Common uses
This medicine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known as a COX-2 inhibitor. It is used to relieve pain and swelling (inflammation). It is used to treat arthritis, acute pain, and menstrual pain and discomfort. Celecoxib is also used to decrease growths found in the intestines (colon polyps) in persons with a family history of this condition. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Additional monitiring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking fluconazole, lithium, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene), high blood pressure medicines (e.g., ACE inhibitors such as captopril and lisinopril), corticosteroids such as prednisone, "blood thinners" such as warfarin, other NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or other COX-2 inhibitors such as rofecoxib or valdecoxib. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney problems, liver problems, heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure, congestive heart failure), alcohol use, swelling (edema), blood disorders (anemia), serious infections, stomach problems (bleeding or ulcers), dehydration, poorly controlled diabetes, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), any allergies (especially to aspirin/NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, COX-2 inhibitors such as rofecoxib, or to sulfa medicines), pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Directions
To decrease the chance of stomach upset, take this medicine with food. Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8oz/240ml). Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine. Store this medicine at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
Do not take this medicine if you have had a severe allergic reactoin to aspirin or any medicine containing aspirin or to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as piroxicam, ibuprofen, naproxen, sulindac).

Do not take this medicine if you have had a severe allergic reactoin to a sulfonamide antibiotic (such as sulfamethoxazole or sulfisoxazole). A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness.

Do not exceed the recommended dose or take this medicine for longer than prescribed. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Alcohol use combined with this medicine may increase your risk for stomach bleeding.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that may contain aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen. Aspirin as prescribed by your doctor for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually 81-325 mg per day) should be discussed with your doctor before combining with this medicine. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine (especially to stomach bleeding and kidney effects).

For women: This medicine should be used only when clearly needed during the first 6 months of pregnancy. It should not be used during the last 3 months of pregnancy. This medicine may be excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include stomach upset or gas. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience severe headache, unexplained weight gain, swelling of the hands or feet, or change in amount of urine.

This medicine may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines; therefore, stop taking this medicine if you experience any of the following: black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, persistent stomach/abdominal pain.

This medicine may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease; therefore, contact your doctor if you experience any of the following: yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, unusual fatigue; difficulty breathing; dizziness; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives.