Celecoxib Capsules

Celecoxib belongs to a class of drugs called COX-2 inhibiting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs are effective in pain management, especially joint and lower back pain. 

NSAIDs block an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX). COX works in your body to produce chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. By blocking COX, NSAIDs like this drug stop these chemicals from forming. This, in turn, reduces pain and inflammation.

This drug is used to treat:

• rheumatoid arthritis
• osteoarthritis
• ankylosing spondylitis
• short-term pain
• Menstrual cramps

The advantage of using Celecoxib over Ibuprofen or Naproxen is that it is less likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects such as ulcers.

The pain and swelling relief provided by this medication helps you perform more of your normal daily activities.

DO NOT USE CELECOXIB IF:

•  You have an allergy to sulfa drugs
• You have a history of asthma attacks or severe allergic reactions after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Make sure you tell your gp if you have any of the following as they will be able to tell you if Celecoxib is suitable for you:

• stomach ulcer, bleeding in your stomach or intestines
• heart disease, high blood pressure
• asthma
• bleeding problems
• liver or kidney disease
• if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Pregnant or Breastfeeding:

Taking a NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in women. 

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine.

Ask your doctor about any risks.

DO NOT USE CELECOXIB IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING UNLESS YOUR DOCTOR HAS CONFIRMED YOU ARE OK TO DO SO.

Take celecoxib exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

You may take celecoxib with or without food.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture with water. You may save this applesauce mixture for later use in a refrigerator for up to 6 hours.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Celebrex can cause some cardiovascular side effects in certain patients. If you experience any chest pain or raised blood pressure then stop using the treatment and consult your GP immediately. If you have had history of stroke or heart attack it is also advisable to avoid treatment with Celecoxib unless advised by your GP. 

More common side effects

The more common side effects that can occur with celecoxib oral capsule include:

• stomach pain
• constipation
• diarrhea
• gas
• heartburn
• nausea
• vomiting
• dizziness
• headache
• respiratory tract infection

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Chest pain or heart attack,
• Stroke.

Symptoms may include:

• sudden weakness in one part or side of your body
• slurred speech
• drooping on one side of your face
• blurred vision
• sudden dizziness or trouble walking
• very severe headache with no other cause
• High blood pressure

Edema

Symptoms may include:

• swelling in your arms and legs, hands and feet
• unusual weight gain

Bleeding and ulcers in your stomach and intestine.

Symptoms may include:

• blood in urine
• vomiting
• bloody stools
• black and sticky stools
• Skin reactions, including rash or blisters

Allergic reactions.

Symptoms may include:

• itching and hives
• swelling of your face or throat
• Liver problems. Symptoms may include yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes.
• Asthma attacks

Find out more on the patient information leaflet