Aclexa

Celecoxib.

Each hard capsule contains 200 mg celecoxib.
Excipient with known effect: lactose monohydrate: 49.8 mg.
Excipients/Inactive Ingredients: Capsule contents: lactose monohydrate, povidone K30, croscarmellose sodium, sodium laurilsulfate, magnesium stearate.
Capsule shell: gelatin, titanium dioxide (E171), yellow iron oxide (E172).

Pharmacotherapeutic group: antiinflammatory and antirheumatic products, non-steroids, coxibs. ATC code: M01AH01.
Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Mechanism of action: The mechanism of action of celecoxib is via inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis primarily by inhibition of COX-2. At therapeutic concentrations in humans celecoxib does not inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1). COX-2 is induced in response to inflammatory stimuli. This leads to the synthesis and accumulation of inflammatory prostanoids, in particular prostaglandin E2, causing inflammation, oedema and pain. Celecoxib acts as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic agent in animal models by blocking the production of inflammatory prostanoids via COX-2 inhibition.
In vivo and ex vivo studies show that celecoxib has a very low affinity for the constitutively expressed COX-1 enzyme. Consequently at therapeutic doses celecoxib has no effect on prostanoids synthesized by activation of COX-1 thereby not interfering with normal COX-1 related physiological processes in tissues, particularly the stomach, intestine and platelets.
Clinical Studies: Osteoarthritis (OA): Celecoxib has demonstrated significant reduction in joint pain compared to placebo. Celecoxib was evaluated for treatment of the signs and the symptoms of OA of the knee and hip in approximately 4,200 patients in placebo- and active-controlled clinical trials of up to 12 weeks duration. In patients with OA, treatment with celecoxib 100 mg twice daily or 200 mg once daily resulted in improvement in WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities) osteoarthritis index, a composite of pain, stiffness, and functional measures in OA. In three 12-week studies of pain accompanying OA flare, celecoxib doses of 100 mg twice daily or 200 mg twice daily provided significant reduction of pain within 24 to 48 hours of initiation of dosing. At doses of 100 mg twice daily or 200 mg twice daily the efficacy of celecoxib was shown to be similar to that of naproxen 500 mg twice daily. Doses of 200 mg twice daily provided no additional benefit above that seen with 100 mg twice daily. A total daily dose of 200 mg has been shown to be equally effective whether administered as 100 mg twice daily or 200 mg once daily.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Celecoxib has demonstrated significant reduction in joint tenderness/pain and joint swelling compared to placebo. Celecoxib was evaluated for treatment of the signs and symptoms of RA in approximately 2100 patients in placebo- and active-controlled clinical trials of up to 24 weeks in duration. Celecoxib was shown to be superior to placebo in these studies, using the American College of Rheumatology 20 (ACR20) Responder Index, a composite of clinical, laboratory, and functional measures in RA. Celecoxib doses of 100 mg twice daily and 200 mg twice daily were similar in efficacy and both were comparable to naproxen 500 mg twice daily.
Although celecoxib 100 mg twice daily and 200 mg twice daily provided similar overall efficacy, some patients derived additional benefit from the 200 mg twice daily dose. Doses of 400 mg twice daily provided no additional benefit above that seen with 100 mg to 200 mg twice daily.
Analgesia, including Primary Dysmenorrhea: In acute analgesic models of post-oral surgery pain, post-orthopedic surgical pain, and primary dysmenorrhea, celecoxib relieved pain that was rated by patients as moderate to severe. Single doses of celecoxib provided pain relief within 60 minutes (see Dosage & Administration).
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Celecoxib was evaluated in AS patients in two placebo- and active controlled (naproxen or ketoprofen) clinical trials of 6 and 12 weeks duration. Celecoxib at doses of 100 mg twice daily, 200 mg once daily and 400 mg once daily was shown to be statistically superior to placebo in these studies for all three co-primary efficacy measures assessing global pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), global disease activity (Visual Analogue Scale), and functional impairment (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index). In the 12-week study, there was no difference in the extent of improvement between the 200 mg and 400 mg celecoxib doses in a comparison of mean change from baseline, but there was a greater percentage of patients who responded to celecoxib 400 mg, 53%, than to celecoxib 200 mg, 44%, using the Assessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis response criteria (ASAS 20). The ASAS 20 defines response as improvement from baseline of at least 20% and an absolute improvement of at least 10 mm, on a 0 to 100 mm scale, in at least three of the four following domains: Patient Global Assessment of Disease, Patient's Global Pain Intensity, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, and inflammation. The responder analysis also demonstrated no change in the responder rates beyond 6 weeks.
Chronic Low Back Pain (LBP): Celecoxib was used to treat patients who had pre-existing non-neuropathic LBP of duration ≥12 weeks. In the table shown as follows, efficacy results in 5 clinical trials of up to 12 weeks duration are presented using the Patient's Assessment of Pain Intensity (100 mm visual analog scale) from baseline to end of treatment: (See Table 1.)

