About celecoxib

Celecoxib is a member of a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This is abbreviated to NSAID. Other NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, indometacin, naproxen and diclofenac.

Celecoxib is also known as a cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor because it works to relieve pain and inflammation in arthritis by blocking a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) which is involved in the production of irritant chemicals in response to disease. By blocking the action of COX-2, celecoxib reduces the symptoms of pain and inflammation in arthritis.

Before taking celecoxib

Before taking celecoxib make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are under 18 or over 65 years of age.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder.
• If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer.
• If you have a heart condition, or a problem with your blood vessels or circulation.
• If you have high blood pressure or swollen ankles.
• If you have ever had blood clotting problems.
• If you have inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's Disease, or ulcerative colitis.
• If you have systemic lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory condition also called lupus or SLE).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic or unusual reaction to any other NSAID (this includes aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and indometacin), to a sulphonamide antibiotic, or to any other medicine.

How to take celecoxib

• Before starting celecoxib, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
• Take celecoxib exactly as your doctor has told you.
• It is not important whether you take celecoxib before or after meals.
• Try to take celecoxib at the same time(s) each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored. Your doctor will want to check your blood pressure while you are taking celecoxib.
• Your doctor will try to prescribe you the lowest dose for the shortest time so that you do not suffer from side-effects. If you need to take celecoxib for a long time, your doctor may want to prescribe another medicine along with it to protect your stomach from irritation.
• If you do not feel any improvement in your symptoms after two weeks of taking celecoxib, talk to your doctor.
• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking celecoxib.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with celecoxib.

Can celecoxib cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Important: If you experience any of the following, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay:

• Any sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestine, such as blood in vomit or dark stools.
• Any shortness of breath, or swelling of the mouth or face.
• A severe skin rash.
• A severe headache with a high temperature and a stiff neck.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store celecoxib

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines