Celebrex (Celecoxib) Review

Celebrex is a brand name for the generic drug celecoxib. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, used in the treatment of several different serious conditions, including the relief of symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children over two years of age. It is also used for the relief of ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of arthritis characterized by pain in and around the spine. Celebrex is given to adults for the management of general pain and for the treatment of severe menstrual cramps, as well as to reduce the number of colorectal polyps for those suffering from familial adenomatous polyposis. It is prescribed in capsules.

Celebrex has a low rate of adverse side effects, but you should be aware of them. You may experience gastrointestinal reactions such as constipation, diverticulitis, reflux, hemorrhoids, hiatial hernia, dry mouth, vomiting, and dental problems. Some possible side effects that concern your immune system may include herpes simplex or herpes zoster, fungal or bacterial infections, infections of the soft tissue, or ear infections. Other side effects may include aggravated allergies, swelling, fatigue, fever, flushing, flu-like symptoms, pain, leg cramps, migraine, tingling, dizziness, breast pain or lumps, yeast infections, menstrual cramps, or prostatic disorder. Some people may experience weight gain, increased blood sugar, abnormal liver function, synovitis (pain in the joints caused by inflammation of the lining), neck stiffness, anemia, bronchitis or bronchospasm, coughing, shortness of breath, laryngitis, pneumonia, hair loss, loss of appetite, anxiety or depression, nervousness, urinary tract infection, urinary incontinence, blurred vision, cataracts, pink eye, eye pain, or glaucoma. If you already have asthma, Celebrex might increase the severity of your asthma. If you have any of these serious signs or symptoms you should report them to your doctor immediately.

Celebrex can have serious effects on the heart and circulatory system in particular. Some of these may include, such as high blood pressure, chest pains, coronary artery disorder, palpitations or increased heart rate. It may also significantly increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. It should not be used for post-operative pain if you have had heart surgery. Like all NSAIDs, Celebrex can also cause stomach problems such as bleeding or ulceration. Elderly patients are at greater risk for heart and stomach difficulties.

There are some medications that should not be taken with Celebrex. If you are taking an ACE inhibitor, you should not take Celebrex. If you take low doses of aspirin, you are safe taking Celebrex, but your doctor should monitor your blood during treatment. You should also be cautious if you take fluconazole, furosemide, lithium, methotrexate, warfarin or other anticoagulants.

Celebrex should be avoided in the last trimester of pregnancy, because it can cause an increase in blood pressure and cause premature closure of the ductus ateriosus, a major artery supplying blood to the fetus. There have been no studies done in pregnant humans, but animal studies show that fetal deformities did sometimes occur when taking high doses of Celebrex.