Celecoxib 200 Mg Capsules Hard
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER
Celecoxib 100 mg capsules, hard Celecoxib 200 mg capsules, hard
Celecoxib
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start
taking this medicine because it contains important
information for you.
• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
• If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
• If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
What is in this leaflet
1. What Celecoxib is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take Celecoxib
3. How to take Celecoxib
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Celecoxib
6. Contents of the pack and other information
1. WHAT CELECOXIB IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR
Celecoxib is used in adults for the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Celecoxib belongs to a group of medicinal products called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), and specifically a sub-group known as (COX-2) inhibitors.
Your body makes prostaglandins that may cause pain and inflammation. In conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis your body makes more of these. Celecoxib acts by reducing the production of prostaglandins, thereby reducing the pain and inflammation.
2. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TAKE CELECOXIB
You have been prescribed Celecoxib by your doctor. The following information will help you get the best results with Celecoxib. If you have any further questions please ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take Celecoxib:
• if you are allergic to celecoxib or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
• if you have had an allergic reaction to a group of medicines called "sulphonamides” (e.g. some antibiotics used to treat infections)
• if you currently have an ulcer in your stomach or
intestines, or bleeding in your stomach or intestines
• if as a result of taking acetylsalicylic acid or any other anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medicine (NSAID) you have had asthma, nose polyps, severe nose congestion, or an allergic reaction such as an itchy skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, breathing difficulties or wheezing
• if you are pregnant. If you can become pregnant during ongoing treatment you should discuss methods of contraception with your doctor
• if you are breast-feeding
• if you have severe liver disease
• if you have severe kidney disease
• if you have an inflammatory disease of the intestines such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• if you have heart failure, established ischaemic heart disease, or cerebrovascular disease, e.g. you have been diagnosed with a heart attack, stroke, or transient ischaemic attack (temporary reduction of blood flow
to the brain; also known as "mini-stroke”), angina, or blockages of blood vessels to the heart or brain
• if you have or have had problems with your blood circulation (peripheral arterial disease) or if you have had surgery on the arteries of your legs
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking
Celecoxib:
• if you have previously had an ulcer or bleeding in your stomach or intestines.
(Do not take Celecoxib if you currently have an ulcer or bleeding in your stomach or intestine).
• if you are taking acetylsalicylic acid (even at low dose for heart protective purposes)
• if you use medicines to reduce blood clotting (e.g. warfarin)
• if you are using Celecoxib at the same time as other non-acetylsalicylic NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac. The use of these medicines together should be avoided
• if you smoke, have diabetes, raised blood pressure or raised cholesterol
• if your heart, liver or kidneys are not working well your doctor may want to keep a regular check on you
• if you have fluid retention (such as swollen ankles and feet)
• if you are dehydrated, for instance due to sickness, diarrhoea or the use of diuretics (used to treat excess fluid in the body)
• if you have had a serious allergic reaction or a serious skin reaction to any medicines
• if you feel ill due to an infection or think you have an infection, as Celecoxib may mask a fever or other signs of infection and inflammation
• if you are over 65 years of age your doctor may want to keep a regular check on you
As with other NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen or diclofenac) this medicine may lead to an increase in blood pressure, and so your doctor may ask to monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis.
Some cases of severe liver reactions, including severe liver inflammation, liver damage, liver failure (some with fatal outcome or requiring liver transplant), have been reported with celecoxib. Of the cases that reported time to onset, most severe liver reactions occurred within one month of start of treatment.
Celecoxib may make it more difficult to become pregnant. You should inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or if you have problems to become pregnant (see section on Pregnancy and breast-feeding).
Other medicines and Celecoxib
Some medicines can affect the way other medicines work. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines including medicines obtained without a prescription:
• Dextromethorphan (used to treat coughs)
• ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II antagonists (used for high blood pressure and heart failure)
• Diuretics (used to treat excess fluid in the body)
• Fluconazole and rifampicin (used to treat fungal and bacterial infections)
• Warfarin or other oral anticoagulants ("blood-thinning” agents that reduce blood clotting)
• Lithium (used to treat some types of depression)
• Other medicines to treat depression, sleep disorders, high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat
• Neuroleptics (used to treat some mental disorders)
• Methotrexate (used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and leukaemia)
• Carbamazepine (used to treat epilepsy/seizures and some forms of pain or depression)
• Barbiturates (used to treat epilepsy/seizures and some
sleep disorders)
• Ciclosporin and tacrolimus (used for immune system suppression e.g. after transplants)
Celecoxib can be taken with low dose acetylsalicylic acid (75mg or less daily). Ask your doctor for advice before taking both medicines together.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding and fertility
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Celecoxib must not be used by women who are pregnant or can become pregnant (i.e. women of child bearing potential who are not using adequate contraception) during ongoing treatment. If you become pregnant during treatment with Celecoxib you should discontinue the treatment and contact your doctor for alternative treatment.
Celecoxib must not be used during breast-feeding.
