An Introduction to Side Effects of Celecoxib
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with
celecoxib (
Celebrex®). However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, they are usually minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. However, there are some potentially serious side effects to be aware of.
In research studies, up to 7.1 percent of people stopped taking celecoxib because of side effects.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with celecoxib. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of celecoxib side effects with you.)
Serious Celecoxib Side Effects
Some side effects of celecoxib occur less frequently, but are more serious. These potentially serious side effects include but are not limited to:
- Cardiovascular problems, including heart attack or stroke
- Stomach or intestinal problems, including bleeding, ulcers, or a hole (known as a perforation)
- Liver damage
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure
- Fluid retention
- Congestive heart failure
- Swelling of the arms or legs
- Rapid weight gain
- Allergic reactions (such as a rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the mouth or throat).
These side effects are a risk with all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (
NSAIDs) and can lead to life-threatening complications or even loss of life.