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Further Information from Clinical Studies: Endoscopic Studies: Five randomised double-blind controlled trials have been conducted including scheduled upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in over 4,000 patients with OA and RA in which ulceration rates on celecoxib have been compared to those on placebo and non-specific inhibitors of both COX-1 and COX-2. In 12-week endoscopy studies celecoxib (100 mg - 800 mg/day) was associated with a significantly lower risk of gastroduodenal ulcers compared with naproxen (1,000 mg/day) and ibuprofen (2400 mg/day). The data were inconsistent in comparison with diclofenac (150 mg/day). In 2 of the 12-week studies, the percentage of patients with endoscopic gastroduodenal ulceration was not significantly different between placebo and celecoxib 200 mg twice daily and 400 mg twice daily.
Table 2 summarizes the incidence of endoscopic ulcers in two 12-week studies that enrolled patients in whom baseline endoscopies revealed no ulcers. (See Table 2.)

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Table 3 summarizes data from two 12-week studies that enrolled patients in whom baseline endoscopies revealed no ulcers. Patients underwent interval endoscopies every 4 weeks to give information on ulcer risk over time. (See Table 3.)

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One randomized and double-blind 6-month study in 430 RA patients was conducted in which an endoscopic examination was performed at 6 months.
The incidence of endoscopic ulcers in patients taking celecoxib 200 mg twice daily was 4% vs. 15% for patients taking diclofenac SR 75 mg twice daily (p<0.001).
In 4 of the 5 endoscopic studies, approximately 11% of patients (440/4,000) were taking aspirin (≤325 mg/day). In the celecoxib groups, the endoscopic ulcer rate appeared to be higher in aspirin users than in non-users. However, the increased rate of ulcers in these aspirin users was less than the endoscopic ulcer rates observed in the active comparator groups, with or without aspirin.
The correlation between findings of endoscopic studies, and the relative incidence of clinically significant serious upper GI events has not been established. Serious clinically significant upper GI bleeding has been observed in patients receiving celecoxib in controlled and open-labeled trials, albeit infrequently (see Precautions).
Gastrointestinal Safety Meta-Analysis from Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Studies: An analysis of 31 randomized controlled clinical studies in OA and RA, involving 39,605 patients with OA (N = 5,903), RA (N = 3,232), or patients with either condition (N = 10,470) compared the incidence of GI adverse events in celecoxib treated patients to the incidence in patients administered placebo or NSAIDs (including naproxen, diclofenac and ibuprofen). The incidence of clinical ulcers and ulcer bleeds with celecoxib 200 mg to 400 mg total daily dose was 0.2% compared to an incidence of 0.6% with NSAIDs (RR = 0.35; 95% CI 0.22 - 0.56).
Cardiovascular Safety - Long-term Studies Involving Patients with Sporadic Adenomatous Polyps: Two studies involving patients with sporadic adenomatous polyps were conducted with celecoxib, i.e., the APC trial (Adenoma Prevention with Celecoxib) and the PreSAP trial (Prevention of Spontaneous Adenomatous Polyps). In the APC trial, there was a dose-related increase in the composite endpoint of CV death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (adjudicated) with celecoxib compared to placebo over 3 years of treatment. The PreSAP trial did not demonstrate a statistically significant increased risk for the same composite endpoint.
In the APC trial, the hazard ratios compared to placebo for a composite endpoint of CV death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (adjudicated) were 3.4 (95% CI 1.4 - 8.5) with celecoxib 400 mg twice daily, and 2.8 (95% CI 1.1 - 7.2) with celecoxib 200 mg twice daily, cumulative rates for this composite endpoint over 3 years were 3.0% (20/671) and 2.5% (17/685) for 400 mg twice daily and 200 mg twice daily celecoxib treatment groups, respectively, compared to 0.9% (6/679) for placebo group. The increases for both celecoxib dose groups versus placebo were mainly driven by myocardial infarction.
In the PreSAP trial, the hazard ratio compared to placebo for this same composite endpoint was 1.2 (95% CI 0.6 - 2.4) with celecoxib 400 mg once daily. Cumulative rate for this composite endpoint over 3 years was 2.3% (21/933), compared to 1.9% (12/628) for placebo group.
Cardiovascular Safety - Long-term Study of Alzheimer's Disease Anti-inflammatory Prevention Trial (ADAPT): Data from the ADAPT study did not show a significantly increased CV risk with celecoxib 200 mg twice daily compared to placebo. The relative risk compared to placebo for a similar composite endpoint (CV death, MI, stroke) was 1.14 (95% CI 0.61 - 2.15) with celecoxib 200 mg twice daily.
Cardiovascular Safety - Meta-Analysis from Chronic Usage Studies: A meta-analysis of safety data (adjudicated, investigator-reported serious adverse events) from 39 completed celecoxib clinical studies of up to 65 weeks duration has been conducted, representing 41,077 patients: [23,030 (56.1%) patients exposed to celecoxib 200 mg to 800 mg total daily dose (TDD); 13,990 (34.1%) patients exposed to non-selective NSAIDs; and 4,057(9.9%) patients exposed to placebo].
In this analysis, the adjudicated event rate for the composite endpoint of CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke was similar between celecoxib (N = 19,773; 0.96 events/100 patient-years) and non-selective NSAIDs (N = 13,990; 1.12 events/100 patient-years) treatment (RR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.60 - 1. 33). This pattern of effect was maintained with or without ASA use (≤325 mg). The adjudicated event rate of non-fatal myocardial infarction trended higher (RR = 1.76, 95% CI 0.93 - 3.35); however, that of non-fatal stroke trended lower (RR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.23 - 1.10), and that of CV death was comparable (RR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.28 - 1.14) for celecoxib compared to combined non-selective NSAIDs.
In this analysis, the adjudicated event rate for the composite endpoint of CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke was 1.42/100 patient-years for celecoxib (N = 7,462) and 1.20/100 patient-years for placebo (N = 4,057) treatment (RR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.47 - 2.67). This pattern of effect was maintained with or without ASA use (≤325 mg). The incidence of non-fatal myocardial infarction trended higher (RR = 1.56, 95% CI 0.21 - 11.90), as did that of CV death (RR = 1.26, 95% CI 0.33 - 4.77), and that of non-fatal stroke was similar (RR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.19 - 3.31) for celecoxib compared to placebo.
Cardiovascular Safety: CV safety outcomes were evaluated in the CLASS trial (see description of trial as previously mentioned). Kaplan-Meier cumulative rates for investigator-reported serious CV thromboembolic adverse events (including MI, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, unstable angina, transient ischemic attacks, and ischemic cerebrovascular accidents) demonstrated no differences between the celecoxib, diclofenac, or ibuprofen treatment groups. The cumulative rates in all patients at nine months for celecoxib, diclofenac, and ibuprofen were 1.2%, 1.4%, and 1.1%, respectively. The cumulative rates in non-ASA users at nine months in each of the three treatment groups were less than 1%. The cumulative rates for myocardial infarction in non-ASA users at nine months in each of the three treatment groups were less than 0.2%. There was no placebo group in the CLASS trial, which limits the ability to determine whether the three drugs tested had no increased risk of CV events or if they all increased the risk to a similar degree.
The Celecoxib Long-term Arthritis Safety Study (CLASS) Including Use with Aspirin: In a prospective long-term safety outcome study conducted post-marketing in approximately 5,800 OA patients and 2,200 RA patients, patients received celecoxib 400 mg twice daily (4-fold and 2-fold the recommended OA and RA doses, respectively), ibuprofen 800 mg three times daily, or diclofenac 75 mg twice daily (common therapeutic doses). Median exposures for celecoxib (n = 3,987) and diclofenac (n = 1,996) were 9 months while ibuprofen (n = 1,985) was 6 months. The Kaplan-Meier cumulative rates at 9 months are provided for all analyses. The primary endpoint of this outcome study was the incidence of complicated ulcers (gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, or obstruction).
Patients were allowed to take concomitant low-dose (≤325 mg/day) aspirin (ASA) for CV prophylaxis (ASA subgroups: celecoxib, n = 882; diclofenac, n = 445; ibuprofen, n = 412). Differences in the incidence of complicated ulcers between celecoxib and the combined group of ibuprofen and diclofenac were not statistically significant. Those patients on celecoxib and concomitant low-dose ASA experienced 4-fold higher rates of complicated ulcers compared to those not on ASA (see Precautions). The results for celecoxib are displayed in Table 4. (See Table 4.)

