Celecoxib
Celecoxib (sel-eh-KOX-ib)
Brand Name
Celebrex
Type of Drug
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug (NSAID).
Prescribed For
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, some colon polyps (FAR), menstrual pain, and arthritis of the spine (ankylosing spondylitis).
General Information
Traditional NSAIDs work primarily by blocking the effects of COX-2, a body enzyme that plays an important role in regulating pain and inflammation. But these NSAIDs also have an unwanted effect: They interfere with cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), a related enzyme that helps to maintain the stomach’s protective lining. NSAIDs that block the effects of this enzyme may produce side effects such as stomach irritation, gas, and stomach ulcers.
COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib are a class of NSAIDs that work about as well as the older NSAIDs. In fact, both 200 mg a day and 400 mg a day of celecoxib work as well as naproxen 500 mg twice a day. They interfere primarily with COX-2, leaving the stomach-protecting COX-1 relatively unaffected. This means that COX-2 inhibitor NSAIDs can relieve pain and inflammation just like traditional NSAIDs but are less likely to cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. Another advantage of celecoxib is that it does not cause thinning of the blood or affect blood platelets as can happen with older NSAIDs. Celecoxib is broken down in the liver.
Black patients absorb about 40% more celecoxib than Caucasians; its importance is unclear. Celecoxib is the first drug proven effective in reducing the number of intestinal polyps in people with the rare genetic disorder FAR
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take celecoxib if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients or to sulfa drugs. NSAIDs should not be taken by people with asthma or by those who have had a” allergic reaction to aspirin or another NSA13.1hey can develop a group of sympWMS V1Jnny nose with or without nasal polyps and a severe bronchial spasm) known as the aspirin triad.
COX-2 inhibitors, including celecoxib, have been associated with high blood pressure, kidney damage, heart attacks, and stroke. It should not be used to treat pain associated with heart bypass surgery. Two other COX-2 inhibitors were taken off the market because of safety concerns. Rofecoxib was removed because safety issues were noted after people had taken it for 18 months or more. Valdecoxib was taken off the market because of the lack of safety data, severe skin rashes, and concerns raised in people taking the drug after having had heart surgery.
NSAIDs can cause GI bleeding and ulcers and stomach perforation. This can occur at any time, with or without warning, in people who take NSAIDs regularly. Celecoxib should be used with caution by people who have had stomach ulcers or GI bleeding. Minor upper GI problems, such as upset stomach, are common and may occur at any time during NSAID therapy. People who develop bleeding or ulcers and continue NSAID treatment should be aware of the risk of developing more serious side effects. Risk of GI bleeding and ulcers is increased with longer duration of therapy as well as treatment with oral corticosteroids and anticoagulants, smoking, alcoholism, older age, and general poor health.
Children taking celecoxib may be more likely to vomit blood, suffer acute kidney failure, or develop rashes.
Celecoxib has not been studied in people with severe kidney disease. They should not use this drug unless their doctors closely monitor their kidney function.
Celecoxib can cause liver irritation and should be used with caution by people with hepatitis or cirrhosis. People with moderate liver disease can have twice as much celecoxib in their blood and require a reduced dosage. The effect of celecoxib in people with severe liver failure is not known.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects are similar to those of traditional NSAIDs. Stomach and intestinal side effects are about half as common.
♦ Most common: headache.
✓ Common: diarrhea, upset stomach, sinus irritation, and respiratory infection.
♦ Less common: abdominal pain, gas, nausea, back pain, swelling in the legs m arms, accidental injuries, sleeplessness, dizziness, sore throat, runny nose, and rash.
✓ Rare: Rare side effects can occur in almost any part of the body. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effect not listed above.
Drug Interactions
• Alcohol may increase the risk of serious GI-related side ef-
fects. Avoid alcohol.
• Combining celecoxib with an aluminum and magnesium antacid slightly reduces the amount of drug absorbed. Separate doses of these antacids and celecoxib by 1-2 hours.
• Fluconazole and lithium may raise celecoxib blood levels and increase the risk of side effects.
• While celecoxib may be combined with low dosages of as-
pirin, taking these drugs together can increase the risk of
stomach or intestinal ulcers or other complications. The ulcer
risk associated with this combination is less than that posed
by single-drug therapy with a traditional NSAID.
• Celecoxib can reduce the blood-pressure-lowering effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and diuretic drugs. This combination can also increase the risk of kidney damage after chronic celecoxib use.
• Celecoxib may affect lithium blood levels.
• NSAIDS can reduce the effect of furosemide and thiazidetype diuretics.
• Celecoxib should be used cautiously with warfarin. Concurrent use of these drugs may cause an increased risk of bleeding complications.
Food Interactions
Celecoxib can be taken without regard to Food or meals. For optimal effectiveness, avoid taking this drug with high-fat meals.
Usual Dose
Adult (age 18 and over): arthritis-100-200 mg once or twice a day. FAP-400 mg twice a day.
Child (age 2 and over): juvenile rheumatoid arthritis-22-55 lbs: 50 mg twice a day; over 55 lbs: 100 mg twice a day.
Child (under age 2): not recommended.
Overdosage
Overdosage symptoms include Mnargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomitiR(;, 16M Stomach pain. Stomach or intestinal bleeding or severe allergic reactions can occur. High blood pressure, kidney failure, breathing difficulties, and coma are rare.
The victim should be taken to a hospital emergency room. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
Call your doctor if you develop rash, itching, unexplained weight gain, nausea, fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), flu-like symptoms, lethargy, swelling, black stools, severe stomach pain, persistent headache, or any bothersome or persistent side effect.
If you forget a dose and remember within 1 or 2 hours of your scheduled time, take it right away. If you do not remember until later, skip the forgotten dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: celecoxib has caused birth defects in animal studies. Any NSAID may affect fetal heart development during the second half of pregnancy. Pregnant women should not take celecoxib without their doctor’s approval. When this drug is considered crucial by your doctor, its potential benefits must be carefully weighed against its risks.
NSAIDs may pass into breast milk. There is a possibility that a nursing mother taking celecoxib could affect her baby’s heart or cardiovascular system. Nursing mothers who must take this drug should use infant formula.
Seniors: Generally, seniors can take this drug without special precaution. Those who weigh less than 110 lbs. should begin with the lowest possible dosage.