Celebrex

Celebrex (Celecoxib) may be described as a non – steroidal, anti – inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Celebrex (Celecoxib) is used to help effectively treat pain, fever, stiffness, inflammation, swelling and tenderness (which may or may not be caused, depending on the case of each individual patient) due to osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and Ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints combined). The sacroiliac joints are located in the lower back where the sacrum (the bone directly above the tailbone) meets the iliac bones (bones on either side of the upper buttocks), and this is the area affected by Ankylosing spondylitis.

Furthermore, Celebrex (Celecoxib) is also used to effectively treat colonic polyps (growths on the large intestine also known as the colon) and rectum polyps in patients suffering from familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea).

Lastly, Celebrex (Celecoxib) is also used to effectively block a particular enzyme which produces prostaglandin (Cyclooxygenase 2 or COX – 2) within the body.

Celebrex (Celecoxib) is available in capsule form and in different strengths of 50mg, 100mg, 200mg and 400mg respectively which must be taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day or as directed by your health care professional. However, this medication may sometimes cause an upset stomach and must be taken simultaneously with food.

Furthermore, the recommended dosage of Celebrex (Celecoxib) for acute pain or menstrual cramps is usually 400mg as a single dose on the first day followed by an additional 200mg if required after which 200 mg twice daily. For osteoarthritis the recommended dosage is usually 100mg twice daily or 200mg as a single dose, for rheumatoid arthritis the recommended dosage is usually 100mg or 200mg twice daily and for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) the recommended dosage is usually 400mg twice daily. However, you must be certain to consult your health care professional prior to commencement of any of the above dosages mentioned or any other prescribed dosage.

Lastly, you must be sure to follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and ask your health care professional or pharmacist to explain any part of Celebrex (Celecoxib) you do not understand. You must also be sure to take this medication exactly as directed and refrain from taking a greater or lesser quantity of this medication or altogether taking this medication more or less often than prescribed by your health care professional. Be sure that you do not suddenly discontinue Celebrex (Celecoxib) without prior confirmation from your health care professional. Your dose must be gradually decreased, since certain conditions may worsen when this medication is abruptly discontinued. You must also consult and reconfirm with your health care professional prior to commencing a course of Celebrex (Celecoxib), since you must be certain of taking the right potency prescribed by your health care professional in the case of this particular medication. However, caution is advised when using this medication in the case of children who are suffering from a certain type of arthritis (systemic onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), since they may be at an increased risk of experiencing marginal bleeding or clotting complications, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation. You must also be aware that Celebrex (Celecoxib) has neither been studied nor must it be administered, without prior consent from your health care professional, in the case of children less than 18 years of age.

While on an ongoing course of Celebrex (Celecoxib) if you notice any of the symptoms listed below or any other symptoms which may seem severe or persistent, you must contact your health care professional.

Sometimes, Celebrex (Celecoxib) may cause the patient to experience mild headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea, a sore throat, nausea, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, flatulence, urinary complications and skin rashes.

Furthermore, Celebrex (Celecoxib) may cause the patient to experience difficulty while swallowing, insomnia, ringing in the ears, constipation, mild photosensitivity, an itching sensation, a cough and marginal weight gain.

Lastly, Celebrex (Celecoxib) may cause the patient to experience nervousness, anxiety, loss of appetite, dizziness, hives, muscle pain, water retention, low fever, drowsiness and weakness.

If you are on an ongoing course of Celebrex (Celecoxib) before you commence taking any new medication (either prescription or OTC), you must first consult your health care professional or pharmacist.

Furthermore, you must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are allergic to Celebrex (Celecoxib) or any other medication in any other form. Your health care professional must also be informed if you are taking any other medication in any other form, including nutritional supplements or herbal products whilst on an ongoing course of this medication.

Sometimes, Celebrex (Celecoxib) interacts with various medications, such as Enoxaparin, Cidofovir, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Furosemide, Cilostazol, Heparin, Lisinopril, Amiodarone and Captopril.

