• Celebrex is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Celebrex is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and menstrual pain.

How should you take this medication?

• Take Celebrex by mouth. It may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Take Celebrex with a full glass of water as directed by your doctor.
   
• Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
   
• Shake the oral suspension well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon.

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.

General Precautions with Celebrex

• This medicine can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use Celebrex. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery.
   
• Serious stomach ulcers or bleeding can occur with the use of Celebrex . Taking it in high doses, for a long time, smoking, or drinking alcohol increases the risk of these side effects. If you have severe stomach or back pain; black, tarry stools; vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds; or unusual weight gain or swelling, contact your doctor or emergency room right away.
   
• Do not drink alcohol while taking Celebrex. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by celebrex.

• This medication 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. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Celebrex?

• Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe headache, unexplained weight gain, swelling of the hands or feet, change in amount of urine, difficult/painful swallowing.
   
• This drug may rarely cause serious liver disease. If you notice any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking celebrex and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, unusual fatigue.
   
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.