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Generic Name: celecoxib

A cox-2 inhibitor - It is used to reduce swelling and to treat pain

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What is this medicine?

CELECOXIB (sell a KOX ib) is known as a COX-2 inhibitor, a drug that belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class. It is used to reduce swelling and to treat pain. This medicine is commonly used for various types of joint and muscular conditions, such as arthritis. It may be also used for bone pain, dental pain, headaches, or painful monthly periods. It may also be used to reduce the number of colon or rectal polyps in certain people.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

asthma
coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks
drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks a day
heart disease or circulation problems like heart failure or leg edema (fluid retention)
high blood pressure
kidney disease
liver disease
stomach bleeding or ulcers
an unusual or allergic reaction to celecoxib, sulfa drugs, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take it with food if it upsets your stomach or if you take 400 mg at one time. Try to not lie down for at least 10 minutes after you take the medicine. Take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take more medicine than you are told to take. Long-term, continuous use may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

cidofovir
methotrexate
other NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
pemetrexed

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

alcohol
aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
diuretics
fluconazole
lithium
medicines for high blood pressure
steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
warfarin

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not get better. Talk to your doctor before taking another medicine for pain. Do not treat yourself.

This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, this medicine may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase with longer use of this medicine and in people who have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, talk with your doctor or health care professional.

Do not take medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen with this medicine. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many medicines available without a prescription should not be taken with this medicine.

This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Ulcers and bleeding can happen without warning symptoms and can cause death.

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All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

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Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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