Celebrex

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

asthma

coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks

drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks a day

heart disease or circulation problems like heart failure or leg edema (fluid retention)

high blood pressure

kidney disease

liver disease

stomach bleeding or ulcers

an unusual or allergic reaction to celecoxib, sulfa drugs, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take it with food if it upsets your stomach or if you take 400 mg at one time. Try to not lie down for at least 10 minutes after you take the medicine. Take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take more medicine than you are told to take. Long-term, continuous use may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

cidofovir

methotrexate

other NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

pemetrexed

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

alcohol

aspirin and aspirin-like drugs

diuretics

fluconazole

lithium

medicines for high blood pressure

steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

warfarin

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not get better. Talk to your doctor before taking another medicine for pain. Do not treat yourself.
This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, this medicine may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase with longer use of this medicine and in people who have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, talk with your doctor or health care professional.
Do not take medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen with this medicine. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many medicines available without a prescription should not be taken with this medicine.
This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Ulcers and bleeding can happen without warning symptoms and can cause death.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

black or bloody stools, blood in the urine or vomit

blurred vision

breathing problems

chest pain

nausea, vomiting

problems with balance, talking, walking

redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

unexplained weight gain or swelling

unusually weak or tired

yellowing of eyes, skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

constipation or diarrhea

dizziness

gas or heartburn

upset stomach

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.