Celecoxib

About Celecoxib

Celecoxib is used to manage pain, and inflammation (pain and swelling). Celecoxib can be prescribed for menstrual cramps, migraines, joint pain, and muscle pain.

How does Celecoxib work?

Pain and swelling are due to the activity of chemicals known as prostaglandins at the site of injury. Prostaglandins increase pain sensitivity.

Proteins known as COX (COX-1 and COX-2) help in the production of prostaglandins. Celecoxib blocks the action of COX-2.

Celecoxib is slightly less likely to cause stomach problems because it doesn’t block COX-1 which helps protect the stomach.

What are the side-effects I may experience?

You may experience:

• Dizziness

• Headaches

• Hypertension

Are there any medications and foods I should avoid?

• You can eat normally when taking celecoxib.

You should avoid excessive alcohol intake. Stomach irritation may be experienced when alcohol is consumed with celecoxib.

Celcoxib can interact with a number of medications. Make a list of all your medications and show it to our pharmacist or doctor before taking celecoxib.

Without permission from your doctor or pharmacist, you should avoid celecoxib if you are an asthmatic, have ulcers, or have experienced a stroke or heart attack.

Celecoxib may worsen stomach ulcers. It can also increase your chances of having a heart attack or having a stroke.

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

If you forget to take your prescription, take it as soon as you remember.

If you miss a dose, don’t take a double dose.

If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and take the next one.

Can I drive or operate machinery?

Celecoxib can cause slight dizziness. You should avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience this side effect.

Should I be bothered about possible addiction or dependence?

Celcoxib isn’t addictive.

Will my sexual performance, fertility or contraceptive be impaired?

Celecoxib hasn’t been demonstrated to interfere with sexual function or contraceptives.

Celecoxib can temporarily affect the fertility of women.

Can I use this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

• Celecoxib can cause harm to your unborn baby. You should avoid celecoxib during pregnancy. Celecoxib can reduce the amount of fluid around your baby and cause other birth defects.

• Celecoxib is passed into your breast milk. Celecoxib may not be safe for your baby. You shouldn’t take celecoxib when breastfeeding.

Useful information

You can safely use paracetamol for pain during pregnancy.