All NSAIDs, including celecoxib, have been linked to cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, which can result in loss of life. People who have cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors appear to be at greater risk. To decrease the chances of these problems occurring, you should take the smallest effective dose for the shortest period of time. Call 911 if you notice things such as:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Weakness
Slurring of speech.
All NSAIDs, including celecoxib, may cause high blood pressure or make the condition worse in people who already have it. Thus, celecoxib should be used with caution in people with known high blood pressure.
All NSAIDs, including celecoxib, may cause congestive heart failure or swelling. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice unexplained weight gain or swelling while taking the drug. Celecoxib should be used with caution in people with heart failure.
All NSAIDs, including celecoxib, have been reported to cause problems in the stomach and intestines, including bleeding (known as gastrointestinal bleeding), stomach ulcers, or holes in the stomach or intestines (called perforations). These problems can lead to serious complications or even loss of life. Extreme caution should be used if celecoxib is prescribed for people with a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. To decrease the risk of these problems, you should take the smallest effective dose for the shortest period of time. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any signs or symptoms of stomach ulcers or bleeding, including:
Stomach pain
Indigestion
Black, tarry stools
Vomiting blood.
Kidney damage can occur in people taking NSAIDs as well, including celecoxib. This occurrence is more common in the elderly and in people with kidney disease, heart failure, liver problems, and those taking a diuretic or ACE inhibitor.
Liver damage can occur in people taking celecoxib. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice things such as:
NSAIDs, including celecoxib, have been reported to cause allergic reactions. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you notice things such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat.
In rare cases, people taking celecoxib can develop a very serious rash. If you notice an unexplained rash or develop blisters, fever, or itchy skin, stop taking celecoxib and call your healthcare provider.
If you are an alcoholic or drink alcohol frequently, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to starting celecoxib. Alcohol can affect the way your liver works, which indirectly affects how your medicine works.
NSAIDS have been known to cause an increase in liver enzymes. Before starting celecoxib, it is recommended that you have a blood test that looks at your liver function. You should repeat this test 12 weeks after treatment has started.
Celecoxib has been known to cause anemia. If you are taking celecoxib for an extended period of time and show signs of anemia, talk to your healthcare provider.
You should not take celecoxib with any other NSAID, as this may increase your risk for any of the problems discussed in this article. Many NSAIDs are available without a prescription, so make sure to read all labels carefully. Examples of NSAIDs include:
Celecoxib is a pregnancy Category C medicine, meaning that it could potentially harm your unborn child. If you are pregnant, you should only take celecoxib if the benefit outweighs the possible risk to the fetus. Celecoxib is not recommended for women in the third trimester of pregnancy, as it can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. If you become pregnant while taking celecoxib, contact your healthcare provider immediately. (Click Celebrex and Pregnancy for more information.)
If you are nursing, it is recommended that you do not take celecoxib. Therefore, if you are nursing and taking celecoxib, ask your healthcare provider whether you should stop nursing or stop taking celecoxib.
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