Celecoxib may make it more difficult to become pregnant (see section Warnings and precautions).
Driving and using machines
You should be aware of how you react to Celecoxib before you drive or operate machinery. If you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking Celecoxib, do not drive or operate machinery until these effects wear off.
Celecoxib contains lactose
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.
3. HOW TO TAKE CELECOXIB
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. If you think or feel that the effect of Celecoxib is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor will tell you what dose you should take. As the risk of side effects associated with heart problems may increase with dose and duration of use, it is important that you use the lowest dose that controls your pain and you should not take Celecoxib for longer than necessary to control symptoms.
Celecoxib should be swallowed whole with a drink of water. The capsules can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food. However, try to take each dose of Celecoxib at the same time each day.
Contact your doctor within two weeks of starting treatment if you do not experience any benefit.
The recommended dose is:
For osteoarthritis the usual dose is 200 mg each day, increased by your doctor to a maximum of 400 mg, if needed.
The dose is usually:
• one 200 mg capsule once a day; or
• one 100 mg capsule twice a day.
For rheumatoid arthritis the usual dose is 200 mg each day, increased by your doctor to a maximum of 400 mg, if needed.
The dose is usually:
• one 100 mg capsule twice a day.
For ankylosing spondylitis the usual dose is 200 mg each day, increased by your doctor to a maximum of 400mg, if needed.
The dose is usually:
• one 200 mg capsule once a day; or
• one 100 mg capsule twice a day.
Kidney or liver problems: make sure your doctor knows if you have liver or kidney problems as you may need a lower dose.
The elderly, especially those with a weight less than
50 kg: if you are over 65 years of age and especially if you weigh less than 50 kg, your doctor may want to monitor you more closely.
Use in children: Celecoxib is for adults only, it is not for use in children.
Maximum daily dose:
You should not take more than 400 mg per day (4 capsules of Celecoxib 100 mg or 2 capsules of Celecoxib 200 mg).
If you take more Celecoxib than you should
You should not take more capsules than your doctor tells you to. If you take too many capsules contact your doctor, pharmacist or hospital and take your medicine with you.
If you forget to take Celecoxib
If you forget to take a capsule, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten capsule.
If you stop taking Celecoxib
Suddenly stopping your treatment with Celecoxib may lead to your symptoms getting worse. Do not stop taking Celecoxib unless your doctor tells you to. Your doctor may tell you to reduce the dose over a few days before stopping completely.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
If any of the side effects get serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
The side effects listed below were observed in arthritis patients who took Celecoxib. Side effects marked with an asterisk (*) are listed below at the higher frequencies that occurred in patients who took Celecoxib to prevent colon polyps. Patients in these studies took Celecoxib at high doses and for a long duration.
If any of the following happen, stop taking Celecoxib and tell your doctor immediately:
If you have:
• an allergic reaction such as skin rash, swelling of the face, wheezing or difficulty breathing
• heart problems such as pain in the chest
• severe stomach pain or any sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestines, such as passing black or bloodstained stools, or vomiting blood.
• a skin reaction such as rash, blistering or peeling of the skin
• liver failure (symptoms may include nausea (feeling sick), diarrhoea, jaundice (your skin or the whites of your eyes look yellow)).
Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people:
• High blood pressure*
Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people:
• Heart attack*
• Fluid build up with swollen ankles, legs and/or hands
• Urinary infections
• Shortness of breath*, sinusitis (sinus inflammation, sinus infection, blocked or painful sinuses), blocked or runny nose, sore throat, coughs, colds, flu-like symptoms
• Dizziness, difficulty sleeping
• Vomiting*, stomach ache, diarrhoea, indigestion, wind
• Rash, itching
• Muscle stiffness
• Difficulty swallowing*
• Worsening of existing allergies
Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people:
• Stroke*
• Heart failure, palpitations (awareness of heart beat), fast heart rate
• Worsening of existing high blood pressure
• Abnormalities in liver-related blood tests
• Abnormalities in kidney-related blood tests
• Anaemia (changes in red blood cells that can cause fatigue and breathlessness)
• Anxiety, depression, tiredness, drowsiness, tingling sensations (pins and needles)
• High levels of potassium in blood test results (can cause nausea (feeling sick), fatigue, muscle weakness or palpitations)
• Impaired or blurred vision, ringing in the ears, mouth pain and sores, difficulty hearing*
• Constipation, burping, stomach inflammation (indigestion, stomach ache or vomiting), worsening of inflammation of the stomach or intestine.
