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What is this Drug
Celebrex is prescribed for acute pain, menstrual cramps, and the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is the first of a new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
s (NSAIDs) called "COX-2 inhibitors." Like older NSAIDs such as Motrin and Naprosyn, Celebrex is believed to fight pain and inflammation by inhibiting the effect of a natural enzyme called COX-2. Unli
ke the older medications, however, it does not interfere with a similar substance, called COX-1, which exerts a protective effect on the lining of the stomach. Celebrex is therefore less likely to cau
se the bleeding and ulcers that sometimes accompany sustained use of the older NSAIDs.
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What side effects may occur?
More common side effects may include:
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, nausea, respiratory infection, sinus inflammation
Less common side effects may include:
- Ba
ck pain, dizziness, gas, insomnia, rash, runny nose, sore throat, swelling
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How should you take this medication?
Celecoxib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any par
t you do not understand. Take celecoxib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
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Symptoms of overdose
Bloody or black, tarry stools; continuing thirst; dizziness; drowsiness ; headache, severe or continuing; nausea and/or vomiting; shortness of breath; stomach pain; sudden decrease in the amou
nt of urine; swelling of face, fingers, and/or lower legs; tightness in chest and/or wheezing; troubled breathing; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting of blood or material that looks like cof
fee grounds; weight gain
- lack of energy
- drowsiness
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- stomach pain
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
Include on your medical history/personal profile all of the other medicines you are taking or plan to take while you are on CELEBREX, even other medicines that you can get without a prescription. CELE
BREX has significant drug interactions with :
- Methotrexate (a medicine used to suppress the immune system).
- Warfarin (a blood thinner).
- Rifampin (an antibiotic).
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br> - ACE inhibitors (medicines used for high blood pressure and heart failure).
- Lithium (a medicine used to treat a certain type of depression).
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Other medical problems
Serious side effects can occur during treatment with this medicine. Sometimes serious side effects can occur without any warning. However, possible warning signs often occur, including swelling of the
face, fingers, feet, and/or lower legs; severe stomach pain, black, tarry stools, and/or vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; unusual weight gain; and/or skin rash. Stop taki
ng this medicine and check with your doctor immediately if you notice any of these warning signs.
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