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Platelet Function: In healthy volunteers, celecoxib at therapeutic doses and at multiple doses of 600 mg twice daily (three times the highest recommended dose) had no effect on platelet aggregation and bleeding time compared to placebo. Active controls (non-specific COX inhibitors) all significantly reduced platelet aggregation and prolonged bleeding time (see figure).

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Celecoxib versus Omeprazole and Diclofenac for At-Risk Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients (CONDOR) trial: In a prospective randomised 24-week safety study in patients who were aged ≥60 years or had a history of gastroduodenal ulcers (users of ASA excluded), the percentages of patients with decreases in hemoglobin (≥2 g/dL) and/or hematocrit (≥10%) of defined or presumed GI origin were lower in patients treated with celecoxib 200 mg twice daily (N = 2,238) compared to patients treated with diclofenac SR 75 mg twice daily plus omeprazole 20 mg once daily (N = 2,246) [0.2% vs. 1.1% for defined GI origin, p = 0.004; 0.4% vs. 2.4% for presumed GI origin, p = 0.0001]. The rates of clinically detected GI complications such as perforation, obstruction, or hemorrhage were very low with no differences between the treatment groups (4-5 per group). Results for the individual components of this composite endpoint were as follows. (See Table 5.)

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Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Celecoxib Integrated Safety vs. Ibuprofen Or Naproxen (PRECISION): Design: The PRECISION study was a double-blind study of cardiovascular safety in OA or RA patients with or at high risk for cardiovascular disease comparing Celecoxib (200-400 mg daily) with Naproxen (750-1000 mg daily) and Ibuprofen (1800-2400 mg daily). The primary endpoint, Antiplatelet Trialists Collaboration (APTC), was an independently adjudicated composite of cardiovascular death (including hemorrhagic death), non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke. The study was planned with 80% power to evaluate non-inferiority. All patients were prescribed open-label esomeprazole (20-40 mg) for gastro protection. Patients who were taking low-dose Aspirin were permitted to continue therapy.
Other independently adjudicated secondary and tertiary endpoints included cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and renal outcomes. Additionally, there was a 4-month substudy focusing on the effects of the three drugs on blood pressure as measured by ambulatory monitoring (ABPM).
Results: (See Table 6.)