Furthermore, Celebrex (Celecoxib) interacts with various medications, such as Lithium, Naproxen, Cotrimoxazole, Fluconazole, Clopidogrel, Acetaminophen, Desmopressin, Warfarin and Cimetidine.

Lastly, Celebrex (Celecoxib) interacts with various medications, such as Fluvoxamine, Prednisone, Alendronate, Omeprazole, Chloramphenicol, Zafirlukast, Triamterene, Hydrochlorothiazide and varied vitamins.

In case of an overdose of Celebrex (Celecoxib), call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Furthermore, an overdose of Celebrex (Celecoxib) may cause one to experience nausea, fainting spells, lack of energy, drowsiness, an upset stomach or vomiting.

Your health care professional may order certain laboratory and/or medical tests to be performed, such as blood pressure levels, smooth functioning of the kidneys, blood electrolyte levels and blood cholesterol levels to check your response to Celebrex (Celecoxib), monitor your progress and check for side effects. You must be sure to keep all appointments with your health care professional and the laboratory. Do not let anyone else take your prescribed dosage of Celebrex (Celecoxib) and ask your health care professional or pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Furthermore, if you need to undergo any kind of surgery including dental surgery or you conceive whilst on a course of Celebrex (Celecoxib) inform your health care professional. You must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are pregnant, breast feeding or planning to conceive. It is unknown whether Celebrex (Celecoxib) passes into breast milk or not.

Lastly, avoid consuming alcohol and beverages containing even a small percentage of alcohol whilst on an ongoing course of Celebrex (Celecoxib). It is important that you do not discontinue this medication without first consulting your health care professional. While on an ongoing course of Celebrex (Celecoxib), you must also refrain from driving a car or operating any kind of machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

It is important that you do not take a double dose of Celebrex (Celecoxib) to make up for a missed one unless you have consulted your health care professional.

Celebrex (Celecoxib) is also used to treat short – term (less than 7 days) moderate – to – severe pain caused by surgery, sprains or tooth extractions. Furthermore, you must speak with your health care professional about the possible risks of using Celebrex (Celecoxib) for your condition and be sure to consult your health care professional or pharmacist for more information, since this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses.

Store Celebrex (Celecoxib) in the container it came in, keep the lid tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature (between 59 – 86 degrees F or 15 – 30 degrees C) and away from excess heat and moisture.

Furthermore, you must be sure to throw away any Celebrex (Celecoxib) medication that has gotten outdated or is no longer required. But, speak with your pharmacist or health care professional, or consult your local waste disposal company about the proper method by which you can safely and effectively discard your unused Celebrex (Celecoxib) medication.

It is important for the patient to know that before consuming Celebrex (Celecoxib); they must inform their health care professional, if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from heart complications, such as congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders or angina (chest pain), diabetes, asthma, hyperlipidemia (increased levels of cholesterol in the blood), stomach ulcers or complications related to internal bleeding.

Furthermore, it is also important for the patient to know that before consuming Celebrex (Celecoxib); they must inform their health care professional, if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from liver complications, increased potassium levels within the blood, varied gastrointestinal complications, anemia, an epilepsy disorder or kidney complications.

Lastly, while on an ongoing course of Celebrex (Celecoxib), individuals suffering from Aspirin – sensitive asthma, other varied allergic reactions due to Aspirin, different types of arthritis medications or a certain type of medication called sulfonamides, must refrain from taking this medication. However, you must also make it a point to refrain from using Celebrex (Celecoxib) right before or after a heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft or CABG), unless your health care professional has instructed you to do so otherwise.

Lastly, while on an ongoing course of Celebrex (Celecoxib) you must try and avoid unnecessary or too much exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays, such as sunlamps or tanning beds. You must be aware that this medication can make your skin more sensitive towards sunlight, resulting in painful sunburns. While on an ongoing course of Celebrex (Celecoxib) be certain to use a sunscreen lotion (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if it is absolutely necessary for you to be out in the sun. You must also be sure to keep your health care professional informed if you smoke or use illegal medications while on an ongoing course of this particular medication.