1. Why am I taking CELEBREX?

CELEBREX contains the active ingredient celecoxib. CELEBREX is used to relieve pain and inflammation in a number of conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, menstrual cramps or period pain and muscle and joint injuries. For more information, see Section 1. Why am I taking CELEBREX? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I take CELEBREX?

Do not take if you have ever had an allergic reaction to celecoxib or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I take CELEBREX? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with CELEBREX and affect how it works. A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I take CELEBREX?

• Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water.
• CELEBREX can be taken with or without food.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I take CELEBREX? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while taking CELEBREX?

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while taking CELEBREX? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following: Stomach pain, diarrhoea, indigestion, wind, swollen hands, ankles and feet, unexplained weight gain, dizziness, sore throat, runny nose, sinusitis and upper respiratory tract infection.

Tell your doctor immediately or go to the Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital if you notice any of the following: Signs of allergic reaction such as wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing; collapse or fainting, shortness of breath or tiredness, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, swollen or sore leg veins; severe stomach or throat pain, vomiting blood or black sticky bowel motions; nausea, lethargy, itchiness, flu-like symptoms or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice); severe or persistent headache, fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light and vomiting; sudden severe headache, loss of consciousness, sudden tingling, numbness or paralysis on one side the face, arm, leg or body, difficulty speaking, understanding, reading or writing, loss of coordination or balance. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.

CELEBREX^®

Active ingredient(s): celecoxib

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about taking CELEBREX. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about taking CELEBREX.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I taking CELEBREX?

CELEBREX contains the active ingredient celecoxib. CELEBREX belongs to a group of medicines called coxibs which are used to relieve pain and inflammation in a number of conditions.

CELEBREX is used to relieve the symptoms of joint pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness in:

• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disorder that primarily affects, but is not limited to, the spine.

CELEBREX also provides short-term pain relief in conditions such as:

• menstrual cramps or period pain
• after surgery
• muscle and joint injuries.

Although CELEBREX can relieve the symptoms of pain and inflammation, it will not cure your condition.

Your doctor, however, may have prescribed CELEBREX for another purpose.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why CELEBREX has been prescribed for you.

CELEBREX is not recommended for use in children or adolescents under 18 years of age.

2. What should I know before I take CELEBREX?

Warnings

Do not take CELEBREX if:

• you are allergic to celecoxib, sulfonamides, a group of medicines which include, for example, certain antibiotics (if you are not sure if you are taking one of these medicines ask your pharmacist), or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to these medicines may include:
  • asthma, wheezing or shortness of breath
  • swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
  • hives, itching or skin rash
  • fainting

Always check the ingredients to make sure you can take this medicine.

If you are allergic to sulfonamides or any of the capsule ingredients and take CELEBREX, these symptoms may be severe.

• you suffer from chest pains or angina and they occur even when you are resting and are becoming more frequent, severe, or lasting longer than usual
• you have or have had problems with your blood circulation
• you have or if your doctor has told you that you have severe heart or blood vessel disease affecting the circulation in your brain or limbs
• you have severe liver problems

Your doctor will decide if your condition is too severe to take this medicine.

• you have problems with your kidney function
• you are undergoing cardiac surgery called coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
• you have had an asthma attack, hives, itching, skin rash or a runny nose after taking aspirin or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs, medicines used to treat pain and inflammation), including other Coxib medicines
• CELEBREX should not be used together with other NSAIDs

Many medicines used to treat headache, period pain and other aches and pains contain aspirin or an NSAID.

If you are allergic to aspirin, NSAIDs, or other Coxib medicines and take CELEBREX, these symptoms may be severe.

• the expiry date printed on the packaging has passed, even though the capsules may look alright

If you take this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.

• the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

If you are not sure if you should be taking CELEBREX, talk to your doctor.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• are already taking an NSAID
• have or have had gastric bleeding or an ulcer such as a peptic ulcer (i.e. stomach or duodenal ulcer)
• have irritable bowel disease
• have heart failure or have a history of heart problems
• have had a history of a heart attack, a "mini" stroke, stroke or blood vessel disease affecting circulation of blood to your brain or limbs, especially in the last 3 months
• are taking CELEBREX together with any medicines used to treat high blood pressure and some other heart problems such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists, beta blockers and diuretics (also called fluid or water tablets)

When taken together these medicines can cause kidney problems.

• drink large amounts of alcohol
• are a smoker
• have any allergies to any other medicines or any other substances such as foods, preservatives or dyes
• currently have an infection

If you are given CELEBREX while you have an infection, it may hide some of the signs of an infection.

• have any other health problems including:
  • high blood pressure
  • high cholesterol levels
  • diabetes
  • problems with the circulation in your limbs
  • fluid retention or other medical conditions that can cause fluid retention
  • liver or kidney problems
  • asthma, hives, itching, skin rash or a runny nose
  • vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • bleeding from the rectum (back passage), have black sticky bowel motions (stools) or bloody diarrhoea
  • bowel problems such as ulcerative colitis.

If you have not told your doctor or pharmacist about these things, tell them before you start taking CELEBREX.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

NSAIDs, which are related medicines, have been associated with reversible infertility in some women.

Use of NSAIDs in early pregnancy can increase the risk of spontaneous abortion.