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Primary Endpoint: Celecoxib, as compared with either naproxen or ibuprofen, met all four prespecified non-inferiority requirements (p<0.001 for non-inferiority in both comparisons). Non-inferiority is established when the hazard ratio (HR) ≤1.12 in both ITT and mITT analyses, and upper 95% CI ≤1.33 for ITT analysis and ≤1.40 for mITT analysis.
The primary analysis for ITT and mITT are described as follows in Table 7. (See Table 7.)

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Key Secondary and Tertiary Endpoints: The analysis of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE)* for mITT are described as follows in Table 8. (See Table 8.)

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The analysis of Gastrointestinal Events for mITT are described as follows in Table 9. (See Table 9.)

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In the ITT population for the CSGIE endpoint there were no significant differences, in the pairwise comparisons between treatment regimens (data not shown). For the endpoint of iron deficiency anemia of GI origin, significant differences (celecoxib vs. naproxen; celecoxib vs. ibuprofen) and nonsignificant differences (ibuprofen vs. naproxen) were observed in a manner consistent with the data presented previously.
The analysis of clinically significant renal events*, hospitalization for CHF and hypertension for mITT are described as follows in Table 10. (See Table 10.)

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In the ITT population for the endpoint of clinically significant renal events, only the pairwise comparison between celecoxib and ibuprofen was significant, HR 0.61 (0.44, 0.85), no significant differences were observed between treatment regimens in the incidence of hospitalization for congestive heart failure, and a significantly lower incidence of hospitalization for hypertension was observed between celecoxib and ibuprofen, HR 0.59 (0.36, 0.99).
All-cause mortality: In the mITT populations celecoxib, naproxen and ibuprofen were associated with 53 (0.7%), 79 (1.0%), and 73 (0.9%) deaths, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the pairwise comparisons between celecoxib and either naproxen HR 0.65 (0.46, 0.92) or celecoxib and ibuprofen HR 0.68 (0.48, 0.97). In the ITT population the celecoxib, naproxen and ibuprofen were associated with 132 (1.6%), 163 (2.0%) and 142 (1.8%) deaths, respectively. No significant differences were observed in pairwise comparisons between treatments.
ABPM Substudy: In the PRECISION-ABPM substudy, among the total of 444 analyzable patients, at Month 4, celecoxib-treated patients had the smallest change in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP) compared to ibuprofen and naproxen: celecoxib produced a slight reduction of 0.3 mmHg while ibuprofen and naproxen increased mean 24-hour SBP by 3.7 and 1.6 mmHg, respectively. These changes resulted in a statistically significant and clinically meaningful difference of -3.9 mmHg (p=0.0009) between celecoxib and ibuprofen; a non-significant difference of -1.8 (p=0.119) mmHg between celecoxib and naproxen, and a non-significant difference of -2.1 mmHg (p=0.0787) between naproxen and ibuprofen.
Pharmacokinetics: Absorption: The pharmacokinetics of celecoxib has been evaluated in approximately 1500 individuals. When given under fasting conditions celecoxib is well absorbed reaching peak plasma concentrations after approximately 2-3 hours. Oral bioavailability from capsules is about 99% relative to administration in suspension (optimally available oral dosage form). Under fasting conditions, both peak plasma levels (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) are roughly dose proportional up to 200 mg twice daily; at higher doses there are less than proportional increases in Cmax and AUC.
Distribution: Plasma protein binding, which is concentration independent, is about 97% at therapeutic plasma concentrations and celecoxib is not preferentially bound to erythrocytes in the blood.
Metabolism: Celecoxib metabolism is primarily mediated via cytochrome P450 2C9. Three metabolites, inactive as COX-1 or COX-2 inhibitors, have been identified in human plasma; a primary alcohol, the corresponding carboxylic acid and its glucuronide conjugate.
Cytochrome P450 2C9 activity is reduced in individuals with genetic polymorphisms that lead to reduced enzyme activity, such as those homozygous for the CYP2C9*3 polymorphism.
In a pharmacokinetic study of celecoxib 200 mg administered once daily in healthy volunteers, genotyped as either CYP2C9*1/*1, CYP2C9*1/*3, or CYP2C9*3/*3, the median Cmax and AUC0-24 of celecoxib on day 7 were approximately 4-fold and 7-fold, respectively, in subjects genotyped as CYP2C9*3/*3 compared to other genotypes. In three separate single-dose studies, involving a total of 5 subjects genotyped as CYP2C9*3/*3, single-dose AUC0-24 increased by approximately 3-fold compared to normal metabolizers. It is estimated that the frequency of the homozygous *3/*3 genotype is 0.3% - 1.0% among different ethnic groups.
Patients who are known, or suspected to be CYP2C9 poor metabolizers based on previous history/experience with other CYP2C9 substrates should be administered celecoxib with caution. Consider starting treatment at half the lowest recommended dose (see Dosage & Administration).
Excretion: Elimination of celecoxib is mostly by hepatic metabolism with less than 1% of the dose excreted unchanged in urine. After multiple dosing, elimination half-life is 8 to 12 hours and the rate of clearance is about 500 mL/min. With multiple dosing, steady-state plasma concentrations are reached before day 5. The intersubject variability on the main pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC, Cmax, elimination half-life) is about 30%. The mean steady-state volume of distribution is about 500 L/70 kg in young healthy adults indicating wide distribution of celecoxib into the tissues. Pre-clinical studies indicate that the drug crosses the blood/brain barrier.