• Leg cramps
• Raised itchy rash (hives)
Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people:
• Ulcers (bleeding) in the stomach, gullet or intestines; or rupture of the intestine (can cause stomach ache, fever, nausea, vomiting, intestinal blockage), dark or black stools, inflammation of the gullet (can cause difficulty in swallowing), inflammation of the pancreas (can lead to stomach pain)
• Reduced number of white blood cells (which help protect the body from infection) and blood platelets (increased chance of bleeding or bruising)
• Difficulty coordinating muscular movements
• Feeling confused, changes in the way things taste
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Loss of hair
Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the
available data:
• Bleeding within the brain causing death
• Serious allergic reactions (including potentially fatal anaphylactic shock) which can cause skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat, wheezing or difficulty breathing; difficulty swallowing
• Bleeding of the stomach or intestines (can lead to bloody stools or vomiting), inflammation of the intestine or colon, nausea (feeling sick)
• Serious skin conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis and toxic epidermal necrolysis (can cause rash, blistering or peeling of the skin) and acute generalised exenthematous pustulosis (red swollen area with numerous small pustules)
• A delayed allergic reaction with possible symptoms such as rash, swelling of the face, fever, swollen glands, and abnormal test results (e.g., liver, blood cell (eosinophilia, a type of raised white blood cell count))
• Liver failure, liver damage and severe liver inflammation (sometimes fatal or requiring liver transplant). Symptoms may include nausea (feeling sick), diarrhoea, jaundice (yellow discolouration of the skin or eyes), dark urine, pale stools, bleeding easily, itching or chills
• Kidney problems (possible kidney failure, inflammation of the kidneys)
• Blood clot in the blood vessels in the lungs. Symptoms may include sudden breathlessness, sharp pains when you breathe or collapse
• Irregular heartbeat
• Meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord)
• Hallucinations
• Worsening of epilepsy (possible more frequent and/or severe seizures)
• Inflamed blood vessels (can cause fever, aches, purple blotches on the skin)
• Blockage of an artery or vein in the eye leading to partial or complete loss of vision, inflammation of the conjunctiva, bleeding in the eye
• A reduction in the number of red and white blood cells and platelets (may cause tiredness, easy bruising, frequent nose bleeds and increased risk of infections)
• Chest pain
• Impaired sense of smell
• Skin discolouration (bruising), muscle pain and weakness, painful joints
• Menstrual disturbances
• Headache, flushing
• Low levels of sodium in blood test results (can cause loss of appetite, headache, nausea (feeling sick), muscle cramps and weakness)
In clinical studies not associated with Arthritis or
other arthritic conditions, where Celecoxib was taken
at doses of 400mg per day for up to 3 years, the
following additional side effects have been observed:
Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people:
• Heart problems: angina (chest pain)
• Stomach problems: irritable bowel syndrome (can include stomach ache, diarrhoea, indigestion, wind)
• Kidney stones (which may lead to stomach or back pain, blood in urine), difficulty passing urine
• Weight gain
Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people:
• Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot usually in the leg, which may cause pain, swelling or redness of the calf or breathing problems)
• Stomach problems: stomach infection (which can cause irritation and ulcers of the stomach and intestines),
• Lower limb fracture
• Shingles, skin infection, eczema (dry itchy rash), pneumonia (chest infection (possible cough, fever, difficulty breathing))
• Floaters in the eye causing blurred or impaired vision, vertigo due to inner ear troubles, sore, inflamed or bleeding gums, mouth sores
• Excessive urination at night, bleeding from piles/ haemorrhoids, frequent bowel movements
• Fatty lumps in skin or elsewhere, ganglion cyst (harmless swellings on or around joints and tendons in the hand or foot), difficulty speaking, abnormal or very heavy bleeding from the vagina, breast pain
• High levels of sodium in blood test results
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or
pharmacist. This includes any side effects not listed in this
leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow
Card Scheme, Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. HOW TO STORE CELECOXIB
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the box and blister after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not store above 25°C.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
6. CONTENTS OF THE PACK AND OTHER INFORMATION
What Celecoxib contains
• The active substance is celecoxib.
Each 100 mg hard capsule contains 100 mg celecoxib. Each 200 mg hard capsule contains 200 mg celecoxib.
• The other ingredients (excipients) of 100 mg hard capsule are: lactose monohydrate, povidone K30, croscarmellose sodium, sodium laurilsulfate and magnesium stearate (E572) in the capsule core and gelatin and titanium dioxide (E171) in the capsule shell.
• The other ingredients (excipients) of 200 mg hard capsule are: lactose monohydrate, povidone K30, croscarmellose sodium, sodium laurilsulfate and magnesium stearate (E572) in the capsule core and gelatin, titanium dioxide (E171) and iron oxide, yellow (E172) in the capsule shell.
What Celecoxib looks like and contents of the pack
The body and the cap of 100 mg hard capsules are white, of length 15.4 mm -16.2 mm.The capsules contain white or almost white granulate.
The body and the cap of 200 mg hard capsules are brownish yellow, of length 18.9 mm -19.7 mm. The capsules contain white or almost white granulate.
The 100 mg and 200 mg capsules are available in boxes of 10, 20, 30,40, 50, 60, 90 and 100 capsules in blister packs.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
KRKA, d.d., Novo mesto, Smarjeska cesta 6,
8501 Novo mesto, Slovenia
Distributor
Consilient Health (UK) Ltd, No.1 Church Road,
Richmond upon Thames, Surrey. TW9 2QE.
This leaflet was last revised in July 2014
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