Question:
can we take celebrex post op?

If we can do we take it whole or break the capsule open and mix it with applesauce or pudding. I have heard different stories on this. I am 4 months post op (open RNY) down 69 lbs.    — cindylou56 (posted on November 4, 2003)

November 4, 2003
hi there i was told i had to stop my celebrex after surgery, because it is an aspirin product which we can not have because it will irritate the stomeach lining and can cause bleeding. i lived on celebrex for arthritis of the knees. so now i take tylenol which doesn't work as well. but losing weight has helped take off the added pounds on the joints. this is just my doctors suggestions. other mds may say diffent. hope i helped a little . god bless
   — linda W.

November 4, 2003
I was told by my surgeon that it iok to take celebrex, It is not an aspirin product, it is a cox2 inhibitor and has a different mode of action than aspirin or ibuprofen. It does not have the same effect on the stomach as they do.
   — **willow**

November 4, 2003
Our surgeon is one of the founders of today's WLS techniques and he does not allow any anti-inflammatory use (including Cox 2 inhibitors) unless the patient is concurrently taking an additional medication to protect the stomach lining (Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium, etc...). There is also an anti-inflammatory, Arthrotec, which contains a protective agent (Cytotec) in the same tablet. Because of my pre-existing joint problems, he has allowed me to take this drug during my past 3 1/2 post-op years, and I have had no problems at all. Although the newer Cox 2 inhibitors do not affect the gastric lining directly, they are still absorbed into the blood stream and have an indirect affect on the gastrointestinal system. One of his patients who was approximately two years post-op, returned to taking her Vioxx because she thought that since she had never had any post-op problems by that time, it would be "safe" to resume her anti-inflammatory medication. A few months later, she was in critical condition due to a perforated ulcer in her pouch and multiple abdominal abscesses. Some people are more susceptible to gastric irritation than others, but it's probably better to be safe than sorry....talk with your surgeon or PCP about this issue. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

November 4, 2003
I also was told not to take it anymore except for a couple of days at a time when I am having a really bad flare up of arthritis. No, you do not have to break it open. It goes down easy but shouldn't be used regularily according to my surgeon.
   — Delores S.

November 4, 2003
Please, please, please ask you own surgeon! There are no absolutes when it comes to medications, as surgeons differ in their opinions. My particular surgeon does allow NSAIDs, including Celebrex. He is the head of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery at a major teaching hospital and he has seen a lot of stomachs! He doesn't feel they are a problem as long as they are taken with some food. I take Vioxx and ibuprofen on occasion with no problem, and have been for the past year.
   — koogy

November 4, 2003
Do not take the Celebrex without getting clearance from your surgeon. My surgeon took me off of VIOXX. I had taken it for 6 years because my joints and knees hurt so bad. I asked about taking Celebrex, but he also said no. I have noticed that after losing weight. I have lost 98 pounds in 5 months. This loss has taken a great amount of stress off of my body. I don't even need tylenol or anything for pain anymore. Good luck with your aches and pains, but I would suggest trying to stay active and working with your physician to find exercises that will help to alleviate your pains. I know what the pains and aches are like. I thank God for this surgery and how much healthier I am and how much better I feel. Good luck.
   — Suzann G.

November 4, 2003
My arthritus has spread since WLS. It is now in my hands and fingers and at times it is really bad. Before wls I had taken both Vioxx and Arthrotex50. Both worked wonders on the pain. However I think I got an ulcer from these and codiene. I can't take them anymore. I was given a prescription for Celebrex but with the pouch pains I've had I still don't think any arthrtus meds are safe. I had one that was a supository... but I felt like I was going to pass out afterwards. Tyonal never once at any time in my life ever relieved any pain for headaces or anything. So I don't know what to tell you. I'm not going to risk any meds for arthritus... it is'nt worth the harhness on the pouch. So I use Aspercream or other creams to try to cut down on the pain. It does'nt help much, but I don't want my ulcer to flare up again. That was worse than the gallbladder attacks. I sure wish they could come up with something safe for us. Oh well. But know that people who have'nt had wls sometimes get ulcers or even die from wonderful painkillers like Vioxx. One woman here said it killed her father(?) and he had'nt even had wls.
   — Danmark

November 4, 2003
I was taken off Celebrex prior to surgery, but when the arthritis returned about 5 weeks post-op, I asked Dr if I could go back on. She said yes, but I have cut dosage in half -- feeling fine now! I do NOT break it up - it goes down easily.
   — Nannette

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