About Celebrex

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.

Celebrex is only available by prescription.

Celebrex Side Effects

Though Celebrex side effects are rarely serious enough for patients to discontinue use, some may require medical attention. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following while taking Celebrex.

Common Celebrex side effects: Cold-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, sneezing, cough), skin rash, swelling in the extremities.

Less common Celebrex side effects: Burning sensation in chest or stomach, chest congestion, diarrhea, decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, flu-like symptoms (muscle aches, weakness, nausea, chills), stomach tenderness, indigestion, back pain, or runny nose.

Rare Celebrex side effects: Anxiety, susceptibility to infection, constipation, breathing problems, breast problems, eye infection, cataract, dermatitis, diabetes, difficult urination, sweating, numb or tingling fingers or toes, ear infection, fungal infection, hepatitis, inflamed digestive tract or bladder, kidney stones, skin sensitivity or increased reaction to sunlight, tendonitis, hair loss, laryngitis, menstrual difficulties, herniated stomach, migraine, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, leg cramps, or nosebleeds.

Cautions: Certain conditions are incompatible with Celebrex treatment, or indicate that treatment should proceed with care. Advise your doctor of any of the following reactions.

• Allergic reactions to Celebrex mean that you should end treatment immediately. Allergies to Sulfonamides (sulfadiazine, sulfisoxazole, Gantanol, or Thiosulfil), other NSAIDs, or Aspirin also indicate that a person should not take Celebrex.
• Anemia - Celebrex may trigger this condition in rare cases, and should be used cautiously in individuals with a prior history of this iron deficiency. Do not take supplemental iron unless your doctor has diagnosed you with anemia and directly advised it.
• Asthma - Celebrex could trigger an attack, make sure that your doctor closely monitors any adverse reaction. Asthmatics with a sensitivity to Aspirin are at the highest risk for an allergic reaction to Celebrex.
• Dehydration - This problem should be corrected before beginning treatment with Celebrex, as it increases the risk of kidney damage.
• Diabetics - Consult with your physician before taking Celebrex, as you may be especially vulnerable to side effects.
• Heart problems - Long-term Celebrex treatment may cause renal toxicity and decreased blood flow to the heart. Patients with pre-existing heart conditions, liver problems, and those taking diuretics or ACE-inhibitors are most likely to be affected. High blood pressure is also a possible side effect of Celebrex. Normal function is usually restored when the patient stops taking Celebrex.
• Kidney or liver impairment - Celebrex could aggravate or trigger these conditions. If you have a history of kidney or liver problems, use Celebrex with caution. Kidney damage may result from long-term use, always drink extra water with your treatment. Liver problems may be indicated by yellowing skin, pain to the right of your stomach, itchy skin, nausea, drowsiness, or other flu-like symptoms. Stop taking Celebrex and contact your doctor immediately if these conditions develop. Do not consume alcohol during the time of treatment with Celebrex if you have any history of liver problems.
• Pregnancy - COX II inhibitors should not be taken in 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, or swelling.

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 Celebrex.

Celebrex Interactions

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 or pharmacist about potential drug interactions while taking Celebrex.

• ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) inhibitors such as Capoten (captopril), Prinivil (lisinopril), or Vasotec (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.
• Cordarone (amiodarone) - Lower doses of Celebrex recommended.
• Corticosteroids - mixing these drugs with Celebrex increses the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Coumadin (warfarin)
• Diflucan (fluconazole) - May increase risk of side effects.
• Fosamax (alendronate) - The effectiveness of this osteoporosis medication may be decreased by Celebrex.
• Lasix (furosemide)
• Lithium (Eskalith, Lithane, etc.) - May prevent Celebrex from clearing from the blood and increase side effects
• Methotrexate (Amethopterin) - Celebrex 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.
• Protease inhibitors like Norvir (ritonavir) may need to be accompanied by lower doses of Celebrex.
• Rhythmol (propafenone) - Dosing adjustment may be necessary.
• SSRIs like Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) 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 (hydrochlorothiazide, Dyazide, Corzide) - Celebrex may interfere with these diuretics and increase the risk of heart problems.
• Tobacco - May increase the risk of side effects.
• Toradol (ketorolac) - Do not take Celebrex while taking Celebrex.

Celebrex Dosages

Celebrex is commonly prescribed in the following doses. Follow your doctor's advice if he suggest a different dosage.

• Rheumatoid arthritis - 100-200mg twice a day
• Osteoarthritis - 200mg once a day, or 100mg 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 Directions

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's 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 after the expiration date.

Keep Celebrex away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding any unused medication.

Celebrex and Pregnancy

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 and Children

Celebrex has not been shown to be safe or effective in children under 18.

Celebrex and Seniors

Celebrex does not appear to behave very differently in adults over 65 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 as possible.