Drug
Celecoxib
Pronounced
"SEL-e-KOX-ib"
Uses
This medication is used to treat migraines. It helps to relieve headache, pain, and other migraine symptoms (including nausea, sensitivity to light/sound). Prompt treatment helps you return to your normal routine and may decrease your need for other pain medications. Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), specifically a COX-2 inhibitor. It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever.
Warning
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including celecoxib) may rarely increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. This effect can happen at any time while taking this drug but is more likely if you take it for a long time. The risk may be greater in older adults or if you have heart disease or increased risk for heart disease (for example, due to smoking, family history of heart disease, or conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes). Do not take this drug right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG).
Also, this drug may rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This effect can occur without warning symptoms at any time while taking this drug. Older adults may be at higher risk for this effect.
Stop taking celecoxib and get medical help right away if you notice any of these rare but serious side effects: stomach/abdominal pain that doesn't go away, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and risks of taking this drug.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using celecoxib and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, at the first sign of a migraine. The dosage is based on your medical condition. Take this medication only when needed. Do not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period.
This medication comes in a bottle. The amount of medication in the bottle is usually used for one dose. If instructed to take all the medication in the bottle, drink the medication directly from the bottle. If instructed to only use half the amount of medication per dose, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Discard any unused medication after taking your dose. Do not save the unused medication left in the bottle for later use.
After taking the medication, you may drink up to a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
If you are using drugs for migraine attacks on 10 or more days each month, the drugs may actually make your headaches worse (medication overuse headache). Do not use medications more often or for longer than directed. Tell your doctor if you need to use this medication more often, or if the medication is not working as well, or if your headaches get worse.