Celebrex is commonly prescribed as a treatment for pain and
inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and
osteoarthritis. 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.
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,
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
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 about
potential drug interactions.
- ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors like quinapril, perindopril, ramipril, captopril, benazepril, trandolapril, fosinopril,
lisinopril, moexipril, and 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.
- Amiodarone - Lower doses of Celebrex are recommended.
- Corticosteroids - mixing these drugs with Celebrex increses
the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Warfarin - Increased
risk of bleeding, do not combine.
- Fluconazole -
May increase risk of side effects.
- Alendronate - The effectiveness of this osteoporosis
medication may be decreased by Celebrex.
- May prevent Celebrex from clearing from the blood and increase
- 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.
- Clopidogrel -
Increased risk of GI bleeding.
- Protease inhibitors like ritonavir may need to be accompanied
by lower doses of Celebrex.
- Propafenone - Dosing adjustment may be necessary.
- SSRIs like fluoxetine
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 cyclothiazide, chlorothiazide, methyclothiazide, trichlormethiazide, bendroflumethiazide, 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.
- Ketorolac - Do not take this medication while taking
Celebrex is commonly prescribed in the following doses. Follow your doctor's advice if he suggest a different dosage.
- Rheumatoid arthritis - 100-200 mg twice a day
- Osteoarthritis - 200 mg once a day, or 100 mg twice a day
- Kidney Impairment: Celebrex is not recommended in acute
kidney disease or failure.
- Liver Impairment: Patients with liver disease or impairment
may be prescribed half the regular dose. Celebrex is not
recommended in acute liver disease.
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 is 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 Celebrex after the expiration
Keep Celebrex away from children; both when storing it, and
when discarding any unused medication.
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 has not been shown to be safe or effective in children under 18.
Celebrex does not appear to behave very differently in adults over 65 years of age 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