What is this medicine?

CELECOXIB (sell a KOX ib) is known as a COX-2 inhibitor, a drug that belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class. It is used to reduce swelling and to treat pain. This medicine is commonly used for various types of joint and muscular conditions, such as arthritis. It may be also used for bone pain, dental pain, headaches, or painful monthly periods. It may also be used to reduce the number of colon or rectal polyps in certain people.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma
• coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks
• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks a day
• heart disease or circulation problems like heart failure or leg edema (fluid retention)
• high blood pressure
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• stomach bleeding or ulcers
• an unusual or allergic reaction to celecoxib, sulfa drugs, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take it with food if it upsets your stomach or if you take 400 mg at one time. Try to not lie down for at least 10 minutes after you take the medicine. Take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take more medicine than you are told to take. Long-term, continuous use may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cidofovir
• methotrexate
• other NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• pemetrexed

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol
• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• diuretics
• fluconazole
• lithium
• medicines for high blood pressure
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• warfarin