Celecoxib is a medicine used to treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions, including arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, migraines, and menstrual pain.

It’s also given to relieve short-term pain due to injuries, medical procedures, or other conditions.

This medicine is used in kids with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis who are 2 years old or older.

Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It belongs to a specific class of NSAIDs called COX-2 selective inhibitors.

Celecoxib works by preventing the body from producing a substance that causes pain and inflammation.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved celecoxib in 1998. It’s sold under the brand name Celebrex.

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Celebrex (Celecoxib)?

Celecoxib can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Celecoxib may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using celecoxib, especially in older adults.

You should not use celecoxib if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

an allergy to sulfa drugs; or
a history of asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

a stomach ulcer, bleeding in your stomach or intestines;
heart disease, high blood pressure;
asthma;
bleeding problems;
liver or kidney disease; or
if you smoke or drink alcohol.

If you are pregnant, you should not take celecoxib unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in women. Ask your doctor about this risk.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Celebrex (Celecoxib)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

Stop using celecoxib and seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Stop using celecoxib and call your doctor at once if you have:

the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
liver problems--nausea, stomach pain (upper right side), itching, tiredness, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or
low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects may include:

stomach pain, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting;
swelling in your hands or feet;
dizziness; or
cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Celebrex (Celecoxib) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in women. Ask your doctor about this risk.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Celebrex (Celecoxib)?

Avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to celecoxib (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Celebrex (Celecoxib)?

Use Celebrex (Celecoxib) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

You may take celecoxib with or without food.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture with water. You may save this applesauce mixture for later use in a refrigerator for up to 6 hours.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Celebrex (Celecoxib)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.