Prescription Celecoxib (value) Drug Information

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE:WARNING:THE RISK OF SERIOUS AND SOMETIMES FATAL HEART PROBLEMS, HEART ATTACK, AND STROKE may be increased with the use of this medicine. This risk may be increased the longer you use this medicine. Risk may also be higher in patients who have heart problems or who are at risk for heart problems. THIS MEDICINE SHOULD NOT BE USED to treat pain before or after coronary artery "heart bypass" (CABG) surgery. THE RISK OF SERIOUS AND SOMETIMES FATAL STOMACH AND BOWEL PROBLEMS, including bleeding, ulcers, and holes in the stomach and bowel, is increased while using this medicine. These problems may occur at any time during therapy, with or without symptoms. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking fluconazole, lithium, methotrexate, "water pills" {diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene), high blood pressure medicines (e.g., ACE inhibitors such as captopril and lisinopril), corticosteroids (such as prednisone), blood thinners such as warfarin, other NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or other COX-2 inhibitors such as rofecoxib or valdecoxib. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including serious infections, dehydration, poorly controlled diabetes, heart problems (such as heart failure or history of heart attack), swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles (edema), high blood pressure, history of stroke, blood clotting problems, stomach or bowel problems (such as bleeding or ulcers), history of tobacco use or alcohol use, kidney problems, liver problems, blood or bleeding problems (such as anemia), asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), any allergies (especially to aspirin/NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, COX-2 inhibitors such as rofecoxib, or to sulfa medicines), pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have history of severe kidney disease or if you are going to have or have recently had coronary artery heart bypass (CABG) surgery.Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8oz/240ml). Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. Taking it with food may not decrease the risk of stomach or bowel problems (such as bleeding or ulcers) that may occur while taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you experience persistent stomach upset. CAUTIONS:THIS MEDICINE INCREASES YOUR RISK OF SERIOUS STOMACH OR BOWEL PROBLEMS (such as ulcers and bleeding). This risk is increased if you are elderly or are in poor health, if you have a history of smoking or drinking alcohol, if you take corticosteroid medicines (such as prednisone) or "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), or if you take this medicine for a long period of time. THIS MEDICINE MAY ALSO INCREASE YOUR RISK for certain serious heart and blood vessel problems (such as heart attack and stroke). DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to aspirin or any medicine containing aspirin or to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as piroxicam, ibuprofen, naproxen, sulindac). IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine or any other sulfonamide medicine (such as Septra DS, Bactrim DS, Gantrisin, glyburide, or probenecid), contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine, 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.