Celecoxib

💊 What is Celecoxib used for?

• •Osteoarthritis (OA), the signs and symptoms of this joint condition
• •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the signs and symptoms of this condition
• •Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) in patients 2 years and older
• •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), the signs and symptoms of this condition
• •Acute pain in adults
• •Primary dysmenorrhea, which means menstrual cramps

How it works

The label does not describe in detail how celecoxib works. It says NSAIDs are used to treat pain and redness, swelling, and heat (inflammation) from conditions such as arthritis and menstrual cramps.

How it is usually taken

• •Celecoxib is taken by mouth as a capsule. The label says the usual doses can be taken without regard to meals, so it does not have to be taken with food. The label says to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time that fits the treatment goals. Dosing depends on the condition and, for children, on body weight, so follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist. If someone has trouble swallowing capsules, the label says the capsule contents can be emptied onto a level teaspoon of cool or room temperature applesauce and eaten right away with water.

Comes as

• •50 mg capsules (white powder in a white capsule with a red band)
• •100 mg capsules (white powder in a white capsule with a blue band)
• •200 mg capsules (white powder in a white capsule with a gold band)
• •400 mg capsules (white powder in a white capsule with a green band)

⚠️ Celecoxib side effects

🛑 Who should not take Celecoxib, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have had an allergic reaction to celecoxib or any of its ingredients, or to sulfonamides.
• 🚨You have had asthma, hives, or another allergic-type reaction after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
• 🚨You are having heart bypass surgery (CABG), or you are right before or after it.
• 🚨The label says to avoid NSAIDs after a recent heart attack unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including liver or kidney problems, high blood pressure, and asthma.
• •Tell your provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, and if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
• •Tell your provider about all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• •The label lists these as higher-risk factors for stomach ulcers or bleeding: a past stomach ulcer or stomach or intestinal bleeding, older age, poor health, smoking, advanced liver disease, drinking alcohol, and bleeding problems.
• •The label says NSAIDs should only be used exactly as prescribed, at the lowest dose possible, for the shortest time needed.
• •Talk to your healthcare provider before using over-the-counter NSAIDs for more than 10 days.

🔀 Celecoxib with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Anticoagulants such as warfarin: taking them with celecoxib increases the risk of serious bleeding. The label says to monitor patients for signs of bleeding.
• •Antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin, SSRIs, and SNRIs: these can increase bleeding risk with an NSAID. The label says to monitor for signs of bleeding.
• •Aspirin: the label says combining analgesic doses of aspirin with an NSAID is not generally recommended because of increased bleeding risk. The label also says celecoxib is not a substitute for low-dose aspirin for heart protection.
• •ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and beta-blockers, including propranolol: NSAIDs may reduce how well these blood pressure medicines work. In some people, such as older adults, those who are dehydrated (including those on diuretics), or those with kidney problems, this combination may affect kidney function.
• •Corticosteroids: the label lists these as raising the risk of ulcers or bleeding when used with NSAIDs.
• •Other medicines: the label says NSAIDs and some other medicines can interact and cause serious side effects, so do not start a new medicine without talking to your provider first.

Alcohol and food

The label says drinking alcohol increases the risk of ulcers and bleeding with NSAIDs. The label also says the usual doses can be taken without regard to meals.

🤰 Celecoxib in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says that NSAIDs, including celecoxib, can cause early closing of a fetal blood vessel (ductus arteriosus) and fetal kidney problems that lead to low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios). In some cases this can cause kidney problems in the newborn. The label says to limit use between about 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy and to avoid use at about 30 weeks and later. The label also says that if an NSAID is needed for more than 2 days between 20 and 30 weeks, a provider may need to monitor the amount of fluid around the baby. Animal studies showed embryo-fetal deaths and structural problems at higher doses, but the label says human observational data on other risks in early pregnancy are inconclusive.

Breastfeeding

The label excerpt does not give details about celecoxib and breastfeeding. It says to tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to store at room temperature, between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Short temperature changes between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit) are allowed.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says symptoms after an acute NSAID overdose are usually limited to lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain above the navel. These have usually been reversible with supportive care. Stomach or intestinal bleeding has occurred, and high blood pressure, acute kidney failure, slowed breathing, and coma have occurred but were rare. The label says dialysis is unlikely to be useful in an overdose. If you take too much, call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Celecoxib

• Based on my heart, stomach, kidney, and liver health, is celecoxib a good fit for my condition?
• What warning signs should prompt me to get emergency help while I take this medicine?
• Can I safely take celecoxib with my other medicines, including aspirin, blood thinners, or blood pressure medicines?
• How long do you expect me to take this medicine, and when will you check on my progress?
• If I have trouble swallowing capsules, is it okay to mix the contents with applesauce?
• If I am pregnant or planning a pregnancy, what other options should we consider?
• Can I use over-the-counter NSAIDs while I take this medicine?

❓ Celecoxib: frequently asked questions