There is no information on the use of CELEBREX during pregnancy.

CELEBREX may affect your developing baby if taken during pregnancy. Particular caution should be exerted from the twentieth week of the pregnancy.

CELEBREX use is not recommended in pregnancy unless your doctor considers it essential. If you are taking CELEBREX while pregnant, you may need to be closely monitored by your doctor. Discuss any questions you may have with your doctor.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

Small amounts of celecoxib passes into breast milk, therefore taking CELEBREX during breast-feeding should be discussed with your doctor.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may interfere with CELEBREX and affect how it works. These include:

• any medicines used to treat high blood pressure and some other heart problems such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists, beta blockers or diuretics (also called fluid or water tablets)
• digoxin, a medicine used to treat abnormal heart beats and some other heart problems
• fluconazole, an antifungal agent
• lithium, a medicine used to treat some types of depression
• warfarin or similar medicines including Eliquis (apixaban), Xarelto (rivaroxaban) or Pradaxa (dabigatran), medicines used to stop blood clots
• aspirin or salicylates, medicines used to treat pain
• antacids, medicines used to treat indigestion
• dextromethorphan, a medicine used to treat dry coughs
• some medicines used to treat diabetes
• methotrexate, a medicine used to treat arthritis and some cancers
• cyclosporin, a medicine used to suppress the immune system
• corticosteroids such as prednisolone, medicines that are used to reduce inflammation
• certain medicines used to treat pain and inflammation called NSAIDs.

Your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of these medicines, or provide additional advice if you are also taking CELEBREX.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect CELEBREX.

4. How do I take CELEBREX?

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.

They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

If you do not understand the instructions on the label, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

How much to take

Osteoarthritis

200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily.

Rheumatoid arthritis

100 mg twice daily.

Your doctor may increase the dose to 200 mg twice a day for a short period of time if you have a flare up.

Ankylosing spondylitis

100 mg twice daily or 200 mg once daily.

Menstrual cramps or period pain

400 mg as a single dose on the first day and 200 mg twice daily on following days. You may take CELEBREX for up to 5 days.

Muscle and joint injuries or after surgery

400 mg as a first dose followed by 200 mg once or twice daily as required. You may take CELEBREX for up to 5 days.

How to take it

Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water. CELEBREX can be taken with or without food.

When to take CELEBREX

• Take your medicine at about the same time each day.

Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.

• If you need to take an antacid, take it at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after your dose of CELEBREX

How long to take it

• Depending on your condition, you may need CELEBREX for a few days or for longer periods.
• CELEBREX will not cure your condition but should help control pain, swelling and stiffness.
• Keep taking CELEBREX for as long as your doctor advises.
• Do not exceed the dose recommended by your doctor.
• Your risk of developing heart or blood vessel diseases (e.g., heart attack) may increase with dose and duration of use even if you don't have a history of heart or blood vessel disease.
• If you need to take CELEBREX for a long time see your doctor for regular check-ups so that they can monitor your condition and treatment.

If you forget to take CELEBREX

CELEBREX should be used regularly at the same time each day. If you miss your dose at the usual time, and it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking your capsules as you would normally.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

If you take too much CELEBREX

If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much CELEBREX, urgent medical attention may be needed.

Symptoms of an overdose may include:

• feeling tired
• drowsiness
• feeling sick
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• difficulty breathing
• feeling faint

You should immediately:

• phone the Poisons Information Centre
  (Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or
• contact your doctor, or
• go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

5. What should I know while taking CELEBREX?

Things you should do

• If you become pregnant while taking CELEBREX, tell your doctor immediately.
• If you are about to start any new medicines, tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking CELEBREX.
• Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking CELEBREX.
• If you develop any skin rash (e.g. hives, spots) while being treated with CELEBREX, contact your doctor immediately.

The onset of these events, if they occur, can occur at any time, but most often occur in the first month of treatment.

• If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine.

Things you should not do

• Do not give CELEBREX to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms or condition as you.
• Do not take CELEBREX to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol.

Looking after your medicine

• Store below 25°C
• Keep your capsules in their blister pack until it is time to take them. If you take the capsules out of their container they may not keep well.

Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

• in the bathroom or near a sink, or
• in the car or on window sills.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to take this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not take this medicine after the expiry date.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you have any problems while taking CELEBREX, even if you do not think the problems are connected with the medicine or are not listed in this leaflet.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects.

You may not get any of them.

Less serious side effects

Serious side effects

Not all of these side effects have been reported with CELEBREX but have been seen with similar medicines.

Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell, even if it is not on this list.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What CELEBREX contains

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What CELEBREX looks like

CELEBREX 100 mg - opaque, white capsules with two blue bands marked 7767 and 100. The 100 mg capsules come in blister packs of 60 (AUST R 67901).

CELEBREX 200 mg - opaque, white capsules with two gold bands marked 7767 and 200. The 200 mg capsules come in blister packs of 30 (AUST R 67902).

Who distributes CELEBREX

Viatris Pty Ltd

Level 1, 30 The Bond

30-34 Hickson Road

Millers Point NSW 2000

www.viatris.com.au

Phone: 1800 274 276

This leaflet was prepared in June 2024.

CELEBREX^® is a Viatris company trade mark

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