Celebrex (Generic)

Celebrex is most often prescribed to relieve muscle stiffness related to osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also an effective painkiller and an anti-inflammatory medication.

It is advisable to take Celebrex with food, as it will lower the risk of digestion problems. If such problems exist, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Maintain vertical body position for 30 minutes after taking the pill.

Patients with osteoarthritis are recommended to take 100mg to 200mg of medication a day. For rheumatoid arthritis, the recommended dose is 100mg to 200mg two times a day. Take the minimal effective dose and do not stop the course even if they symptoms have subsided without prior medical consult.

Common side effects of taking Celebrex include: digestion problems; dizziness; headache; heartburn; feeling nauseous; stuffy nose or sore throat. Contact your medical specialist if any of them persist or become bothersome.

Contact your medical specialist immediately if you experience any of the following: allergic reactions; urination irregularities; discoloration of urine; bloody or dark stools; pain in the chest; depression; heart rhythm irregularities; high temperature; sore throat; hearing problems; numbness of limbs; one-sided weakness; red, swollen or peeling skin; increased bruising or bleeding; pain in muscles or joints; fatigue; vision or speech problems; coffee ground vomit; yellow color of skin or eyes.

The following symptoms might signify overdose of the medication: smaller volumes of urination; fainting; heavy dizziness or sleepiness; nausea and stomach pain; breathing difficulty; coffee-like vomit. If any of the above mentioned symptoms occur, contact your local emergency room or poison control center immediately.

Do not use the medication if you are allergic to any of its ingredients; if you have experienced severe allergic reaction to aspiring, another NSAID medication or a sulfonamide; if you've had or are planning to have a bypass heart surgery in the near future; if you have grave liver problems; if you are at least 3 months pregnant; if you are taking another NSAID drug.

Notify your doctor immediately of you have any of the following conditions: pregnant or breast-feeding or planning to; allergic to medicines and other substances, including food; have a history of liver or kidney disease, stomach or bowel problems; have a history of fluid buildup or swelling, asthma, nasal polyps or mouth inflammation; have a high temperature, high blood pressure, blood problems, clotting problems, a blood vessel disease; have a poor health condition, dehydration, low blood sodium level; have a history of alcohol abuse; have a higher risk of any of the abovementioned.

As Celebrex may cause sleepiness, avoid taking it before driving or any other activities that require utmost concentration. Avoid combining Celebrex with alcohol or other medicines as it may increase the probability of side effects. br />
Do not change the dosage or period of use without prior medical consult. Avoid taking Celebrex along with aspirin, unless you have been instructed to by your doctor. Elderly patients should use Celebrex with caution, as they might be more vulnerable to its side effects such as kidney problems or stomach bleeding. As Celebrex can pass into breast milk and harm the fetus, consult your doctor before starting the course if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Notify your doctor of any other medicines you are taking before starting the course of Celebrex, especially anticoagulants; aspirin; heparin; corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine); fluconazole; other NSAIDs; cyclosporine; methotrexate; lithium; quinolones; angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (e.g., enalapril); angiotensin II receptor blockers; diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide).

Celebrex may interact with other medications. Consult your health care provider before starting the course.

If you have missed your dose of Celebrex, make sure to take it as soon as possible. However, two doses should never be taken at the same time, so if the time for the next dose has almost come, DO NOT take the dose you have missed.

Celebrex should be permanently stored at 77°F (25°C) away from moisture and light (do not store in a bathroom cabinet). However, temporary storage at 59°F - 86°F (15°C - 30°C) is permitted. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.