What is CELEBREX™ (celecoxib)?

CELEBREX is a new prescription medicine designed to relieve the pain, inflammation, and stiffness of OA and RA.

How does CELEBREX work?

In the body, there are 2 enzymes that are called COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 helps regulate normal cell function in the stomach and blood. COX-2 plays a role in causing arthritis pain and inflammation. CELEBREX is the first arthritis product to target only the COX-2 enzyme.

What are the most common side effects of CELEBREX?

CELEBREX is generally well tolerated. In studies, the most common side effects were indigestion, diarrhea, and abdominal pain; however, fewer than 1% found these problems serious enough to stop taking CELEBREX. Although people who take CELEBREX are not very likely to get stomach ulcers, serious stomach ulcers can occur without warning symptoms. Therefore, patients and their doctors should remain alert for any signs and symptoms of stomach bleeding.

What else should people know about taking CELEBREX?

People who are allergic to celecoxib or to sulfonamides should not use CELEBREX. People who have ever had asthma, hives or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs should also not use CELEBREX. While low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke can be used with CELEBREX, people who take aspirin and CELEBREX together are at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers compared with those taking CELEBREX alone. CELEBREX is not a substitute for aspirin for prevention of heart attack or stroke.

Can people take CELEBREX™ (celecoxib) if they’re taking other medicines?

If you take CELEBREX with certain other medicines, they may affect or interact with one another. Be sure to tell your doctor or other healthcare professional about all prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking.

Can CELEBREX be taken by older people?

Yes. CELEBREX was studied in people aged 65 and older, and no substantial differences in safety and effectiveness were seen between older and younger people. There may be some dosing differences based on weight.

How should CELEBREX™ (celecoxib) be taken?

Your doctor or healthcare professional will tell you how to take CELEBREX. You should continue to take CELEBREX as prescribed even when you are feeling better. CELEBREX can be taken with or without food. CELEBREX capsules come in two strengths: 100 mg and 200 mg.

• The recommended dose for OA is 200 mg a day, which may be taken as a single 200-mg dose or as a 100-mg dose twice a day.
• The recommended dose for RA is 100 mg to 200 mg, twice a day.

There are certain things you should know about all medicines:

• Never be afraid to ask questions. Ask your doctor or other healthcare professional any questions you may have.
• Know the names of all your medicines and why you are taking them. This includes medicines that doctors prescribe and medicines you can buy without a prescription, like aspirin, vitamins, and home and herbal remedies.
• Tell your doctor or other healthcare professional about all the medicines you take and any allergies or other medical problems you have.
• It is a good idea to have prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy each time. This way, the pharmacist can keep an up-to-date record of all prescribed medicines.
• Keep CELEBREX and all other medicines out of the reach of children.
• Never share your medicines with other people.

Remember that this information can never take the place of discussion between you and your doctor or other healthcare professional.