Here is a table that compares Celebrex to other NSAIDs⁚
| Feature | Celebrex | Ibuprofen | Naproxen |
|---|---|---|---|
| COX-2 inhibitor | Yes | No | No |
| Less likely to cause stomach problems | Yes | No | No |
| Effective in reducing pain and inflammation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
If you are considering taking an NSAID, talk to your doctor about Celebrex. Celebrex may be a good option for you if you are concerned about stomach problems.
Side Effects of Celebrex
Celebrex (celecoxib) is a prescription medicine used to treat pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is also used to treat acute pain, such as pain from surgery or dental procedures.
Celebrex is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects are stomach upset, diarrhea, and headache.
Other possible side effects of Celebrex include⁚
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Gas
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Rash
- Itching
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Ulcers
- Perforation of the stomach or intestines
Celebrex may also cause more serious side effects, including⁚
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Anaphylaxis
Celebrex should not be taken by people who are allergic to it or to other NSAIDs. It should also not be taken by people who have had a heart attack or stroke, or who have severe liver or kidney disease.
Celebrex may interact with other medications, including blood thinners, anticoagulants, and diuretics. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before you start taking Celebrex.
If you have any questions about the side effects of Celebrex, be sure to talk to your doctor.
How to reduce the side effects of Celebrex
There are a few things you can do to reduce the side effects of Celebrex⁚
- Take Celebrex with food. This can help to reduce stomach upset.
- Avoid taking Celebrex on an empty stomach.
- Take Celebrex with a full glass of water.
- Do not take more Celebrex than prescribed.
- Tell your doctor if you have any side effects from Celebrex.
If you have any serious side effects from Celebrex, stop taking the medication and call your doctor right away.
Precautions and Warnings
Celebrex (celecoxib) should be used with caution in the following situations⁚
- Heart disease⁚ Celebrex may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in people who have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
- Stroke⁚ Celebrex may increase the risk of stroke, especially in people who have had a stroke or who have risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
- Kidney disease⁚ Celebrex may worsen kidney function in people who have kidney disease.
- Liver disease⁚ Celebrex may worsen liver function in people who have liver disease.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding⁚ Celebrex may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in people who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding.
- Allergic reactions⁚ Celebrex may cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.
Celebrex should not be taken by people who are allergic to it or to other NSAIDs. It should also not be taken by people who have had a heart attack or stroke, or who have severe liver or kidney disease.
Celebrex may interact with other medications, including blood thinners, anticoagulants, and diuretics. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before you start taking Celebrex.
If you have any questions about the precautions and warnings associated with Celebrex, be sure to talk to your doctor.
What to do if you have side effects from Celebrex
If you have any side effects from Celebrex, stop taking the medication and call your doctor right away. Some side effects can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
Serious side effects of Celebrex include⁚
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Anaphylaxis
If you have any of these serious side effects, stop taking Celebrex and call your doctor right away.
Drug Interactions
Celebrex (celecoxib) may interact with other medications, including⁚
- Blood thinners⁚ Celebrex may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners, such as warfarin and heparin.
- Anticoagulants⁚ Celebrex may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants, such as aspirin and clopidogrel.
- Diuretics⁚ Celebrex may reduce the effectiveness of diuretics, such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide.
- Lithium⁚ Celebrex may increase the levels of lithium in the blood, which can lead to lithium toxicity.
- Methotrexate⁚ Celebrex may increase the levels of methotrexate in the blood, which can lead to methotrexate toxicity.
Celebrex may also interact with other medications, including⁚
- ACE inhibitors
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Cholesterol-lowering medications
- Diabetes medications
- Immunosuppressants
- NSAIDs
- Steroids
It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before you start taking Celebrex. Your doctor can tell you if there are any interactions between Celebrex and your other medications.
How to avoid drug interactions
There are a few things you can do to avoid drug interactions⁚
- Tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
- Ask your doctor if there are any interactions between Celebrex and your other medications.
- Follow your doctor's instructions for taking Celebrex and your other medications.
- Do not take more or less Celebrex than prescribed by your doctor.