Food Effects: Dosing with food (high fat meal) delays absorption of celecoxib resulting in a Tmax of about 4 hours and increases bioavailability by about 20% (see Dosage & Administration).
In healthy adult volunteers, the overall systemic exposure (AUC) of celecoxib was equivalent when celecoxib was administered as intact capsule or capsule contents sprinkled on applesauce. There were no significant alterations in Cmax, Tmax or T½ after administration of capsule contents on applesauce.
Special Populations: Elderly: In the population >65 years, there is a one and a half to two-fold increase in mean Cmax and AUC for celecoxib. This is a predominantly weight-related rather than age-related change, celecoxib levels being higher in lower weight individuals and consequently higher in the elderly population who are generally of lower mean weight than the younger population. Therefore, elderly females tend to have higher drug plasma concentrations than elderly males. No dosage adjustment is generally necessary. However, for elderly patients with a lower than average body weight (<50 kg), therapy should be initiated at the lowest recommended dose.
Race: A meta-analysis of pharmacokinetic studies has suggested an approximately 40% higher AUC of celecoxib in the Black population compared to Caucasians.
The cause and clinical significance of this finding is unknown and therefore treatment should be initiated at the lowest recommended dose.
Hepatic Impairment: Plasma concentrations of celecoxib in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A) are not significantly different from those of age and sex matched controls. In patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B) celecoxib plasma concentrations are about twice those of matched controls. No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild hepatic impairment. Treatment should be initiated at half the recommended dose in patients with moderate liver impairment (with serum albumin 25-35 g/L or Child-Pugh Class B) (see Dosage & Admnistration).
There is no clinical experience in patients with severe hepatic impairment. The use of celecoxib in patients with severe hepatic impairment is not recommended (see Precautions).
Renal Impairment: In elderly volunteers with age related reductions in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (mean GFR>65 mL/min/1.73 m²) and in patients with chronic stable renal insufficiency (GFR 35-60 mL/min/1.73 m²) celecoxib pharmacokinetics was comparable to those seen in patients with normal renal function. No significant relationship was found between serum creatinine (or creatinine clearance) and celecoxib clearance. Severe renal insufficiency would not be expected to alter clearance of celecoxib since the main route of elimination is via hepatic metabolism to inactive metabolites.
Renal Effects: The relative roles of COX-1 and COX-2 in renal physiology are not completely understood. Celecoxib reduces the urinary excretion of PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1α (a prostacyclin metabolite) but leaves serum thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and urinary excretion of 11-dehydro-TXB2, a thromboxane metabolite (both COX-1 products) unaffected. Specific studies have shown celecoxib produces no decreases in GFR in the elderly or those with chronic renal insufficiency. These studies have also shown transient reductions in fractional excretion of sodium. In studies in patients with arthritis a comparable incidence of peripheral edema has been observed to that seen with non-specific COX inhibitors (which also possess COX-2 inhibitory activity). This was most evident in patients receiving concomitant diuretic therapy. However, increased incidences of hypertension and cardiac failure have not been observed and the peripheral edema has been mild and self-limiting.
Toxicology: Preclinical safety data: Preclinical safety data revealed no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of repeated dose toxicity, mutagenicity or carcinogenicity.
Celecoxib at oral doses ≥150 mg/kg/day (approximately 2-fold human exposure at 200 mg twice daily as measured by AUC0-24), caused an increased incidence of ventricular septal defects, a rare event, and fetal alterations, such as ribs fused, sternebrae fused and sternebrae misshapen when rabbits were treated throughout organogenesis. A dose-dependent increase in diaphragmatic hernias was observed when rats were given celecoxib at oral doses ≥30 mg/kg/day (approximately 6-fold human exposure based on the AUC0-24 at 200 mg twice daily) throughout organogenesis. These effects are expected following inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. In rats, exposure to celecoxib during early embryonic development resulted in pre-implantation and post-implantation losses, and reduced embryo/fetal survival.
Animal Toxicology: An increase in the incidence of background findings of spermatocele with or without secondary changes, such as epididymal hypospermia as well as minimal to slight dilation of the seminiferous tubules was seen in the juvenile rat. These reproductive findings while apparently treatment-related did not increase in incidence or severity with dose and may indicate an exacerbation of a spontaneous condition. Similar reproductive findings were not observed in studies of juvenile or adult dogs or in adult rats treated with celecoxib. The clinical significance of this observation is unknown.

Symptomatic relief in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Aclexa is indicated in adults.
The decision to prescribe a selective COX-2 inhibitor should be based on an assessment of the individual patient's overall risks (see Contraindications and Precautions).

