1. Medicine Description

Available only on prescription.

This medicine contains celecoxib and is gluten and sugar free.

It is a white capsule with a blue band.

2. How your medicine helps you

This medicine is a COX-2 specific inhibitor. It is used to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Before using your medicine

Important: Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic or sensitive to anything, including this medicine.

Do not use this medicine if you have an allergy to sulphonamides or a history of itchy rash, asthma or allergies from aspirin or NSAIDs.

Have you checked with your doctor or pharmacist ?

The following may affect your treatment:

Conditions: liver problems, kidney problems, water retention, high blood pressure, heart failure, asthma, dehydration, poor physical health, alcoholism, smoking, a history of ulcers in the digestive tract, a history of bleeding in the digestive tract.

Other medicines: NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories), aspirin, anticoagulants, warfarin, oral corticosteroids, fluconazole, diuretics, lithium, ACE inhibitors, liver enzyme-inhibitors.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:

Food: Take with food if this medicine upsets your stomach.

Alcohol: Keep intake low as may increase some side effects.

Driving/Operating machinery: No problems expected.

Pregnancy: Avoid this medicine. Discuss with doctor.

Breast feeding: Do not use this medicine if you are breast feeding.

Older people: May be more sensitive to this medicine.

Antacids: May be taken if needed.

Other: This medicine may affect some laboratory tests.

4. How to use your medicine

Important: Follow the instructions on the label carefully.

Safety: After each dose, return this medicine to a safe place out of reach and sight of children.

Swallow the capsule/s whole with a full glass of water, while sitting or standing upright.

5. While using your medicine

This medicine is used to relieve symptoms. If you forget a dose, continue with the medicine as directed or as needed. Do not double doses.

If you feel this medicine has not started to work within two days or if you get new or different symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor.

Store this medicine in a cool, dry place, out of the reach of children. Leave it in the pack until it is time to take a dose.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:

If you have any concerns about this medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effect Contact doctor/pharmacist

nausea; vomiting; diarrhoea if severe or ongoing

sore stomach, heartburn for investigation promptly

dizziness; headache if severe or ongoing

stabbing pain in the stomach or hospital IMMEDIATELY

eyesight changes for investigation promptly

bloody or black bowel movements; blood in urine; vomiting blood straight away and stop using this medicine

urinary changes; painful or difficult urination straight away

fever, feeling unwell; rash; unusual bleeding or bruising for investigation promptly

muscle or joint pain if it is severe or gets worse

pins and needles if it keeps happening

fluid retention, swollen ankles for investigation promptly

ringing in the ears; deafness straight away

unusual weakness or tiredness if severe or ongoing

breast changes; menstrual changes; vaginal discharge or irritation for investigation promptly

depression; anxiousness for discussion promptly

sore throat, difficulty swallowing for investigation promptly

blocked/runny nose, sinusitis if severe or ongoing

sudden severe pain in chest, arms, groin or legs or hospital IMMEDIATELY

jaundice (yellow skin, dark urine, stomach upset) for investigation promptly

irregular heartbeat; weakness of a limb or face muscles or hospital IMMEDIATELY

URGENT: Get emergency medical help immediately

for overdose or accidental poisoning

if you develop wheezing or difficulty breathing, an itchy stun rash or swelling of the face or neck (allergic reaction)

if you get any of the following: chest pain, shortness of breath, suddenly feeling weak or faint.

6. General information

Remember to tell any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using this medicine.

This medicine interacts with a number of other medicines. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any new medicine.

If you are using this medicine for long periods of time, see your doctor for regular check-ups.