Celecoxib (Celebrex)

Class of Drugs: Antirheumatic Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) COX-2 inhibitor

Manufacturer: Pfizer, Inc

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Description: This is an oral medication that is prescribed as capsules. The dosage and schedule are determined by your physician.

Ingredient: Celecoxib

Use: Celecoxib inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). This reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins that play a role in causing arthritis pain and inflammation. It does not effect the activity of COX-1, the enzyme involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins that help protect against stomach ulcers and other health problems.

This is a popular analgesic for use as a pain medication in breast cancer, especially in cases where it had metastasized to the bones, brain or liver.

Anecdotal evidence points to an anti-apoptotic effect for this drug. Many cancers have a p53 mutation that causes the cell to become "immortal." Anti-apoptotic drugs assist the cell to return to normal life cycle. Although some doctors are prescribing it, when appropriate, for this anti-tumor effect, it is not approved as an anti-cancer drug.

Warnings:
Before you start taking celecoxib, it is important to tell your health care professional if you are taking Aspirin or Fluconazole (Diflucan), your risk of serious side effects may be increased.

If you are on Lithium (Lithane) therapy it may interefere with the blood levels of celecoxib and increase the chance that side effects may occur.

You should also make the medical professional you deal with aware of any other medical problems. This is especially important if you have a history of alcohol abuse, bleeding problems, stomach ulcer or other stomach or intestinal problems or if you smoke or recently quit. These conditions increase the risk of side effects.

Celecoxib should not be taken by people who have experienced asthma, hives, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Some medical conditions such as anemia, asthma, dehydration or edema (swelling of feet or lower legs), heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease or liver disease may be effected by the use of celecoxib.

Taking acetaminophen, aspirin or other salicylates, or ketorolac (Toradol) regularly while you are taking any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, including celecoxib, increases the risk of dangerous side effects.

A recent study has linked this drug to an increased risk of heart attacks. Pfizer has disputed this claim based on the structure of the study. According to the company, the study looked at only 6 out of 48 available studies and based the results on this small sample.

Side Effects: STOP taking this medicine and check with your doctor immediately if you notice any swelling of the face, fingers, feet, and/or lower legs, intense stomach pain, dark, tarry stools, and/or vomiting of blood or anything that looks like coffee grounds (often this is a sign of internal bleeding), unusual weight gain or skin rash.

If you notice a fever, unusual drowsiness, itching of the skin, tiredness, nausea, or if stomach pain occurs let the doctor know. These may be signs of liver toxicity.

STOP taking this medicine and check with your doctor immediately if you notice pain, blistering, peeling, redness, or swelling of the palms of your hands and/or the bottoms of your feet that interfere with your normal activities; pain and redness, swelling, or sores in your mouth or on your lips that interfere with eating; diarrhea that is four to six stools a day more than usual; any diarrhea at night; nausea strong enough to keep you from eating or vomiting that occurs twice, or more, in any 24-hour period.

If you notice any other side effects, check with your doctor.

References: Celecoxib (Celebrex)

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This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice. All treatment decisions should be made with your team of medical professionals and prescriptions must be given by your doctor. See TERMS AND CONDITIONS.