CELEBREX

Who is Celebrex for ?

Celecoxib is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Celecoxib is a COX-2 inhibitor that works specifically on an enzyme called COX-2. Scientists discovered two COX enzymes, called COX-1 and COX-2. The COX-1 enzyme plays a role in stomach and kidney damage. The COX-2 enzyme mainly plays a role in inflammation and pain. While traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen inhibit the COX-2 enzyme and help to relieve pain and inflammation, they also inhibit the COX-1 enzyme and thus can cause gastrointestinal side effects like ulcers. COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib, have specific action on the COX-2 enzyme to decrease pain and inflammation, but have less action on the COX-1 enzyme and thus are associated with a lower occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects.

When should I be careful taking Celebrex ?

Before taking celecoxib,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to celecoxib, aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sulfas, or any other drugs.
   
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially acetaminophen (Tylenol), amiodarone (Cordarone), anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, chloramphenicol, cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), diuretics ("water pills"), fluconazole (Diflucan), fluvoxamine (Luvox), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), medications for high blood pressure, omeprazole (Prilosec), zafirlukast (Accolate), other medications for arthritis, and vitamins. Do not take aspirin or acetaminophen when using celecoxib unless directed to do so by your doctor.
   
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, heart, or kidney disease; high blood pressure; asthma; any stomach problems including ulcers or bleeding; or any other gastrointestinal disease.
   
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking celecoxib, call your doctor.
   
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking celecoxib.

Side Effects

Stomach upset or tiredness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly black or bloody stools, stomach pain, severe headache or a change in the amount of urine. Very unlikely but report promptly dark urine or yellowing eyes or skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.