What is Celebrex? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Celebrex

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Use this medicine for the shortest time possible and in the smallest dose possible. This will help lower the risk of side effects.

• Capsule: If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a teaspoon of applesauce. Stir the mixture well and swallow right away. Drink enough water to make sure you swallow all of the medicine.

• Oral liquid: If you are taking 120 milligrams (mg), take the medicine directly from the bottle. Hold the bottle upside down for 10 seconds to make sure the full amount of medicine is taken.If you are taking 60 mg, use an oral dosing syringe to get and measure (2.4 mL) the medicine from the bottle and take it directly from the syringe. Do not use a household teaspoon to measure the medicine.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Capsule: The medicine that has been mixed with applesauce may be stored in a refrigerator and used within 6 hours.Oral liquid: Do not store the bottle and reuse the unused medicine. Throw away the bottle with the unused medicine.

• Oral liquid: If you are taking 120 milligrams (mg), take the medicine directly from the bottle. Hold the bottle upside down for 10 seconds to make sure the full amount of medicine is taken.If you are taking 60 mg, use an oral dosing syringe to get and measure (2.4 mL) the medicine from the bottle and take it directly from the syringe. Do not use a household teaspoon to measure the medicine.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Capsule: The medicine that has been mixed with applesauce may be stored in a refrigerator and used within 6 hours.Oral liquid: Do not store the bottle and reuse the unused medicine. Throw away the bottle with the unused medicine.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Use this medicine for the shortest time possible and in the smallest dose possible. This will help lower the risk of side effects.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Capsule: If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a teaspoon of applesauce. Stir the mixture well and swallow right away. Drink enough water to make sure you swallow all of the medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Celebrex

Celebrex contraindications - Who shouldn't take Celebrex?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction (including asthma) to celecoxib, aspirin, NSAIDs, or a sulfa drug (including sulfamethoxazole). Do not use this medicine right before or right after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).

Celebrex warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine during the later part of pregnancy (third trimester), unless your doctor tells you to.

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, anemia, asthma, high blood pressure, or a history of stomach or bowel problems (including bleeding, ulcers).

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or heart failureBleeding problems, including stomach or bowel bleeding or ulcerLiver problemHigh blood pressureKidney problemsRisk for disseminated intravascular coagulation (bleeding problem) in children younger than 18 yearsSerious skin reactions

• This medicine lowers the number of certain blood cells, so you may bleed or bruise more easily. Be careful to avoid injuries.

• This medicine may cause a delay in ovulation for women and may affect their ability to have children. If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Pain in your calf

• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish skin

• Sudden or severe headache, dizziness, or problems with vision, speech, or walking

• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, rapid weight gain

• Unusual tiredness or weakness, pale skin

• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Celebrex interactions & what to avoid when taking Celebrex

• Do not use aspirin or any other NSAID medicine (including diclofenac, diflunisal, ibuprofen, naproxen, salsalate) unless your doctor says it is okay.

• Some medicines can affect how celecoxib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Atomoxetine, cyclosporine, digoxin, fluconazole, lithium, methotrexate, phenytoin, pemetrexed, rifampinBlood pressure medicine (including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta blockers)Blood thinner (including warfarin)Diuretic (water pill)Medicine to treat depression (including SNRIs, SSRIs)Other migraine medicine (including ergotamine, triptans, narcotic pain medicines)Steroid medicine (including hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone)

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.