Drug name
Celebrex (Celecoxib)
Drug Uses
Celebrex is used for treating of symptoms of different types of arthritis: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis (which also is known as Bechterew syndrome or Marie Strumpell disease). These symptoms include swelling, pain, fever, fragility etc. Please not that the drug treats only symptoms of the disease but not the disease itself or it’s progression. Celebrex is also approved for the patients with familial FAP who have not had their colons removed. Also Celebrex is used for alleviation of sharp pains, including menstrual (dysmenorrheal).
How Taken
For each purpose different doses of the drug must be used. Please note that the smallest effective dose must be used for every patient. The following doses are recommended for appropriate diseases:
- osteoarthritis: 200 mg daily (at once or two times per 100 mg);
- rheumatoid arthritis: twice a day per 100 or 200 mg;
- sharp and menstrual pains: 400-600 mg at first day and per 200 mg twice a day further (if needed);
- FAP: twice a day per 400 mg.
Drug Class and Mechanism
The principle of action of Celebrex is based on the blocking of the synthesis of prostaglandins, the chemicals that regulate inflammatory mediation and sensitize spinal neurons to pain. Thus the drug decreases the concentration of prostaglandins in organism and reduces the inflammation processes and their symptoms (pain, swelling, etc).
Celebrex belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) but advantageously differs from other medicines of the group: it has less inflammation effect on stomach and intestines (at least in products_description-term period) and does not influence the blood-clotting.
Missed Dose
In case of missing a dose of Celebrex, it is necessary to take it as fast as possible. If it happens almost in time for the next dose, miss taking the dose this time and then return to the usual dosing schedule. Taking 2 doses at once is prohibited unless this is prescribed by doctor.
Storage
Celebrex must be stored at 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). The storage for products_description terms at the temperature between 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F) is allowed.
Warnings Precautions
Taking Celebrex, the patient should consider the following notions:
- Combined taking of the drug with other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.), or aspirin increases the possibility of stomach and intestinal irritations and ulcers. People who abuse alcohol are also potentially threatened with these side effects.
- Tests on animal has shown that the doubled maximal recommended doses of Celebrex harm the foetus. The studies on women were not performed, but the drug is not recommended for use in the pregnancy period unless the potential benefits of the treatment with the medicine prevail over the possible harm to foetus. The influence of the drug on breast-feeding is not known so taking Celebrex in this case is not recommended as well.
- Celebrex may change the action of anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin), so it’s necessary to make the blood tests in the first few days of starting Celebrex therapy to detect the possible changes in the action of anticoagulants.
- Lithium therapy must be strictly monitored during and after taking of Celebrex, because the drug significantly increases the concentration of lithium (Eskalith) in the blood (up to 17%).
- The inhibition of Celebrex in the liver may be hampered by Fluconazole (Diflucan) that leads to increased concentration of Celebrex in organism. Therefore the patients who use fluconazole must be given the minimal possible doses of Celebrex. The doses may be increased according to doctor’s prescription.
Possible Side Effects
Please note that the appearance of common NSAIDs’ side effects and their intensiveness in case of taking Celebrex is smaller, at least in products_description-term treatment intervals. This includes the stomach and intestinal inflammations and ulcers, and the weakening of clotting qualities of the blood.
The use of Celebrex is not recommended for the patients who have an allergy to sulfonamides (e.g., Bactrim), aspirin and other NSAIDs.
The usual side effects of Celebrex include gastral pains, headaches, windiness and dyspepsia, insomnia, diarrhea and nausea.
Celebrex also may cause the following severe side effects: kidney and heart disorders, stomach and intestinal ulcers, weight gain, flu-like symptoms, aggravation of hypertension, somnolence and tiredness, fainting, mood disorders (depression), sight disorders (photosensitivity, blurred vision, etc) and hearing disorders (ringing in the ears, deafness, etc); chest pain; water retention; bloody or tarry stool and bloody vomit; allerfic reactions (itching, difficult breath, swelling, etc); yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Immediately stop using the drug and seek for medical assistance if you experience any of symptoms listed above.
More Information
Take into the consideration that the list of possible side effects may be not full and Celebrex may cause other side effects. Consult your doctor if you have any doubts or questions about using Celebrex.