USES: Celebrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known as a COX-2 inhibitor used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults.

BEFORE USING: Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Celebrex. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking an ACE inhibitor, an anticoagulant, furosemide, lithium, or fluconazole.

HOW TO USE THIS CELEBREX: The usual dose of Celebrex for osteoarthritis is 200 mg daily or 100 mg twice daily. While patients with rheumatoid arthritis should start with these dosages, some patients with rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from dosage of 200 mg twice daily.

SIDE EFFECTS: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Celebrex include diarrhea, indigestion, mild stomach pain, gas, nausea, or headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience skin rash or itching; unexplained weight gain; bloating or swelling of ankles, feet, or hands; vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds; blood in stool or vomit; yellowing of skin or eyes; or unusual fatigue.

PRECAUTIONS: DO NOT TAKE Celebrex IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to aspirin or any medicine containing aspirin or to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as Feldene, Motrin, Naprosyn, Clinoril).

DO NOT TAKE Celebrex IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to a sulfonamide antibiotic (Septra DS, Bactrim DS, Gantrisin). A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to Celebrex, contact your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of Celebrex unless your doctor tells you to do so.

DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take Celebrex for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using Celebrex. Celebrex MAY CAUSE stomach bleeding. If you drink alcohol on a daily basis, do not take Celebrex without first discussing it with your doctor. Alcohol use combined with Celebrex may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen.