Celaxib (New Formulation) (Celecoxib)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Celaxib (New Formulation) Used For?
Celaxib contains celecoxib, which belongs to a group of medicines called coxibs. These medications are designed to relieve pain and inflammation in various conditions affecting your joints and muscles.
Primary Uses
Celaxib is used to treat joint pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis (a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the spine). It also provides short-term pain relief for menstrual cramps, post-surgical pain, and muscle and joint injuries.
How It Works
Celaxib belongs to a group of medicines called coxibs which work to reduce pain and inflammation. While it can effectively relieve your symptoms, it will not cure your underlying condition.
Good to know: Celaxib can be taken with or without food, making it convenient to fit into your daily routine.
How to Take Celaxib (New Formulation)
Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, as they may differ from general guidelines. Take your capsules at about the same time each day for the best effect and to help you remember.
Dosage Instructions
Osteoarthritis: 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily. Rheumatoid arthritis: 100 mg twice daily (may be increased to 200 mg twice daily for short periods during flare-ups). Ankylosing spondylitis: 100 mg twice daily or 200 mg once daily. Menstrual cramps: 400 mg on the first day, then 200 mg twice daily for up to 5 days. Muscle and joint injuries or post-surgery: 400 mg first dose, then 200 mg once or twice daily as needed for up to 5 days. Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then continue with your normal schedule. If you’re unsure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. If you need antacids, take them at least 2 hours before or after your Celaxib dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Gas/wind
- Swollen hands, ankles and feet
- Unexplained weight gain
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Sinusitis
- Upper respiratory tract infection
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Skin rash, hives, or raised red itchy spots
- Blistering and bleeding in lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
- Swelling, blistering or peeling skin with fever, chills, headache
- Muscle weakness
- Allergic reactions (wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty swallowing/breathing)
- Collapse, fainting, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, chest pain
- Severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, black sticky bowel motions
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Nausea, lethargy, flu-like symptoms, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Signs of anemia (tiredness, shortness of breath, pale appearance)
- Hearing loss or deterioration
- Confusion
- Eye problems (redness, irritation, watering)
- Hallucinations (false sensations)
- Severe headache, fever, stiff neck, light sensitivity, vomiting
- Sudden severe headache, loss of consciousness, sudden numbness/paralysis, difficulty speaking/understanding, loss of coordination
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Celaxib should not be used or requires special caution. Always inform your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions.
Who Should Not Take Celaxib (New Formulation)
Do not take Celaxib if you: have had allergic reactions to aspirin, NSAIDs, or other coxib medicines; are allergic to celecoxib, sulfonamides, or any capsule ingredients; have chest pains or angina that occur at rest and are worsening; have severe heart, blood vessel, kidney, or liver problems; have congestive heart failure; have had recent heart attack, stroke, or blood vessel disease (especially within 3 months); have stomach ulcers or gastric bleeding; are undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery; or if the medication is expired or packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, stroke history, high cholesterol, circulation problems, allergies, liver or kidney problems, asthma, fluid retention, peptic ulcers, bowel problems like ulcerative colitis, current infections, or if you drink alcohol or smoke. Special monitoring may be needed if you’re taking blood pressure medications, as the combination can affect kidney function.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Celaxib is not recommended during pregnancy unless your doctor considers it essential. It may affect your developing baby, especially from the twentieth week of pregnancy. NSAIDs have been linked to reversible infertility in some women and increased risk of spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy. Small amounts pass into breast milk, so discuss breastfeeding with your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Celaxib.
Heart Risk Warning: Your risk of heart attack or stroke may increase with dose and duration of use, even without a history of heart disease. Regular check-ups are important for long-term use.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interact with Celaxib and affect how it works. Your doctor may need to adjust dosages or provide additional monitoring if you’re taking these medicines.
Important: Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking, including those bought without prescription.
- Blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists, beta blockers, diuretics)
- Digoxin (heart rhythm medication)
- Blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran)
- Aspirin or salicylates
- Corticosteroids (prednisolone)
- Other NSAIDs
- Antacids
- Dextromethorphan (cough medicine)
- Diabetes medications
- Methotrexate
- Glucocorticoids
- Ciclosporin
- Lithium
- Fluconazole (antifungal)
- Rifampicin (antibiotic)
- Carbamazepine (antiepileptic)
Alcohol & Driving
Celaxib is not expected to significantly affect your daily activities, but it’s important to be aware of how it might interact with alcohol and affect your ability to drive safely.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. While taking Celaxib, it’s important to discuss your alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider as it may affect your treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Celaxib is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. However, be careful until you know how the medication affects you personally, especially since dizziness is a possible side effect.
Storage
Store Celaxib below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep capsules in their blister pack until it’s time to take them – don’t remove them early as they may not keep well. Avoid storing in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground is ideal. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you think you or someone else has taken too much Celaxib, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Overdose symptoms may include feeling tired or drowsy, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, and feeling faint. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department right away, even if there are no obvious signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication should help control pain, swelling and stiffness, though the exact timing isn’t specified in the prescribing information. Your doctor can provide more specific guidance based on your condition.
Yes, Celaxib can be taken with or without food. Take it with a full glass of water and swallow the capsules whole.
The medication information doesn’t specify withdrawal effects, but you should always speak to your doctor or pharmacist before deciding to stop taking any of your medicines.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. It’s important to discuss your alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider while taking this medication.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Depending on your condition, you may need Celaxib for a few days or longer periods. Your risk of heart or blood vessel problems may increase with dose and duration of use. If you need long-term treatment, see your doctor for regular check-ups.
Celaxib should not be used if you have severe heart disease, congestive heart failure, recent heart attack, or certain circulation problems. Tell your doctor about any heart conditions, as your risk of heart problems may increase with use.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.