The Functions of Celecoxib:

Celecoxib is essentially a pain medicine or reliever used to treat heumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, menstrual pain, or other complications as deemed useful by your doctor. Celecoxib is also used to treat FAP or familial adenomatous polyposis since it decreases the polyps or the growth of polyps in the rectum.

Celecoxib is classified as a COX-2 inhibitor (NSAID). Doctors are not exactly sure how Celecoxib exactly works, but they know that it blocks substances in the body that lead to inflammation as it treats the resulting pain. However, NSAIDs are not used to treat the disease related to the symptoms.

When not to use Celecoxib:

Refrain from using Celecoxib if....

• you have known allergies to Celecoxib or any of its ingredients
• you have a history of severe allergies to aspirin, sulfonamide (sulfamethoxazole), or NSAID (ibuprofen). Severe reactions may include hives, severe rash, breathing trouble, dizziness and growths in the nose
• you have scheduled or recently had a bypass surgery
• you have advanced liver complications
• you are in the last trimester of your pregnancy

Notify your health care provider or attending if any of these complications apply before you take Celecoxib.

There are certain medical conditions that may interact with the drug. Discuss the effects of Celecoxib with your doctor or your pharmacist if these apply to you:

• Pregnancy, thinking about being pregnant, or breast-feeding
• Under other prescription or non-prescription meds, dietary supplements, or herbal medicines
• Allergies to certain medicines, substances, or food
• Have a history of kidney ailment, liver disease, stomach or bowel problems such as bleeding, perforation, and ulcers.
• Diabetes
• Have a history of asthma, nasal polyps, mouth inflammation, or fluid buildup
• Have heart and blood complications such as blood disorders, high blood pressure, clotting or bleeding problems, heart problems or disease in the blood vessels. Take not if you are at risk to acquire these complications
• Poor health, low fluid, dehydration, low sodium level in the blood, or had alcohol problems

Some medications may interact with the drug. It is important to take note what other medication you are taking and notify your doctor immediately. Here are some medicines that interact with Celecoxib the most:

• Anticoagulants such as warfarin; corticosteroids (prednisone), aspirin, heparin, and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) - these may increase the risk of bleeding in the stomach.
• Fluconazole since they may increase the probability of side effects from Celecoxib
• Cyclosporine, methotrexatem, lithium, and quinolones (ciprofloxacin) since the risk of their side effects may increase while taking Celecoxib.
• ACE (Angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors such as enalapril; diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide) since it may decrease the effectiveness of Celecoxib

The list above may not be the complete list of drug interactions that may happen. Thus, it is important to ask your doctor what drug interactions may apply to you. Always follow your doctor's instructions when you take the drug and do not modify your dosage without the doctor's approval.

Dosage of Celecoxib:

Take Celecoxib only as instructed by the health care provider. You can check the meds' label for the exact dosage guidelines.

• The drug comes with a medication guide. This is an extra sheet with more information on the drug. Read the medication carefully each time you refill Celecoxib.
• Celecoxib is an oral medication. If Celecoxib upsets your digestion, you can take the medication with food. Note that the medicine will not decrease the risk of bowel or stomach problems such as ulcer or bleeding. If the stomach pain is a persistent case, contact your health care provider immediately.
• There are certain parts of the dosage schedule where you need food as you take the drug. It is best to clear it up with your doctor before anything else.
• Celecoxib should be taken only with a full glass of water or as directed by the health care provider. A full glass of water is equivalent to 8 oz or 240 ml.
• Refrain from lying down for a half-hour after taking the drug
• If you miss a dose of the drug, take the dose as soon you remember. However, if you remembered late enough that it is time for the next dosage, you have to skip the dosage and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two or more doses at the same time.

If you have other questions on how to administer Celecoxib, it is best to ask your health care provider.

Things that you need to know about Celecoxib:

Celecoxib and its side effects:

All meds are known to cause side effects, although most people do not experience it, or only experience minor effects if so. If a common side effect becomes bothersome, talk to your doctor about it. Here are some common side effects with Celecoxib:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Gas
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Sore Throat
• Upset Stomach
• Stuffy Nose

If you have one of these severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately:

• Severe allergies such as rash, hives, itching, breathing difficulty, chest tightness, swelling in the mouth, lips, face, or tongue
• Bloody, tarry, black stools
• Changes in the urination
• Chest Pain
• Confusion
• Dark Urine
• Painful urination
• Fainting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Fever
• Chills
• Persistent sore throat
• Nausea
• Hearing loss
• Mood swings
• One-sided weakness
• Red, swollen skin
• Shortness of breath
• Severe vomiting
• Unexplainable weight increase
• Swelling of hands, feet, and legs
• Stomach pain
• Muscle and joint pain
• Unusual vomiting
• Yellow eyes and skin

Shelf life of Celecoxib:

The expiration date of Celecoxib is mentioned in its blister pack. Take note that the expiration date is varied from different batches. Usually, the shelf life is two years from the time of manufacture.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.