Celebrex (Celecoxib)

Celebrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis in adults, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine), and sudden pain. In addition, Celebrex is used to treat pain associated with menstrual periods.

Celebrex can cause serious problems (such as heart attack or stroke). Your risk can increase when this medication is used for long periods of time and if you have heart disease. Tell your doctor if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, or slurred speech. Celebrex can cause high blood pressure and heart failure or worsen existing high blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you experience weight gain or swelling of your face or throat. Celebrex can cause discomfort, ulcers, or bleeding in your stomach or intestines. Your risk can increase with long-term use, smoking, drinking alcohol, older age, or with certain medications. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience stomach pain or if you have bloody vomit or stools. Long-term use of Celebrex can cause kidney injury. Your risk can increase if you have kidney impairment; heart failure; liver problems; are taking certain medications, including diuretics (water pills) (such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide), blood/heart medications known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (such as lisinopril), or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (such as losartan or olmesartan); or are elderly. Celebrex can also cause liver injury. Stop taking Celebrex and call your doctor if you experience nausea, tiredness, weakness, itchiness, yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, right upper abdominal tenderness, or “flu-like” symptoms. Celebrex can cause a serious allergic reaction. Stop taking Celebrex and tell your doctor right away if you experience difficulty breathing or swelling of your face or throat. Stop taking Celebrex and tell your doctor right away if you experience serious skin reactions, such as rash, blisters, fever, or itchiness.