COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Celebrex

USES: This medication (Celebrex) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which relieves pain and inflammation (swelling). It is used to treat pain, swelling and stiffness due to arthritis. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.

HOW TO USE Celebrex: Take by mouth, generally once or twice daily, as directed by your doctor. To decrease the chance of stomach upset, this drug is best taken with food. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Take this medication with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug.

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, diarrhea, gas or nausea may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Very unlikely but report promptly: unusual fatigue, yellowing eyes or skin, severe headache, unexplained weight gain, change in amount of urine. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking this drug (Celebrex) and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent stomach/ abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially allergies to drugs such as sulfas or NSAID like ibuprofen), kidney problems, liver problems, heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure, swelling (edema), blood disorders (anemia), serious infections, stomach problems (bleeding or ulcers), asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), dehydration, poorly controlled diabetes. This medicine (Celebrex) may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first 3 months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last 6 months of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you use, especially of: fluconazole, lithium, "water pills" (diuretics, e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), drugs for high blood pressure, ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen). Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin) which are similar to this drug. Aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually these dosages are 81-325 mg per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose of Celebrex is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool, ringing in the ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, severe headache or loss of consciousness.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.