Celecoxib

What is Celecoxib?

Celecoxib belongs to the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (nsaids). The drug works by decreasing hormones in the body that can cause pain and inflammation. Celecoxib can be used to relieve pain and inflammation from many different conditions, including osteoarthritis, akylosing spondylitis, and pain during menstruation. Celecoxib can be used to treat rheumatoid juvenile arthritis in children older than 2 years. Celecoxib is used to treat hereditary colon polyps. Elyxyb treats migraine headaches in adults with or without aura. Elyxyb only treats headaches. Does not stop a migraine that is already underway.

Warnings

Celecoxib may increase the risk of a fatal stroke or heart attack, even if there are no risk factors. This medicine should not be taken before or immediately after a heart bypass (also known as a CABG). Celecoxib can also cause fatal stomach and intestinal bleeding. This can happen without any warning, particularly in elderly adults. This medicine should not be taken if there is bleeding in the stomach or intestines.

Before you take this drug

Celecoxib should be avoided if:

• An allergy to sulfa medications;
• A history of an asthma attack or a severe allergic reaction following the use of aspirin or an NSAID

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure celecoxib will be safe for you:

• An ulcer in the stomach or bleeding from your intestines
• Heart disease High blood pressure
• Asthma;
• Bleeding problems
• Liver or kidney disease
• Are You Smoking or Drinking Alcohol? If you are an active smoker or alcohol user, now may be an appropriate time for change.

Do not take Celecoxib if you are pregnant unless you have been told to by your doctor. Nsaids can lead to serious kidney or heart problems for the baby, as well as pregnancy complications. The ability to conceive in women may be affected by this medicine. Discuss any risks involved with pregnancy with your physician. Breast-feeding may be unsafe while taking this medication. You should consult your physician about possible risks. Children should only take this medicine upon consulting with a healthcare provider.

How to take Celecoxib?

Keep to the instructions on your prescription label and review any medication guides available to you. Read all the instructions on the prescription label. The lowest effective dose for your condition is the one you should use. Celecoxib can be taken either with or without food. Use the measuring device supplied to measure liquid medicines (not your kitchen spoon). Open the capsule and add the medication to a teaspoon of applesauce if you are unable to swallow it whole. The mixture can be swallowed with water. This applesauce mix can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six hours. Keep away from heat and moisture at room temperature.

Details on dosage

Adult dose for pain:
Pain acute: Start with 400mg, then 200mg if necessary on the first dose. Next, take 200 mg two times daily as required.
Adult dosage for dysmenorrhea:
The first dose is 400mg, then 200mg if necessary on the very same day. Next, take 200 mg two times daily as required.
Adult dose for osteoarthritis:
Take 200mg orally daily, or 100mg orally two times daily.
Adult dose for rheumatoid arthritis:
Take 100–200 mg twice daily.
Adult dose for familial adenomatous polyposis:
Take 400mg twice daily, with or without food.
Adult dose for ankylosing spondylitis:
Orally, take 200 mg once daily. Orally, take 100 mg twice daily. A 400-mg daily dose may prove worthwhile if no improvement is seen after six weeks. After 6 weeks of treatment, if there is no improvement in symptoms, it may be worth considering alternative treatments.
The usual paediatric dose for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is:
Two years old or older
If you weigh less than 25 kg, take 50 mg twice daily.
More than 25 kg: Take 100 mg twice a day.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If it is close to time for another dose, simply skip this missed one and do not double up on doses at one sitting.

What happens if I overdose?

Contact 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning and for urgent medical help.

What should be avoided?

Aspirin and other nsaids should not be taken while taking Celecoxib unless directed by your physician. Alcohol is harmful to your health.Alcohol may increase your risk of internal stomach bleeding. They may contain ingredients similar to celecoxib (such as aspirin, ketoprofen, or naproxen). These medicines may have ingredients that are similar to celecoxib, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Ketoprofen and Naproxen

Side effects of Celecoxib

If you experience any of the following symptoms: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face, throat, or nose, or severe skin reactions (fever or sore throat with burning eyes or skin, blistering or peeling skin, or red or purple skin rash), then seek emergency medical attention. Should any of these symptoms arise, seek immediate medical assistance immediately. If you experience a severe drug reaction, stop using celecoxib immediately and consult a doctor. Symptoms include a skin rash or hives, swelling of the glands or muscles, weakness, or unusual bruises.

If you experience:

• The first signs of any skin irritation, however mild,
• Heart disease: rapid weight gain and swelling;
• Symptoms of stomach bleeding: bloody or tarry stool, bloody vomit, or bloody coughing;
• Liver disease: nausea (stomach pain on the upper right side), dark urine, itching, fatigue, jaundice
• Kidney problems: feeling fatigued or short of breath; little or no urine; swelling at your ankles or feet; or feeling tired.
• Anaemia (low red blood cell count): pallid skin, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness or feeling hort of breath,, and cold hands and/or feet

Celecoxib can cause a variety of side effects.

• Gas, diarrhoea, and nausea are all symptoms of stomach pain.
• You may experience swelling in your feet or hands.
• Dizziness;
• Cold symptoms like stuffy noses, sneezing, and sore throats

There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; to report these side effects call the FDA directly at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

Before using Celecoxib, ask your doctor if you are taking an antidepressant or steroid medication, as well as medicine that treats or prevents blood clots. Nsaids and certain medications can increase the risk of a bleeding stomach or ulcer. Celecoxib can have interactions with many drugs. These include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.