Celebrex Side Effects

Generic Name: celecoxib (oral)

Celebrex falls under the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) also known as pain relievers. But before going on a NSAID medication, one should be aware of the drug and its contraindications like, when should one not go for the medication and why.

 

Celebrex and its uses and contraindications

 

Exercise caution while using CELEBREX .

The medication should not be taken immediately before or after a heart bypass surgery (often known as coronary artery bypass graft or CABG). The drug can enhance the risk of certain heart and circulation disorders leading to serious consequences like a paralytic stroke and heart attack. As the period of medication increases, so do the risks.

In case, symptoms indicating heart and circulating problems are experienced, like chest pain, fatigue, difficulty in breathing, blurred vision, unclear speech or difficulty to talk, feel of imbalance, then medical help should be sought immediately.

The drug can also put one, at higher risks of gastrointestinal problems. These problems can develop suddenly during the course of medication, and shows no symptoms in the beginning. The drug can lead to serious complications in the stomach or intestines, and cause bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole), which can be can be life-threatening at times.

In case, symptoms indicating bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract are experienced, like black colored stools, bloody or blood mixed, or tarry stools, and coughing up blood, or dark brown (coffee) colored vomit, then medical help should be sought immediately.

Other precautions that have to be followed with Celebrex medication is that, alcohol should be avoided. Alcohol tends to increase the chance of stomach bleeding. An over dosage of NSAIDs also should be avoided. When one is taking many medicines together, there is a chance for taking the same kind of drug with different names. So when using celebrex, check for other drugs which are similar to Celebrex, like, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen. It is best not to take other over-the-counter, cold, allergy, or pain medication while using Celebrex, without first consulting the doctor or a pharmacist.

 

The drug Celebrex-its uses

Celebrex is a pain relieving drug, also known as pain killers. It falls under the class of drugs calles NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). The drug is usually taken to reduce the pain and swelling associated with medical conditions like arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, back pain and menstrual pain. Celebrex is also indicated in the treatment of hereditary polyps in the colon. There are several more medical conditions not mentioned here, where the use of Celebrex is indicated.

 

Consuting you doctor before starting on Celebrex is very exssential.

It is recommended the doctor is consulted before starting on Celebrex. Brief you doctor if you have a history of any of the follwing conditions.

*  Vascular disodes like problems with bleeding or blood clotting.

*  Asthma

*  Nasal polyps

*  Heart attack, stroke, or blood clots, heart surgery,

*  Heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure

*  A history of stomach ulcers or bleeding

*  Liver or kidney disease

*  Seizure disorder such as epilepsy

*  Allergy to celebrex, other NSAIDs or any other drug

*  If you are carrying, or plan to become pregnant when taking the medication.

In case, one has a history of any one or more of the above conditions, then Celebrex is not recommended or if it is unavoidable the doctor would suggest the correct dosage and some special tests during the course of treatment

 

FDA pregnancy category C : One more important contraindication is pregnancy, as the use of celebrex can cause harmful side effects on the baby inside especially in the last trimester (last 3 months) during pregnancy. Also nursing or breast feeding mothers should avoid the drug as it has the capacity to enter breast milk and thus affect the baby. Therefore one should tell the doctor, if pregnant or if planning to do so when on treatment. And the medication should never be started before taking the doctor’s opinion, during pregnancy. The drug is also not suitable for children under 2 years of age unless and until approved by the doctor.

 

Certain guidelines to be followed while taking celebrex medication:

While taking Celebrex, it is important to keep in the mind, some guidelines about, how the drug is to be taken to minimise the side effects, dosage,and what to avoid while on the medication.

 

Take the exact dosage : Always ensure that the correct dosage is taken. Never exceed or lessen the dosage prescribed by the doctor. Also the course of medication should not be prolonged the prescription be followed strictly. If for any reason one is prescribed a longer course, then it should e made sure make that the visits to the doctor are regular as the doctor may need to check for any side effects. When undergoing medical tests, the doctor should be aware if one is using the medication as it can yield unusual results with certain medical tests.

 

In case a dose is missed : when taking Celebrex on a prescribed, fixed schedule and a dose is missed, then the missed dose can be taken when one remembers. But if so much time has lapsed that the next dose is due then the missed dose need not be taken and the , regular next dose must be taken.. Double dose should not be taken.

In case of using Celebrex as per need arises, and a dose is forgotten, then the missed dose can be taken if needed and the time interval between two doses must be followed.

 

In case of over dosage: E mergency medical help is needed in case of over dosage. Overdose symptoms may manifest as nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, dizziness or drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, breathing problems, unconsciousness or coma.

