency. If you miss a dose, take it immediately
if you remember soon after missing it. If it's close to the time
when you would ordinarily take another dose, wait until your scheduled
time to take the next dose. Do not take a double dose of Celebrex.
Store Celebrex away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry
location, avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other
areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration
date.
Keep Celebrex away from children; both when storing it, and
when discarding any unused medication.
Celebrex and Pregnancy
Celebrex has been shown to cause an increase of birth defects and
difficulties carrying a child to term in animals. Celebrex may also
pass to a child during breastfeeding, and may cause adverse reactions.
Celebrex is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.
Celebrex treatment does not appear to affect fertility or the health
of future children after treatment.
Celebrex and Children
Celebrex has not been shown to be safe or effective in children under 18.
Celebrex and Seniors
Celebrex does not appear to behave very differently in adults over
65 than in the rest of the adult population, though there is a slight
increase in unwanted side effects. Spontaneous gastrointestinal
bleeding has been responsible for most of the increase in adverse
reactions in elderly and debilitated populations. Seniors with a
history of heart problems, water retention, ulcers, or gastrointestinal
bleeding should be treated with caution, and for as short a time
as possible.
Celebrex is a trademark of the Pfizer and Pharmacia corporations
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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