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 a patient who has undergone recent heart bypass surgery or will undergo 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 of gastrointestinal bleeding, so the doctor can limit their dose.
• Celecoxib is not recommended for pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, as it may cause harm to 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, 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, and calcium-enriched supplements. Besides this, turmeric and fish oils can help reduce tissue inflammation.
• Do not engage in strenuous exercise, as it may worsen 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 muscles by lifting light weights.
• For chronic conditions such as arthritis or joint pain, try to include fish like salmon, trout, tuna, and sardines. These fish are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce levels of a chemical called cytokines, which ramp up inflammation.
• Your sitting posture is important, especially when you have pain and inflammatory conditions. Try to sit as little as possible, and only for a short time (10-15 min). Use a back support, such as a rolled-up towel, at the back of your curve to minimise pain. Keep your knees and hips at a right angle. Additionally, you can use a footrest if needed.

• If you are elderly, a smoker, have 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 anaemia; monitor haemoglobin or haematocrit during long-term treatment.
• 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, diarrhoea or excitation.