Celebrex (celecoxib) is in a class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called COX-2 inhibitors. It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Celebrex is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and menstrual pain. Celebrex is used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children who are at least 2 years old. It is also used in the treatment of hereditary polyps in the colon.

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Always use Celebrex as directed by your physician.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Celebrex comes as a capsule to take by mouth. Celebrex is usually taken once or twice a day, with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day. Continue to take celebrex even if you feel well. Do not stop taking celebrex without talking to your doctor.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture with water. You may save this applesauce mixture for later use in a refrigerator for up to 6 hours.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Always use Celebrex exactly as directed by your doctor.

Before using Celebrex, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Tell your doctor about all the other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.

Celebrex may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using this medicine, especially in older adults. You should not take this medicine if you already have bleeding in your stomach or intestines.

Celecoxib can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use Celebrex just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a stomach ulcer, bleeding in your stomach or intestines;

• heart disease, high blood pressure;

• asthma;

• bleeding problems;

• liver or kidney disease; or

• if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Taking celecoxib during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Celebrex may affect fertility (ability to have children) in women. Ask your doctor about this risk.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-Black or bloody stools, blood in the urine or vomit
-Blurred vision
-Breathing problems
-Chest pain
-Nausea, vomiting
-Problems with balance, talking, walking
-Redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
-Unexplained weight gain or swelling
-Unusually weak or tired
-Yellowing of eyes, skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-Constipation or diarrhea
-Dizziness
-Gas or heartburn
-Upset stomach

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What happens if I overdose?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature. Keep container tightly closed.

Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I avoid while using Celebrex?

Avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs while you are taking Celebrex.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to celecoxib.