Celebrex (Celecoxib) is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by a breakdown of the lining of the joints), rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints), and ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis that mainly affects the spine). It is also used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (a type of arthritis that affects children) in children 2 years of age and older. Celecoxib is also used to treat painful menstrual periods and to relieve other types of short-term pain including pain caused by injuries, surgery and other medical or dental procedures, or medical conditions that last for a limited time. Celecoxib is in a class of NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain and inflammation. 

Celecoxib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. If you are taking up to 200 mg of celecoxib at a time, you may take the medication with or without food. If you are taking more than 200 mg of celecoxib at a time, you should take the medication with food. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if you need to take your medication with food. To help you remember to take celecoxib, take it around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take celecoxib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. If you cannot swallow the capsules or if you are giving this medication to a child, you may open the capsules and sprinkle the contents over a teaspoon of cold or room temperature applesauce. You may prepare the mixture in advance and store it for up to 6 hours in a refrigerator. When you are ready to take your medication, swallow all of the mixture. Then drink water to wash down the mixture and be sure that you have swallowed all of it.

Before taking celecoxib,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to celecoxib, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), sulfa medications, any other medications, or any of the inactive ingredients in celecoxib capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the inactive ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the following: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril, olmesartan (Benicar, in Azor, in Benicar HCT, in Tribenzor), beta-blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin, in Tenoretic), diuretics ('water pills'); fluconazole (Diflucan); and lithium (Lithobid). This is not a complete list. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section or asthma, especially if you also have frequent stuffed or runny nose or nasal polyps (swelling of the lining of the nose); swelling of the hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs; heart failure; or liver or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, especially if you are in the last few months of your pregnancy, you plan to become pregnant, or you are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking celecoxib, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking celecoxib.

If your condition doesn’t improve or worsens, let your physician know immediately.

Celecoxib may cause side effects including but not limited to:

• diarrhea
• gas or bloating
• sore throat
• cold symptoms

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately. Do not take any more celecoxib until you speak to your doctor.

• unexplained weight gain
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• swelling of the abdomen, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• nausea
• excessive tiredness
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• itching
• lack of energy
• loss of appetite
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• flu-like symptoms
• blisters
• fever
• signs of an allergic reaction including rash; hives; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, or hands; hoarseness; difficulty swallowing or breathing
• pale skin
• fast heartbeat
• cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
• back pain
• difficult or painful urination
• frequent urination, especially at night

Celecoxib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

Q: Why is Celebrex prescribed?

A: Celebrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Q: Does Celebrex have a generic alternative?

A: Yes, Celecoxib is available to purchase at a lower price than the brand name Celebrex.

Q: How long until I see the effects of Celebrex?

A: Some people will notice the effects of celecoxib within the first few hours of taking a dose. For others, the effects may not be evident for days and even up to a week or two after the medicine has been started. 

Q: What if I miss a dose of Celebrex?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).