Celecoxib (Sell-e-KOX-ib), the active ingredient in Celebrex oral capsules, is one of a group of medicines called Coxibs(also known as COX-2 inhibitors). Coxibs are a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat arthritis, pain, menstrual cramps, and fever. Although Celebrex can relieve the symptoms of pain and inflammation, it will not cure your condition.

Celebrex may help relieve moderate or severe pain associated with arthritis. The common side effects that can occur with Celebrex include: stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting.

What are the uses of Celebrex?

Celecoxib (Celebrex) is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness caused by:

osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by a breakdown of the lining of the joints).

rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints),

ankylosing spondylitis ( a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disorder that primarily affects, but is not limited to, the spine).

Celebrex does not cure arthritis and will help you only as long as you continue to take it.

Celebrex is also used to relieve short term pain, in cases such as: 

menstrual cramps (period pain).

following surgery.

dental pain. 

celebrex

Dosage and Administration

Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of fluid. Celebrex can be taken with or without food. Do not lie down immediately after taking Celebrex, to make sure the pills have gone through the esophagus into the stomach. Notify your healthcare provider if you experience painful swallowing or feel that the medicine is sticking in your throat.

If you forget to take your dosage: take it If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking your capsules as you would normally. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

if you cannot swallow Celebrex capsules: You may take this medicine with or without food. If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine to a teaspoon of cool or room temperature applesauce, honey or fruit jam. This mixture must be swallowed right away without chewing and followed with a glass of water to make sure all of the mixture is swallowed.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully. They may differ from the information in this article. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

Osteoarthritis dosage: 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily, or as directed by your doctor.

Rheumatoid arthritis dosage: 100 mg twice daily or 200 mg twice daily. 

Ankylosing spondylitis dosage: 100 mg twice daily or 200 mg once daily, or as directed by your doctor.

Management of short-term pain and menstrual cramps (period pain):  400 mg as a single dose on the first day and 200 mg once daily on the following days. You may take an additional 200 mg on the following days if needed. You may take Celebrex for up to 5 days.

For How long should I take Celebrex?

Depending on your condition, you may need Celebrex for a few days or for longer periods. Celebrex will not cure your condition but should help control pain, swelling and stiffness. Keep taking Celebrex for as long as your doctor advises. Do not exceed the dose recommended by your doctor. 

Long duration treatment: Your risk of developing heart or blood vessel diseases (e.g., heart attack) may increase with dose and duration of use even if you don’t have a history of heart or blood vessel disease. If you need to take Celebrex for a long time see your doctor for regular check-ups so your doctor can monitor your condition and treatment. 

Quick facts about Celebrex

Celebrex is an NSAID indicated for use in adults for the management of moderate or severe pain. 

Pregnancy: Avoid using Celebrex after 30 weeks gestation because this may affect the baby’s circulation.  

Nursing Mothers: Use Celecoxib( Celebrex) with caution as Celecoxib may be present/ secreted in human milk.

The usual adult dose is one or two capsules (100 to 200 mg Celecoxib) each day .

Your doctor may also prescribe another drug to protect the stomach to be taken at the same time with Celebrex, particularly if you have had stomach problems before, or if you are elderly, or taking certain other drugs as well.

Your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose of Celebrex for the shortest possible time, particularly if you are underweight or elderly.

Before taking Celebrex, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems.

Celebrex- FAQs

Does Celebrex make you sleepy? Yes, In rare cases, Celecoxib may cause drowsiness, dizziness or, sometimes, blurred vision.

Does Celebrex work better than ibuprofen? Which is better for pain? Celebrex and ibuprofen have been compared in numerous studies for specific types of pain. Results swing both ways: Celebrex was more effective for pain from ankle sprain, ibuprofen was more effective for dental pain, and both were equally effective for pain from knee osteoarthritis.

How long will Celebrex take to work? How long will Celebrex’s effect last? Celebrex takes approximately 3 hours after oral administration to reach peak concentrations. The pain-relieving effects of Celebrex last for approximately 12 hours.

For certain conditions (such as arthritis), it may take up to two weeks of taking Celebrex regularly before you get the full benefit. If you are taking Celebrex on an “as needed” basis (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur.

Some people will notice the effects of Celecoxib( Celebrex) within the first few hours of taking a dose. For others, the effects may not be evident for days and even up to a week or two after the medicine has been started.

Can Celebrex make you gain weight? Some people may gain weight while taking Celebrex. In clinical studies, weight gain was reported in 0.1% to 1.9% of people who took Celebrex for Osteoarthritis.