Posology: As the cardiovascular risks of celecoxib may increase with dose and duration of exposure, the shortest duration possible and the lowest effective daily dose should be used. The patient's need for symptomatic relief and response to therapy should be re-evaluated periodically, especially in patients with osteoarthritis (see Contraindications, Precautions, Adverse Reactions and Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions).
Osteoarthritis: The usual recommended daily dose is 200 mg taken once daily. In some patients, with insufficient relief from symptoms, an increased dose of 200 mg twice daily may increase efficacy.
Rheumatoid arthritis: The initial recommended daily dose is 200 mg taken once daily. The dose may, if needed, later be increased to 200 mg twice daily.
Ankylosing Spondylitis: The recommended daily dose is 200 mg taken once daily. In a few patients, with insufficient relief from symptoms, an increased dose of 400 mg once daily or in two divided doses may increase efficacy.
The maximum recommended daily dose is 400 mg for all indications.
Elderly patients: (>65 years) As in younger adults, 200 mg per day should be used initially. The dose may, if needed, later be increased to 200 mg twice daily. Particular caution should be exercised in elderly with a body weight less than 50 kg (see Precautions and Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
Patients with hepatic impairment: No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A). Treatment should be initiated at half the recommended dose in patients with moderate liver impairment (with serum albumin 25-35 g/L or Child-Pugh Class B.
Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) have not been studied (see Precautions). The use of celecoxib in this patient population is not recommended.
Patients with renal impairment: No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment. There is no clinical experience in patients with severe renal impairment (see Precautions). The use of celecoxib in this patient population is not recommended.
Paediatric population: Celecoxib is not indicated for use in children under 18 years of age.
CYP2C9 Poor Metabolizers: Patients who are known, or suspected to be CYP2C9 poor metabolizers based on genotyping or previous history/experience with other CYP2C9 substrates should be administered celecoxib with caution as the risk of dose-dependent adverse effects is increased. Consider reducing the dose to half the lowest recommended dose (see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
Method of administration: Oral use.
Capsules should be swallowed whole with a drink of water.
Aclexa may be taken with or without food.

There is no clinical experience of overdose. Single doses up to 1200 mg and multiple doses up to 1200 mg twice daily have been administered to healthy subjects for nine days without clinically significant adverse effects.
Management: In the event of suspected overdose, appropriate supportive medical care should be provided e.g. by eliminating the gastric contents, clinical supervision and, if necessary, the institution of symptomatic treatment. Dialysis is unlikely to be an efficient method of drug removal due to high protein binding.

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in Description.
Known hypersensitivity to sulphonamides.
Active peptic ulceration or gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
Patients who have experienced asthma, acute rhinitis, nasal polyps, angioneurotic oedema, urticaria or other allergic-type reactions after taking acetylsalicylic acid or NSAIDs including COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) inhibitors.
In pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential unless using an effective method of contraception (see Interactions). Celecoxib has been shown to cause malformations in the two animal species studied (see Use in Pregnancy & Lactation and Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions). The potential for human risk in pregnancy is unknown, but cannot be excluded.
Breast feeding (see Use in Pregnancy & Lactation and Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions).
Severe hepatic dysfunction (serum albumin <25 g/l or Child-Pugh score ≥ 10).
Patients with estimated creatinine clearance <30 ml/min.
Inflammatory bowel disease.
Congestive heart failure (NYHA II-IV).
Established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease and/or cerebrovascular disease.
Treatment of peri-operative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (see Precautions).

