Generic name: Celecoxib

Why is this medication prescribed?
Celecoxib is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?
Celecoxib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take celecoxib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking celecoxib,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to celecoxib, aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sulfas, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially acetaminophen (Tylenol), amiodarone (Cordarone), anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, chloramphenicol, cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), diuretics ('water pills'), fluconazole (Diflucan), fluvoxamine (Luvox), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), medications for high blood pressure, omeprazole (Prilosec), zafirlukast (Accolate), other medications for arthritis, and vitamins. Do not take aspirin or acetaminophen when using celecoxib unless directed to do so by your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, heart, or kidney disease; high blood pressure; asthma; any stomach problems including ulcers or bleeding; or any other gastrointestinal disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking celecoxib, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking celecoxib.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Celecoxib may be taken with or without food. If celecoxib causes an upset stomach, take it with food.

What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from celecoxib are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• water retention
• upset stomach
• stomach pain or cramps
• diarrhea
• gas
• headache

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• bloody vomit
• bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
• ringing in the ears
• blurred vision
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• skin rash
• itching
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• unexplained weight gain

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison controlcenter at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsedor is not breathing, call local emergency services at911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• lack of energy
• drowsiness
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• stomach pain

What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.