Can I take Celebrex every day? The dosage of Celecoxib is 200 mg daily in single (once per day) or divided (twice per day) doses. If no effect is observed after 6 weeks, a trial of 400 mg daily may be worthwhile.

Is Celebrex bad for kidneys? Although this Clinical Inquiry concludes that Celebrex does not appear to worsen renal function, it should still be used with caution for patients who are elderly, hospitalized, or at risk of developing serious complications such as acute renal failure, heart failure, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

bextra tabletsIs Bextra the same as Celebrex?Bextra and Celebrex belong to the same class of painkillers as Vioxx, which was withdrawn after being linked to heart attacks among long-time users.

What is the difference between Celebrex and Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug that has an analgesic effect in post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, and neuropathic pain( Gabapentin used in Neurogenic pain associated with diabetes, herps ..etc)

Celecoxib (Celebrex) is one of the NSAIDs,  used to relieve some symptoms caused by arthritis, such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Celecoxib( Celebrex), cannot be recommended for the long-term administration needed to treat patients with neuropathic pain syndromes( not recommended for neurogenic pain). 

Does Celebrex affect the heart?

A pooled analysis of data from six studies shows that people who take 400 milligrams of Celebrex twice a day have three times the risk of having heart attacks, other heart problems, strokes, or cardiovascular disease death, compared with people who don’t take the drug.

Will there be any problems with driving or using machinery?

Very occasionally people have reported that Celebrex have made them feel dizzy, tired or sleepy. Problems with eyesight have also been reported. If you are affected in this way, you should not drive or operate machinery. 

Celecoxib while Pregnant

Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant? Although not common, abnormalities have been reported in babies whose mothers have taken NSAIDs during pregnancy. You should not have a Celecoxib( Celebrex) during the last 3 months of pregnancy as it may affect the baby’s circulation.  

Are you trying for a baby? Having Celecoxib( Celebrex)  may make it more difficult to conceive. You should talk to your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant, or if you have problems getting pregnant. 

What are the side effects of Celebrex?

Common side effects of Celebrex, are:

Stomach pain.

Heartburn.

nausea, vomiting.

Diarrhoea.

Indigestion.

Wind.

loss of appetite.

Headache.

Dizziness.

Vertigo.

Skin rash or spots.

Raised levels of liver enzymes in the blood.

When you must not use Celebrex?

Some people MUST NOT have this medicine. Talk to your doctor if: 

you think you may be allergic to celecoxib, aspirin, ibuprofen or any other NSAID, or to any of the other ingredients of Celebrex capsules. (These are listed at the patient information leaflet.). Signs of a hypersensitivity reaction include swelling of the face and mouth (angioedema), breathing problems, chest pain, runny nose, skin rash or any other allergic type reaction.

you have now, or have ever had, a stomach (gastric) or duodenal (peptic) ulcer, or bleeding in the digestive tract (this can include blood in vomit, bleeding when emptying bowels, fresh blood in faeces or black, tarry faeces).

you have had stomach or bowel problems after you have taken other NSAIDs.

you have heart, kidney or liver failure.

 if you have established heart disease and/or cerebrovascular disease e.g. if you have had a heart attack, stroke, mini-stroke (TIA) or blockages to blood vessels to the heart or brain or an operation to clear bypass blockages.

if you have or have had problems with your blood circulation (peripheral arterial disease).

you are more than six months pregnant.

Special Warnings

You should take the lowest dose of Celebrex for the shortest possible time, particularly if you are underweight or elderly.  

There is a small increased risk of heart attack or stroke when you are taking any medicine like Celebrex. The risk is higher if you are taking high doses for a long time.  If at any time while taking Celebrex you experience any signs or symptoms of problems with your heart or blood vessels such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, or slurring of speech, contact your doctor immediately.  

If you have a history of stomach problems when you are taking NSAIDs, particularly if you are elderly, you must tell your doctor straight away if you notice any unusual symptoms. 

Because it is an anti-inflammatory medicine, Celebrex may reduce the symptoms of infection, for example, headache and high temperature.

If you feel unwell and need to see a doctor, remember to tell him or her that you are taking Celebrex. 

Tell your doctor if you recently had or you are going to have a surgery of the stomach or intestinal tract before taking Celebrex capsules, as Celebrex capsules can sometimes worsen wound healing in your gut after surgery.

Celebrex capsules- Arabic Information

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