All NSAIDs, including Celebrex, 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 Celebrex, may cause high blood pressure or make it worse in people who already have it. Therefore, Celebrex should be used with caution in people with known high blood pressure.
All NSAIDs, including Celebrex, may cause congestive heart failure or swelling. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice unexplained weight gain or swelling while taking Celebrex. Also, Celebrex should be used with caution in people with heart failure.
All NSAIDs, including Celebrex, 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 Celebrex 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, including Celebrex. This occurrence is more common in the elderly, as well as in people with kidney disease, heart failure, liver problems, and those taking a diuretic or ACE inhibitor.
Liver damage can occur in people taking Celebrex. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice things such as:
NSAIDs, including Celebrex, 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 Celebrex can develop a serious rash. If you notice an unexplained rash or develop blisters, fever, or itchy skin, stop taking Celebrex and call your healthcare provider right away.
If you are an alcoholic or drink alcohol frequently, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to starting Celebrex. 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 Celebrex, 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.
Celebrex has been known to cause anemia. Therefore, if you are taking Celebrex for an extended period of time and show signs of anemia, talk to your healthcare provider.
You should not take Celebrex 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:
Celebrex is a pregnancy Category C medicine, meaning that it could potentially harm your unborn child. If you are pregnant, you should only take Celebrex if the benefit outweighs the possible risk to the fetus. Celebrex 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 Celebrex, contact your healthcare provider immediately. (Click Celebrex and Pregnancy for more information.)
If you are nursing, it is recommended that you do not take Celebrex. Therefore, if you are nursing and taking Celebrex, ask your doctor whether you should stop nursing or stop taking Celebrex.
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