If you have any questions about drug interactions, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Dosage and Administration
Celebrex (celecoxib) is available as a tablet, capsule, and oral solution. It is usually taken once or twice a day. The dose of Celebrex that is right for you will depend on the condition being treated, your weight, and your response to the medication. Your doctor will tell you how much Celebrex to take and how often to take it.
Tablets and capsules
Celebrex tablets and capsules are available in the following strengths⁚
The usual starting dose of Celebrex is 100 mg taken once or twice a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. The maximum recommended dose of Celebrex is 400 mg per day.
Oral solution
Celebrex oral solution is available in a strength of 20 mg/mL; The usual starting dose of Celebrex oral solution is 20 mg taken once or twice a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. The maximum recommended dose of Celebrex oral solution is 80 mg per day.
How to take Celebrex
Celebrex can be taken with or without food. It is important to take Celebrex exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it than prescribed. Do not take it more often than prescribed.
If you miss a dose of Celebrex, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time.
If you have any questions about how to take Celebrex, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Celebrex and other medications
Celebrex may interact with other medications, including blood thinners, anticoagulants, and diuretics. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before you start taking Celebrex.
Celebrex and alcohol
Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding with Celebrex. It is important to avoid alcohol while taking Celebrex.
Storage and Handling
Celebrex (celecoxib) should be stored at room temperature, between 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C). It should be stored in a dry place away from light and moisture.
Celebrex oral solution should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). It should be protected from light.
Do not freeze Celebrex.
Celebrex should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
How to dispose of Celebrex
Unused Celebrex should be disposed of properly. Do not flush Celebrex down the toilet or pour it down the drain.
To dispose of Celebrex tablets or capsules, follow these steps⁚
Wrap the tablets or capsules in a plastic bag.
Place the plastic bag in a cardboard box.
Seal the cardboard box and label it "Unused Medication."
Dispose of the cardboard box in the trash.
To dispose of Celebrex oral solution, follow these steps⁚
Pour the oral solution into a plastic bag.
Seal the plastic bag and label it "Unused Medication."
Dispose of the plastic bag in the trash.
Important safety information
Celebrex is a prescription medication. It is important to take Celebrex exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it than prescribed. Do not take it more often than prescribed.
Celebrex may interact with other medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before you start taking Celebrex.
Celebrex may cause side effects. The most common side effects are stomach upset, diarrhea, and headache. If you have any side effects from Celebrex, talk to your doctor.
Celebrex should not be taken by people who are allergic to it or to other NSAIDs. It should also not be taken by people who have had a heart attack or stroke, or who have severe liver or kidney disease.
If you have any questions about Celebrex, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Patient Assistance Programs
Celebrex (celecoxib) is a prescription medication used to treat pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is also used to treat acute pain, such as pain from surgery or dental procedures.
Celebrex can be expensive, especially if you do not have insurance. However, there are a number of patient assistance programs that can help you get Celebrex at a reduced cost.
Pfizer Patient Assistance Program
The Pfizer Patient Assistance Program is a program that provides free Celebrex to people who are uninsured or underinsured. To qualify for the program, you must meet the following criteria⁚
- You must be a legal resident of the United States.
- You must be uninsured or underinsured.
- Your income must be at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for the Pfizer Patient Assistance Program online or by phone. Once you have been approved for the program, you will receive a voucher that you can use to get Celebrex at no cost.
Celebrex Copay Card
The Celebrex Copay Card is a program that provides discounts on Celebrex to people who have commercial insurance. To qualify for the program, you must have commercial insurance and your insurance must cover Celebrex.
The Celebrex Copay Card offers a variety of discounts, including⁚
- A $10 copay for a 30-day supply of Celebrex
- A $20 copay for a 90-day supply of Celebrex
- A $30 copay for a 180-day supply of Celebrex
To get a Celebrex Copay Card, you can visit the Celebrex website or call the Celebrex customer service number.
Other patient assistance programs
There are a number of other patient assistance programs that can help you get Celebrex at a reduced cost. These programs are typically offered by pharmaceutical companies and nonprofit organizations.
To find a patient assistance program that can help you get Celebrex, you can visit the following websites⁚
- Partnership for Prescription Assistance⁚ https://www.pparx.org/
- NeedyMeds⁚ https://www.needymeds.org/
- RxAssist⁚ https://www.rxassist.org/
If you have any questions about patient assistance programs, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.