Generic Name: CELECOXIB (ce-le-KOX-ib)

Drug Manufacturer: SEARLE LABS

Common Uses: This medicine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known as a COX-2 inhibitor. It is used to relieve pain and swelling (inflammation). It is used to treat arthritis, acute pain, and menstrual pain and discomfort. Celecoxib is also used to decrease growths found in the intestines (colon polyps) in persons with a family history of this condition. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.

How to use this Medicine: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine. To decrease the chance of stomach upset, take this medicine with food. Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8oz/240ml). Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to aspirin or any medicine containing aspirin or to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as piroxicam, ibuprofen, naproxen, sulindac). DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to a sulfonamide antibiotic (such as sulfamethoxazole or sulfisoxazole). A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE stomach bleeding. If you drink alcohol on a daily basis, do not take this medicine without first discussing it with your doctor. Alcohol use combined with this medicine may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that may contain aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen. Aspirin as prescribed by your doctor for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually 81-325 mg per day) should be discussed with your doctor before combining with this medicine. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine (especially to stomach bleeding and kidney effects). FOR WOMEN: This medicine should be used only when clearly needed during the first 6 months of pregnancy. IT SHOULD NOT BE USED during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.