Celebrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for the relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, for the management of acute pain, for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, and to reduce the number of adenomatous colorectal polyps in familial adenomatous polyposis.
Celebrex (celecoxib) belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
Celebrex is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and menstrual pain. It is also used in the treatment of hereditary polyps in the colon
Celebrex may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term. Do not use Celebrex just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.
Celebrex may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are taking Celebrex, especially in older adults.
Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of stomach bleeding such as black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Celebrex. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, or pain medicine. Medicines similar to celecoxib are contained in many combination medicines. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen.