This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Celebrex is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, painful menstruation and menstrual symptoms, and to reduce numbers of colon and rectum polyps in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.

How to Take

Osteoarthritis:

The recommended daily dose for adult is 200 milligrams, taken as a single dose or in 100-milligram doses twice a day.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

The recommended dose for adults is 100 to 200 milligrams twice a day.

Acute Pain and Menstrual Cramps:

The recommended starting dose for adults is 400 milligrams, followed by an additional 200 milligrams if needed on the first day. On subsequent days, the recommended dosage is 200 milligrams twice a day.

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis:

The recommended dose for adult is 400 milligrams twice a day with food.

Warning and Precautions

Remember to tell your doctor about any stomach ulcers or bleeding you've had in the past. Also alert your doctor if you develop any digestive problems, swelling, or rash. The chance of developing a stomach ulcer or bleeding while taking Celebrex increases if you also take steroid drugs or blood thinners, smoke, drink alcohol, or use Celebrex or other NSAID medications for a long time. The risk is also greater if you're older or in poor health. Be sure the doctor is aware of your full medical history.

If you have asthma, use Celebrex with caution. It could trigger an attack, especially if you are also sensitive to aspirin.

If you are taking a steroid medication for your arthritis, do not discontinue it abruptly when you begin therapy with Celebrex. Celebrex is not a substitute for such drugs.

Celebrex has been known to cause kidney or liver problems, particularly in people with an existing condition. If you have such a disorder, take Celebrex with caution. If you develop symptoms of liver poisoning, stop taking the drug and see your doctor immediately. Warning signs include nausea, fatigue, itching, yellowish skin, pain in the right side of the stomach, and flu-like symptoms.

The safety and effectiveness of Celebrex have not been tested in children under 18.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

Storage

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a naproxen overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, confusion, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

Possible Side Effects

More common side effects may include: abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, nausea, respiratory infection, sinus inflammation.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Celebrex. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.