Celecoxib

Do not take Celecoxib if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Celecoxib may cause an increased risk of severe heart problems like myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. It should not be used by the patient who has had undergone recent heart bypass surgery or will have it. Celecoxib increases the risk of severe gastrointestinal conditions like bleeding, ulceration and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. Elderly patients are at greater risk for gastrointestinal bleeding problems so that the doctor can limit their dose. Celecoxib is not recommended for pregnant women, especially in the third trimester as it may cause harm the unborn baby (fetus). Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a doctor before taking Celecoxib. Do not consume alcohol with Celecoxib as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding or ulcer. If you experience weight loss, diarrhoea, pain or vomiting, please stop taking Celecoxib and consult a doctor immediately. These might be signs of worsening or Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (swelling in the digestive tract).

Drug-Drug Interaction: Celecoxib may have interaction with pain killers (ibuprofen, diclofenac, paracetamol, aspirin), high blood pressure-lowering medicines (propranolol, enalapril, losartan, candesartan), water pills (furosemide), blood thinners (heparin, warfarin, clopidogrel), fits related medicines (phenytoin), antidiabetic drugs (glimepiride, glipizide), antibiotics (moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin), HIV/AIDS medicines (Zidovudine), Immuno-suppressants medicines (cyclosporine), cardiac drugs (digoxin), psychiatric medication (lithium).

Drug-Food Interaction: Celecoxib may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid alcohol intake while taking Celecoxib as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

Drug-Disease Interaction: People with diabetes, stomach ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, asthma, kidney, liver or heart problems and an autoimmune condition, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (joint pain, fever and skin rashes), colitis or Crohn’s disease (conditions causing swelling of the bowel, diarrhoea, bowel pain, vomiting and weight loss) should consult a doctor before taking Celecoxib.

• Include more glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, vitamin D, calcium-enriched supplements. Besides this, turmeric and fish oils can help in reducing inflammation in the tissue.

• Do not go for heavy exercise as it may increase your joint pain in arthritis. Instead, you can do stretching, low impact aerobic exercise like walking on a treadmill, bike riding and swimming. You can also strengthen your muscle strength by lifting light weights.

• In the chronic conditions of arthritis or joint pain, try to include fish like salmon, trout, tuna and sardines. These fishes are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids that minimize the level of a chemical called cytokines, which ramp up inflammation.

• Your sitting posture is important, especially when you have pain and inflammation conditions. Try to sit little as possible, and only for a short time (10-15 min). Use back support like a rolled-up towel at the back of your curve to minimize pain. Keep your knees and hips at a right angle. Besides this, you can use a footrest if required.

• If you are elderly, a smoker, had a stroke previously, or have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, please inform your doctor as these conditions may increase the risk of heart problems.

• Regular monitoring of blood pressure as Celecoxib may reduce the blood pressure-lowering effects of certain blood pressure drugs.

• Celecoxib may cause anemia,  monitor hemoglobin or hematorcrit in long term treatments.

• Do not take more than the prescribed dose as it may cause Celecoxib overdose and lead to symptoms such as heartburn, stomach upset, unconsciousness, dizziness, ringing or buzzing in ears, fits, fainting, diarrhea or excitation.