 

How is celebrex best taken : when Celebrex is t aken along with food or milk it helps to reduce gastrointestinal disturbances and stomach upset. An extended-release capsule should never be crushed, chewed, or broke open and should be swallowed as a whole. An extended-release capsule is specifically made to release the drug slowly in to the body. When the pill is broken the a large amount of the drug is let into the body all at once

In case of oral suspension (liquid), the liquid should be shaken properly before every dosage, and the required dose always measured. A marked measuring spoon or medicine cup must be used instead of a common table spoon to ensure the correct dose. The drug should be stored at ambient room temperature and away from moisture and heat. The liquid drug should not be frozen

 

Avoid these when using Celebrex : Alchol tends to raise the risk levels of the side effects caused by Celebrex, like bleeding in the stomach.

Make sure not to take too much of NSAIDs. Check for other drugs which are similar to Celebrex, like, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen and avoid them. It is best not to take other over-the-counter, cold, allergy, or pain medication while using Celebrex , without first consulting the doctor or a pharmacist.

Celebrex turns the skin more sensitive to sunlight causing sunburns. Also exposure to artificial UV rays must be avoided. Applying a sunscreen of minimum SPF 15 may be helpful. Protection by clothing also can help.

 

Look for the symptoms of allergy and side effects.

Taking Celebrex can cause allergic reactions, severe and mild side effects. One has to be alert and seek medical help in case of having allergic reactions.

Allergy: Allergic reactions can be manifested in different ways. Symptoms of allergy include, swelling in the face, swollen lips, numbed and swollen tongue, or throat. One has to be alert and seek medical help in case of having allergic reactions.

Severe side effects: some of the severe side effects need medical attention immediately. Usage of the drug should be stopped at once and medial help sought. Look for the following symptoms: chest pain, fatigue, difficulty in breathing, difficulty to talk or slurred speech, blurred eyesight, sense of imbalance

* black colored, bloody, or tarry stools, clay-colored stools

* coughing up blood or vomit that is dark brown or looks like coffee grounds;

* swelling or rapid weight gain;

* urinating less than usual or not at all;

* nausea, stomach ache, low grade fever, loss of appetite, dark coloured urine, clay- colored stools, yellow coloration of the skin or eyes

* fever, bad throat, and headache with a blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or bruising, severe tingling, numbness, overall body ache, muscle cramps or weakness.

Milder side effects: In case of the milder side effects or symptoms, the medicine can be continued but seeing a doctor also is important:

* Gastrointestinal disturbances like upset stomach, mild heartburn, and diarrhoea, or constipation, bloating tummy, gas trouble;

* dizziness, nervousness, headache;

* skin rash, itching;

* blurred vision or a ringing in ears

Other side effects also may be manifested which are not mentioned here. So a doctor should be consulted if one experiences other kinds of problems too.

 

What other drugs will affect Celebrex?

The doctor should be told if one is taking any other medication, before beginning to use Clebrex. These drugs include:

* aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene),etc

* a blood diluter such as warfarin (Coumadin)

* diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide (Lasix)

* lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)

* methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)

* ACE inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik)

Even other drugs not mentioned here can affect Celebrex. Generally the doctor should be informed about any other prescription and over-the-counter medications that one uses. They may be vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. A new medication must never be started before informing the doctor.

For more information : The pharmacist can be asked for the information booklet on Celebrex, written for health professionals, which provides more information about the drug

The medication looks like this : Celecoxib is available with a prescription under the brand name Celebrex. Other brand or generic formulations are also available. For any further queries,the pharmacist can be consulted.

Celebrex 100 mg white capsules with a blue band

Celebrex 200 mg white capsules with a gold band

Make sure that all medicines are kept out of the reach of children. Medication should never be shared with others, and the prescription must be followed strictly. Also self medication must be avoided.

The information we have provided here is just a guideline may be time sensitive. It is especially for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore we do not stand guarantee for uses outside of the United States.. This drug information recommend any specific therapy for a given patient.. This overview of the drug is only designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners and does not replace their expertise, skill, and judgment. It should not be assumed that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or suitable any given patient. We will not take the responsibility for any kind of outcome by the use of this information. The information given does not cover all possible outcomes of the medication like allergic reactions, or adverse effects. For further queries ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

 

 

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Any information found here is provided for general informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use any of the information found here to diagnose or treat a health issue or disease or to prescribe any medication. Always seek medical advice from a medical doctor. Never delay in seeing a health care professional about any questions you have