Upper and lower gastrointestinal complications [perforations, ulcers or bleedings (PUBs)], some of them resulting in fatal outcome, have occurred in patients treated with celecoxib. Caution is advised with treatment of patients most at risk of developing a gastrointestinal complication with NSAIDs; the elderly, patients with CV disease, patients using concomitant glucocorticoids, antiplatelet drugs (such as aspirin) or other NSAIDs or patients with a prior history of gastrointestinal disease, such as ulceration, GI bleeding or inflammatory conditions.
There is further increase in the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects for celecoxib (gastrointestinal ulceration or other gastrointestinal complications), when celecoxib is taken concomitantly with acetylsalicylic acid (even at low doses).
A significant difference in GI safety between selective COX-2 inhibitors + acetylsalicylic acid vs. NSAIDs + acetylsalicylic acid has not been demonstrated in long-term clinical trials (see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions).
The concomitant use of celecoxib and a non-aspirin NSAID should be avoided.
Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events: Celecoxib may cause an increased risk of serious CV thrombotic events, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke, which can be fatal. All NSAIDs may have a similar risk. This risk may increase with dose and duration of use. The relative increase of this risk appears to be similar in those with or without known CV disease or CV risk factors. However, patients with CV disease or CV risk factors may be at greater risk in terms of absolute incidence, due to their increased rate at baseline. To minimize the potential risk for an adverse CV event in patients treated with celecoxib, the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration possible. Physicians and patients should remain alert for the development of such events, even in the absence of previous CV symptoms. Patients should be informed about the signs and symptoms of serious CV toxicity and the steps to take if they occur (see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions).
Two large, controlled, clinical trials of a different COX-2 selective NSAID for the treatment of pain in the first 10 to 14 days following CABG surgery found an increased incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke (see Contraindications).
Patients with significant risk factors for cardiovascular events (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking) should only be treated with celecoxib after careful consideration (see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions).
COX-2 selective inhibitors are not a substitute for acetylsalicylic acid for prophylaxis of cardiovascular thrombo-embolic diseases because of their lack of antiplatelet effects. Therefore, antiplatelet therapies should not be discontinued (see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions).
As with other drugs known to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis fluid retention and oedema have been observed in patients taking celecoxib. Therefore, celecoxib should be used with caution in patients with history of cardiac failure, left ventricular dysfunction or hypertension, and in patients with pre-existing oedema from any other reason, since prostaglandin inhibition may result in deterioration of renal function and fluid retention. Caution is also required in patients taking diuretic treatment or otherwise at risk of hypovolaemia.
As with all NSAIDS, celecoxib can lead to the onset of new hypertension or worsening of pre-existing hypertension, either of which may contribute to the increased incidence of cardiovascular events. Therefore, blood pressure should be monitored closely during the initiation of therapy with celecoxib and throughout the course of therapy.
Compromised renal or hepatic function and especially cardiac dysfunction are more likely in the elderly and therefore medically appropriate supervision should be maintained.
NSAIDs, including celecoxib, may cause renal toxicity. Clinical trials with celecoxib have shown renal effects similar to those observed with comparator NSAIDs. Patients at greatest risk for renal toxicity are those with impaired renal function, heart failure, liver dysfunction, those taking diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, and the elderly (see Interactions). Such patients should be carefully monitored while receiving treatment with celecoxib.
Some cases of severe hepatic reactions, including fulminant hepatitis (some with fatal outcome), liver necrosis and, hepatic failure (some with fatal outcome or requiring liver transplant), have been reported with celecoxib. Among the cases that reported time to onset, most of the severe adverse hepatic events developed within one month after initiation of celecoxib treatment (see Adverse Reactions).
If during treatment, patients deteriorate in any of the organ system functions described previously, appropriate measures should be taken and discontinuation of celecoxib therapy should be considered.
Caution should be used when initiating treatment in patients with dehydration. It is advisable to rehydrate patients first and then start therapy with celecoxib.
Celecoxib has shown to be a moderately potent CYP2D6 inhibitor. A dose reduction may be necessary for individually dose-titrated drugs that are metabolised by CYP2D6 (see Interactions).
Serious skin reactions, some of them fatal, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported very rarely in association with the use of celecoxib (see Adverse Reactions). Patients appear to be at highest risk for these reactions early in the course of therapy: the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first month of treatment. Serious hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis, angioedema and drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS, or hypersensitivity syndrome)) have been reported in patients receiving celecoxib (see Adverse Reactions). Patients with a history of sulphonamide allergy or any drug allergy may be at greater risk of serious skin reactions or hypersensitivity reactions (see Contraindications). Celecoxib should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity.
Celecoxib may mask fever and other signs of inflammation.
In patients on concurrent therapy with warfarin, serious bleeding events have occurred. Caution should be exercised when combining celecoxib with warfarin and other oral anticoagulants (see Interactions).
Aclexa contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.
Effects on ability to drive and use machines: Patients who experience dizziness, vertigo or somnolence while taking celecoxib should refrain from driving or operating machinery.

Pregnancy: No clinical data on exposed pregnancies are available for celecoxib. Studies in animals (rats and rabbits) have shown reproductive toxicity, including malformations (see Contraindications and Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions). The potential for human risk in pregnancy is unknown, but cannot be excluded. Celecoxib, as with other drugs inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, may cause uterine inertia and premature closure of the ductus arteriosus during the last trimester. Celecoxib is contraindicated in pregnancy and in women who can become pregnant (see Contraindications and Precautions). If a woman becomes pregnant during treatment, celecoxib should be discontinued.
Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis might adversely affect pregnancy. Data from epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of spontaneous abortion after use of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors in early pregnancy. In animals, administration of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors has been shown to result in increased pre- and postimplantation loss.
If used during second or third trimester of pregnancy, NSAIDs may cause fetal renal dysfunction which may result in reduction of amniotic fluid volume or oligohydramnios in severe cases. Such effects may occur shortly after treatment initiation and are usually reversible. Pregnant women on celecoxib should be closely monitored for amniotic fluid volume.
Breast-feeding: Celecoxib is excreted in the milk of lactating rats at concentrations similar to those in plasma. Administration of celecoxib to a limited number of lactating women has shown a very low transfer of celecoxib into breast milk. Women who take celecoxib should not breastfeed.
Fertility: Based on the mechanism of action, the use of NSAIDs, including celecoxib, may delay or prevent rupture of ovarian follicles, which has been associated with reversible infertility in some women. In women who have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility, withdrawal of NSAIDs, including celecoxib, should be considered.

The following tables summarises adverse drug reactions of celecoxib divided into groups according to MedDRA terminology together with their frequency: Very common (≥ 1/10), Common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), Uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100), Rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000), Very rare (< 1/10,000), Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Clinical Trials Experience: The following adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in Table 11 were identified with incidence rates greater than 0.01% in celecoxib group and greater than those reported in placebo group, during 12 placebo- and/or active-controlled clinical trials of treatment duration up to 12 weeks at daily doses from 100 mg up to 800 mg in adults.
The frequencies on the ADRs in Table 11 are updated based on a more recent pooling of 89 randomized, controlled clinical trials data representing clinical exposure in 38,102 patients taking celecoxib. (See Table 11.)

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The following additional adverse drug reactions* in Table 12 were identified with incidence rates greater than placebo in long-term polyp prevention studies of duration up to 3 years at daily doses from 400 mg up to 800 mg (see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions). (See Table 12.)

