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Celecoxib

  • Celecoxib is a drug which is used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
  • It can be taken before or after meals.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.

About celecoxib

Type of medicine Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Used for Relief of pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
Also called Celebrex®
Available as Capsules

Celecoxib works by preventing the production of irritant chemicals that cause pain and inflammation in the body.

It is a member of a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This is abbreviated to NSAIDs. Other NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, indometacin, naproxen and diclofenac. It is also known as a cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor.

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 suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from angina, heart disease or narrowing of the arteries.
  • If you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure).
  • If you suffer from swelling particularly of the ankles and lower legs.
  • If you have ever had an unusual reaction (such as an asthma attack, swelling of the face or mouth, or itching) from taking aspirin or another NSAID.
  • If you suffer from peptic (stomach) ulcer or inflammatory bowel disease.
  • If you have ever had blood clotting problems.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine, and in particular to a group of antibacterial medicines called sulphonamides.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take celecoxib

  • Take celecoxib exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Before buying any medicines, check with your pharmacist which are safe for you to take alongside celecoxib.
  • If you do not feel any improvement in your symptoms after two weeks of taking celecoxib, talk to your doctor.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.

Can celecoxib cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Dizziness, drowsiness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Feeling sick Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
Upper respiratory tract infection such as blocked nose, swollen sinuses and sore throat, face pain, difficulty sleeping, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhoea, indigestion, wind, skin rash, swelling of the feet and ankles If any of these are troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you develop a severe rash that may include peeling of the skin, speak to your doctor immediately.

Important: If you experience any sudden wheeziness, difficulty in breathing and swelling especially of the mouth and face, speak to your doctor immediately.

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 of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Celebrex®, Pharmacia Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised February 2007, accessed 27 February 2008.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
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dils3795		 Last Updated:
14 Apr 2008		 Date of Next Review:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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