CELEBREX

Drug Name

Celebrex (Celecoxib)

Drug Uses

Celebrex is used to relief pain, fever, swelling, and tenderness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Celebrex does not prevent the progression of either type of arthritis. It reduces only the symptoms and signs of arthritis. Celebrex is also approved for the relief of acute pain and the pain of menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea). Celecoxib has been approved for patients with familial FAP who have not had their colons removed.

How to use

For the management of osteoarthritis, the dose usually is 100 mg twice daily or 200 mg as a single dose. For rheumatoid arthritis, the dose usually is 100 or 200 mg twice daily. For acute pain or menstrual cramps, the dose is 400 mg as a single dose on the first day, followed by an additional 200 mg if needed, then 200mg twice daily as needed. For FAP, the recommended dose is 400 mg twice daily.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used for treating arthritis, pain, menstrual cramps, and colonic polyps. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are important contributors to the inflammation of arthritis that causes the pain, fever, swelling and tenderness. Celecoxib blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation and its accompanying pain, fever, swelling and tenderness are reduced. Celecoxib differs from other NSAIDs in that it causes less inflammation and ulceration of the stomach and intestine (at least with short-term treatment) and does not interfere with the clotting of blood. NSAIDs have been found to prevent the formation and reduce the size of polyps in patients with the genetic disease, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). In FAP, patients develop large numbers of polyps in their colons, and the polyps invariably become malignant. The only cure of FAP requires removal of the entire colon. Celecoxib is approved as an adjunctive (secondary) treatment among patients with FAP. The cramping and pain during menstrual periods is due to prostaglandins, and blocking the production of prostaglandins with Celecoxib reduces the cramps and pain.

Missed Dose

You should take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Storage

Celebrex capsules should be stored at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). It is acceptable to briefly store it at temperatures between 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F).