Celebrex (Celecoxib)
Celebrex is the brand name for Celecoxib, an anti-inflammatory pain medication that is nonsteroidal and acts on the body by blocking the hormones in the body that lead to inflammation and pain. It is widely prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis but is also prescribed to treat conditions ranging from menstrual pain to ankyloing spondylitis (inflammation of the spine) to polyps in the intestine and colon. There are some rare but notable warnings that come with using Celebrex and more information can be found further down the page.
Proper Usage
Celebrex should only be taken as directed by your physician and you should take Celebrex at the first sign of pain which is when most pain medications are most effective. Celebrex has been noted to cause upset stomache in those who take the medication orally. Taking it with milk has been shown to alleviate this discomfort in some patients. Celebrex should never be crushed, chewed or broken open prior to ingestion.
As mentioned above, Celebrex should be taken immediately after you begin feeling pain. Some Celebrex prescriptions do not require patients to be on a continuous dosage throughout the day. If you are not taking this medication on a regular basis, effectiveness can be dramatically increased if taken closely after feeling sensations of pain.
If at any time Celebrex becomes ineffective or pain intensifies, consult your physician for this may be due to a serious medical condition.
Celebrex Precautions and Warnings
Notify any Doctor (including your Dentist) prior to having any medical procedure performed to avoid dangerous drug interactions.
Make sure to read the labels and information for other prescription pain medications that you currently use to see if there are any possible drug interactions. If you are unsure, contact your doctor immdediately.
It is imperative that you tell your doctor of any history of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, ulcers, asthma, seizures, liver and kidney ailments and conditions that affect the blood. These conditions may require your doctor to provide alternative treatments as the pre-existing conditions can lead to life threatening situations when combined with Celebrex.
Alcohol consumption should be avoided when taking Celebrex. Alcohol when mixed with Celebrex can increase the risk of stomache bleeding and complicate any effects on the heart and circulatory system.
Drug Interactions
The following medications may have an adverse impact when used with Celebrex:
- Methotroxate
- Lithium
- ACE Inhibitors
- Dieuretics
- Blood Thinners (Coumadin)
- Aspirin
- Other Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAID's)
Common Brand Names for Celecoxib
Side Effects of Celebrex
Side effects that are normally associated with Celebrex include (but are not limited to): Upset Stomach, allergic reactions, liver problems (rare cases of serious liver disease have been documented), swelling in the hands and feet, painful swallowing, severe headache, unusual weight gain, abdominal pain, excess fatigue, yellow eyes, dark urine, rashes, trouble breathing.