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Post-marketing Experience: Adverse reactions identified from post-marketing experience are provided as follows. Even though these were identified as reactions from post-marketing reports, trial data was consulted to estimate frequency. As previously, frequencies are based on a pooling of trials representing exposure in 38,102 patients. (See Table 13.)

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Pharmacodynamic interactions: Anticoagulant activity should be monitored particularly in the first few days after initiating or changing the dose of celecoxib in patients receiving warfarin or other anticoagulants since these patients have an increased risk of bleeding complications. Therefore, patients receiving oral anticoagulants should be closely monitored for their prothrombin time INR, particularly in the first few days when therapy with celecoxib is initiated or the dose of celecoxib is changed (see Precautions). Bleeding events in association with increases in prothrombin time have been reported, predominantly in the elderly, in patients receiving celecoxib concurrently with warfarin, some of them fatal.
NSAIDs may reduce the effect of diuretics and antihypertensive medicinal products. As for NSAIDs, the risk of acute renal insufficiency, which is usually reversible, may be increased in some patients with compromised renal function (e.g. dehydrated patients, patients on diuretics or elderly patients) when ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists are combined with NSAIDs, including celecoxib (see Precautions). Therefore, the combination should be administered with caution, especially in the elderly. Patients should be adequately hydrated and consideration should be given to monitoring of renal function after initiation of concomitant therapy, and periodically thereafter.
In a 28-day clinical study in patients with lisinopril-controlled Stage I and II hypertension, administration of celecoxib 200 mg BID resulted in no clinically significant increases, when compared to placebo treatment, in mean daily systolic or diastolic blood pressure as determined using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Among patients treated with celecoxib 200 mg BID, 48% were considered unresponsive to lisinopril at the final clinic visit (defined as either cuff diastolic blood pressure >90 mmHg or cuff diastolic blood pressure increased >10% compared to baseline), compared to 27% of patients treated with placebo; this difference was statistically significant.
Coadministration of NSAIDs and ciclosporin or tacrolimus have been suggested to increase the nephrotoxic effect of ciclosporin and tacrolimus. Renal function should be monitored when celecoxib and any of these drugs are combined.
Celecoxib can be used with low-dose acetylsalicylic acid but is not a substitute for acetylsalicylic acid for cardiovascular prophylaxis. In the submitted studies, as with other NSAIDs, an increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration or other gastrointestinal complications compared to use of celecoxib alone was shown for concomitant administration of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions).
Pharmacokinetic interactions: Effects of celecoxib on other drugs: Celecoxib is an inhibitor of CYP2D6. During celecoxib treatment, the plasma concentrations of the CYP2D6 substrate dextromethorphan were increased by 136%. The plasma concentrations of drugs that are substrates of this enzyme may be increased when celecoxib is used concomitantly. Examples of drugs which are metabolised by CYP2D6 are antidepressants (tricyclics and SSRIs), neuroleptics, anti-arrhythmic drugs, etc. The dose of individually dose-titrated CYP2D6 substrates may need to be reduced when treatment with celecoxib is initiated or increased if treatment with celecoxib is terminated.
In vitro studies have shown some potential for celecoxib to inhibit CYP2C19 catalysed metabolism. The clinical significance of this in vitro finding is unknown. Examples of drugs which are metabolised by CYP2C19 are diazepam, citalopram and imipramine.
In an interaction study, celecoxib had no clinically relevant effects on the pharmacokinetics of oral contraceptives (1 mg norethistherone /35 microg ethinylestradiol).
Celecoxib does not affect the pharmacokinetics of tolbutamide (CYP2C9 substrate), or glibenclamide to a clinically relevant extent.
In patients with rheumatoid arthritis celecoxib had no statistically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics (plasma or renal clearance) of methotrexate (in rheumatologic doses). However, adequate monitoring for methotrexate-related toxicity should be considered when combining these two drugs.
In healthy subjects, co-administration of celecoxib 200 mg twice daily with 450 mg twice daily of lithium resulted in a mean increase in Cmax of 16% and in AUC of 18% of lithium. Therefore, patients on lithium treatment should be closely monitored when celecoxib is introduced or withdrawn.
Effects of other drugs on celecoxib: In individuals who are CYP2C9 poor metabolisers and demonstrate increased systemic exposure to celecoxib, concomitant treatment with CYP2C9 inhibitors could result in further increases in celecoxib exposure. Such combinations should be avoided in known CYP2C9 poor metabolisers (see Dosage & Administration and Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
Since celecoxib is predominantly metabolised by CYP2C9 it should be used at half the recommended dose in patients receiving fluconazole. Concomitant use of 200 mg single dose of celecoxib and 200 mg once daily of fluconazole, a potent CYP2C9 inhibitor, resulted in a mean increase in celecoxib Cmax of 60% and in AUC of 130%. Concomitant use of inducers of CYP2C9 such as rifampicin, carbamazepine and barbiturates may reduce plasma concentrations of celecoxib.
Ketoconazole or antacids have not been observed to affect the pharmacokinetics of celecoxib.

Incompatibilities: Not applicable.
Special precautions for disposal and other handling: No special requirements for disposal.
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Do not store above 30 °C.
Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture.
Shelf life: 3 years.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

M01AH01 - celecoxib ; Belongs to the class of non-steroidal antiinflammatory and antirheumatic products, coxibs.

POM