Celebrex (Celecoxib) for Lupus

Overview
Celebrex is a prescription medication that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998 to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. It is also known by its drug name, Celecoxib. Celebrex is used to treat pain, stiffness and discomfort caused by lupus in joints and other tissues. Unlike other drugs in its class, Celebrex does not interfere with blood clotting.

Celebrex should not be used by people who are allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen. Celebrex may not be appropriate for pregnant women or people whose lupus affects their kidneys (lupus nephritis). Do not take Celebrex while you are also taking aspirin or another NSAID drug. Celebrex should be used with caution in smokers, diabetics, and people with a history of heart problems, liver disease, stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, high blood pressure, or strokes.

Celebrex is an NSAID. NSAIDs help reduce fever, pain and inflammation. Celebrex is believed to work by inhibiting the production of chemicals that promote inflammation in the body.

How do I take it?
Celebrex is taken orally as a capsule once or twice a day. Your doctor will prescribe a dosage based on your needs. When taking NSAIDs, it is important to use the lowest dose that is effective, and to take it for the shortest amount of time in order to avoid side effects.

Celebrex can be taken with or without food at doses up to 200 milligrams. Take Celebrex with food if you are taking more than 200 milligrams at one time.

Your doctor should monitor your blood pressure regularly while you are taking Celebrex.

People with lupus who take NSAIDs regularly should have their kidney function tested every three or four months.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Celebrex.

Results
Studies have shown that as many as 75 percent of people with lupus take an NSAID every day. Of those, up to 3 percent experience gastrointestinal bleeds each year.

Side effects
Rare but serious side effects of Celebrex may include an increase in the risk of stroke, heart attack, fluid retention, edema (swelling), liver damage, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience pain in your chest or left arm, shortness of breath, abdominal pain or swelling, numbness or swelling in your hands or feet, or sudden weakness on one side of your body.

Taking Celebrex may raise your blood pressure.

Common side effects of Celebrex include constipation, nausea, gas, diarrhea, headache, cold-like symptoms, and trouble sleeping.

Contact your doctor if you experience severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, black stools that appear bloody or tarry, a change in the amount of urine you produce, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), weight gain, skin problems such as rash or hives, hoarseness, flu-like symptoms, weight gain, loss of appetite, and fast heartbeat (tachycardia), or a stiff neck while taking Celebrex.

Seek medical help immediately if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as trouble breathing, severe dizziness, rash, or itching or swelling of the face, tongue and throat.