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Celebrex |
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What is Celebrex and why is it prescribed? Celebrex is prescribed for acute pain, menstrual cramps, and the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is the first of a new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) called "COX-2 inhibitors." Like older NSAIDs, Celebrex is believed to fight pain and inflammation by inhibiting the effect of a natural enzyme called COX-2. Unlike the older medications, however, it does not interfere with a similar substance, called COX-1, which exerts a protective effect on the lining of the stomach. Celebrex is therefore less likely to cause the bleeding and ulcers that sometimes accompany sustained use of the older NSAIDs. Celebrex has also been found to reduce the number of colorectal polyps in people who suffer from the condition called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Although Celebrex is easy on the stomach, it still poses some degree of risk, especially if you've had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding in the past. If you've ever had such problems, make sure the doctor is aware of it. And be sure to alert the doctor if you develop any digestive problems or black, tarry stools. How should you take Celebrex? Follow your doctors directions for taking Celebrex. For best results, take Celebrex regularly, exactly as prescribed. You can take it with or without food. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. Store Celebrex at room temperature. Are there any Celebrex side effects? Celebrex side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Celebrex side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, nausea, respiratory infection, and sinus inflammation. Less common Celebrex side effects may include back pain, dizziness, gas, insomnia, rash, runny nose, sore throat, and swelling. Rare Celebrex side effects may include allergic reactions, anxiety, belching, blisters in mouth and eyes, blood disorders, blood infections, blurred vision, bone disorders, breast pain, breast problems, bronchitis, cataracts, chest pain, colitis, conjunctivitis, constipation, coughing, cysts, dark-tarry stools, deafness, depression, dermatitis, diabetes, difficult urination, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, drowsiness, dry mouth, dry skin, earache, ear infection, ear ringing, esophageal perforation, eye infection, eye pain, fainting, fatigue, fever, flu symptoms, fungal infection, gallstones, gangrene, general swelling, glaucoma, hair loss, heart failure, heart irregularities, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, hernia of the stomach, herpes infection, hives, hot flashes, increased appetite, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, increased muscle tone, increased urination, infection, inflammation of the digestive tract, inflammation of the bladder, inflammation of the blood vessels, intestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction or perforation, itching, jaundice, joint pain or inflammation, kidney problems, laryngitis, leg cramps, liver problems, loss of appetite, loss of balance, low blood sugar, menstrual disorders, migraine headache, mouth ulcers, muscle ache, nail disorders, neck stiffness, nerve pain, nervousness, nosebleeds, pain, painful urination, pancreatitis, phlebitis, pneumonia, poor coordination, prostate problems, severe diarrhea, severe skin rash and peeling, skin reaction due to sunlight, skin sensitivity, skin tingling, stroke, suicide, sweating, swollen face and throat, taste disturbances, tendonitis, tiredness, tooth disorders, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, vaginal problems, vomiting, weakness, and weight gain. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Celebrex? If Celebrex is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Celebrex with ACE-inhibitors (a type of blood pressure and heart medication, including such drugs as Capoten, Vasotec, and Prinivil), Blood thinning agents (such as Coumadin), Fluconazole (Diflucan), Furosemide (Lasix), Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), or Thiazide diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide and Dyazide). If you take low-dose aspirin to protect against heart attack, you can continue taking it with Celebrex. Using aspirin increases your risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding, but Celebrex does not have aspirin's protective effect on the heart. Are there any special warnings about Celebrex? 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. 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. If you are prone to anemia, make sure the doctor knows about it. Celebrex occasionally fosters this problem. Celebrex sometimes causes water retention, which can aggravate swelling, high blood pressure, and heart failure. Use this drug with caution if you have any of these conditions. There is no proof that Celebrex reduces the odds of cancer in people who take the drug for FAP. Although Celebrex can reduce the number of growths, you will still need the other treatments and frequent checkups that this condition requires. The safety and effectiveness of Celebrex have not been tested in children under 18. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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