Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSAID that is used to treat arthritis pain, menstrual cramps and colonic polyps. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are important contributors to the inflammation of arthritis that causes the pain, fever swelling and tenderness. Celecoxib blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins Cyclooxygenase 2 resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence inflammation and its accompanying pain, fever, swelling and tenderness are reduced.

Celecoxib differs from other NSAIDs in that it causes less inflammation and ulceration of the stomach and intestine at least with short-term treatment and does not interfere with the clotting of blood. NSAIDs have been found to prevent the formation and reduce the size of polyps in patients with the genetic disease familial adenomatous polyposis FAP. In FAP patients develop large numbers of polyps in their colons and the polyps invariably become malignant. The only cure of FAP requires removal of the entire colon.

However, Celecoxib i.e. Celebrex is approved as an adjunctive secondary treatment among patients with FAP. The cramping and pain during menstrual periods is due to prostaglandins and blocking the production of prostaglandins with Celecoxib reduces the cramps and pain.

Before taking Celebrex ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient and read it carefully. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking Celebrex. Do not let anyone else take your medication especially a woman who is or may become pregnant.

For each patient, the lowest effective dose should be used. For the management of Osteoarthritis the dose usually is 100 mg twice daily or 200 mg as a single dose. For rheumatoid arthritis the dose usually is 100 or 200 mg twice daily. For acute pain or menstrual cramps the dose is 400 mg as a single dose on the first day followed by an additional 200 mg if needed then 200mg twice daily as needed. For FAP the recommended dose is 400 mg twice daily.

However, follow the directions given by the doctor regarding the dosage exactly and also read the prescription label carefully.

And if you wish to use the medication for your children, please contact your pediatrician.

Although stomach and intestinal ulcers occur with the use of Celecoxib their incidence is less than with other NSAIDs in short-term studies.

Celecoxib does not interfere with the function of the blood platelets and as a result does not reduce clotting and lead to increased bleeding like other NSAIDs.

The most common adverse effects are dyspepsia, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, flatulence and insomnia. Other side effects include chest pain, ringing in the ears, deafness, fainting, kidney failure, heart failure, aggravation of hypertension, stomach and intestinal ulcers, bleeding, blurred vision, anxiety, flu-like symptoms, drowsiness, weakness, photosensitivity, weight gain, water retention etc.

Allergic reactions can occur with Celecoxib. Individuals who have developed allergic reactions, rashes, itching and difficulty in breathing from sulfonamides e.g. Bactrim, Aspirin or other NSAIDs may experience an allergic reaction to Celecoxib and should not take Celecoxib.

Inform your doctor if you experience any of these side effects and if they appear too bothersome to you.

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to the formulation of the Celecoxib medication or any other medication in any other form and also inform your doctor about any other medication you may be taking in any other form.
Concomitant use of Celecoxib with aspirin or other NSAIDs e.g. ibuprofen naproxen etc. may increase the occurrence of stomach and intestinal ulcers.

Fluconazole Diflucan increases the concentration of Celecoxib in the body by inhibiting the breakdown of Celecoxib in the liver. Therefore treatment with Celecoxib should be initiated at the lowest recommended doses in patients who are taking Fluconazole.

Celecoxib increases the concentration of lithium Eskalith in the blood by 17. Therefore lithium therapy should be closely monitored during and after therapy with Celecoxib.

Persons taking the anticoagulant blood thinner warfarin i.e. Coumadin should have their blood tested when initiating or changing Celecoxib treatment particularly in the first few days for any changes in the effects of the anticoagulant.

Persons who drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day may be at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking NSAIDs and this also may be true with Celecoxib.

In case of overdose call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the suffering patient has collapsed or is not breathing call local emergency services at 911. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Do not allow any other person to use your medication without getting doctor’s prescription themselves and also avoid using this medicine for other health conditions on your own. Keep the medicine away from the children and pets.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. And, if it is almost the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue to your regular dosing. Do not double your doses in any case and consult your doctor for the missed dosage.

Celecoxib is used for the relief of pain, fever, swelling and tenderness caused by Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis. Celecoxib does not prevent the progression of either type of arthritis. It reduces only the symptoms and signs of Arthritis. Celecoxib has been approved for patients with familial FAP who have not had their colons removed. Celebrex also is approved for the relief of acute pain and the pain of menstrual cramps primary Dysmenorrhea.

However, it may also be used to treat some other medical conditions which may be determined by your doctor accordingly.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses also, so ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about the Celecoxib medication.

Celebrex capsules should be stored at 25°C and 77°F and at cool and dry place. However, it is okay for brief periods in temperatures between 15-30°C 59-86°F. Check Expiry date without fail. Keep all medicines away from women, newborns, children and pets. Also, keep it away from heat, dampness and direct light. In any case, do not store the Celebrex capsules in the bathroom.

Following precautions must be taken during consuming generic Celebrex:

1. It is very important for the patient to know that before using Celebrex they must inform their health care professional if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from any kind of severe or mild diseases like heart failure, live or kidney problems, diabetes, head injury etc.

2. Also acknowledge your doctor if you need to undergo any kind of surgery, including dental surgery or need an x-ray procedure that uses contrast agents. So, inform your doctor immediately about it, so that the doctor can decide whether to continue taking Celebrex or stop it during the surgery.

3. Let the doctor also know if you are in-taking or are planning to take any prescribed or non prescribed medicines, health supplements or any OTC medications, vitamins etc.

4. Do not use the Celebrex medication, if you have any kind of allergy to it or to any ingredients of it and tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and get treated.

5. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding before taking Celebrex medication. Hence, inform your doctor immediately when you plan to conceive, or become pregnant during the course.

6. Do not share the drug with others unless they are prescribed by the doctor themselves. And if your symptoms of side effects do not improve in few weeks or if they become worse and bothersome, check these conditions immediately with your doctor.

7. Please, use the medicine in the prescribed amount and do not overdose it or use it for the longer period of time. Do not discontinue on your own and consult your doctor before doing so to avoid further problems.