Celebrex
® (
celecoxib) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to pain and inflammation. It is part of a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or
NSAIDs for short. It is a specific type of NSAID known as a COX-2 inhibitor.
Celebrex is manufactured by Pfizer Inc.
Uses of the drug include the following:
Celebrex has also been shown to decrease the number of
colon and rectal polyps in people with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a hereditary condition that can cause hundreds of growths (called polyps) in the colon and rectum. People with FAP usually develop
colon cancer and/or
rectal cancer by their late 30s.
As mentioned, Celebrex is part of a class of
NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors. The drug works by blocking a particular enzyme (COX-2) that plays a role in pain and inflammation. Unlike other NSAIDs (such as
ibuprofen and
naproxen) that target both the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, Celebrex only targets the COX-2 enzyme. The COX-1 enzyme plays an important role in protecting the lining of the stomach.
When and How Do I Take It?
General considerations for when and how to take Celebrex include the following:
- The medication comes in capsule form. It is taken once or twice a day, depending on the condition being treated. Celebrex typically is taken with a glass of water, with or without food. People taking 400 mg of Celebrex should take it with food to avoid stomach upset.
- You can take this drug in the morning or at night. However, you should take it at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- Do not break, chew, or crush the capsules. If necessary, you may open the capsules and sprinkle the contents on a spoonful of cool or room temperature applesauce. This should be swallowed immediately and followed with water (although the medication is stable in the applesauce for up to six hours under refrigeration).
- For Celebrex to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
- It is important to take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time in order to treat your condition. This will decrease the risk of serious side effects.
The dose of Celebrex your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition you are being treated for
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you are currently taking
- Your weight (for children).
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Celebrex. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, they are usually minor. Often, they require no treatment, or they are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. However, there are some serious side effects to be aware of.
Some of the most common side effects are:
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal (stomach) pain.
Less common but serious side effects include:
- Cardiovascular problems, including heart attack or stroke
- Stomach or intestinal problems, including bleeding, ulcers, or a hole (known as a perforation)
- Liver damage
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure
- Fluid retention
- Congestive heart failure
- Allergic reaction
- Unexplained rash.
These possible side effects are a risk with all
NSAIDs and can lead to life-threatening complications or even loss of life.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Celebrex?
Prior to taking the drug, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
In addition, tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
If you happen to overdose on Celebrex, seek immediate medical attention
(see Celebrex Overdose).
How Should the Medication Be Stored?
Celebrex should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Celebrex?
If you do not take your Celebrex as scheduled, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the one you forgot and take your next dose instead. Never take a double dose.
Four strengths of Celebrex capsules are available. These include:
- Celebrex 50 mg
- Celebrex 100 mg
- Celebrex 200 mg
- Celebrex 400 mg.
At this time, no generic versions of the drug are available for sale
(see Generic Celebrex for more information).
