Drug Notes

Celecoxib (By mouth)

Celecoxib (sel-e-KOX-ib)

Treats pain. This medicine is an NSAID.

Brand Name(s):

CeleBREX, SmartRx CapXib Kit

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk so it does not upset your stomach.
• Use this medicine for the shortest time possible and in the smallest dose possible. This will help lower the risk of side effects.
• If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a teaspoon of applesauce. Stir the mixture well and swallow right away. Drink enough water to make sure you swallow all of the medicine.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Any medicine that has been mixed with applesauce may be stored in a refrigerator and used within 6 hours.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines and foods can affect how celecoxib works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
  • A blood thinner, such as warfarin
  • A diuretic (water pill), such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), torsemide
  • Blood pressure medicine, such as enalapril, lisinopril, losartan, olmesartan, valsartan
  • Fluconazole
  • Lithium
  • Other pain or arthritis medicine, such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen
  • Steroid medicine, such as hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine during the later part of pregnancy, unless your doctor tells you to.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of ulcers or other stomach problems, kidney or liver disease, anemia, aspirin-sensitive asthma, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or other heart or circulation problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • A serious liver problem
  • Bleeding in your stomach or intestines
  • Increased risk for a heart attack or stroke
  • Risk for disseminated intravascular coagulation (bleeding problem) in children younger than 18 years
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Bloody or black, tarry stools
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood
• Fast or slow heartbeat
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
• Pain in your calf
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish skin
• Sudden or severe headache, dizziness, or problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, rapid weight gain
• Unusual tiredness or weakness, pale skin
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild skin rash
• Muscle or joint pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017