Celebrex is a brand name for the prescription medication celecoxib, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Celebrex is used to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and menstrual cramps. It works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation.
Celebrex is available in capsule form and is typically taken once or twice a day, with or without food. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and take the medication exactly as prescribed.
Celebrex Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Like all medications, Celebrex (celecoxib) can cause side effects. Some common side effects include:
- Stomach upset or pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Gas or bloating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or headache
- Cold-like symptoms, such as stuffy nose, sore throat, or sneezing
Severe Side Effects
Celebrex can cause more serious side effects, including:
- Allergic reactions, such as hives, rash, or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sudden or severe headache or dizziness
- Swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Vision or hearing changes
Celebrex can also increase the risk of serious side effects such as heart attack, stroke, or gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk of these side effects increases with higher doses of the medication, long-term use, and in people with a history of heart disease or stomach ulcers.
Note: If you experience any of these serious side effects or have concerns about your health while taking Celebrex, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Is Celebrex Safe For Pregnancy?
Celebrex is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the developing fetus. The medication can cross the placenta and may cause harm to the developing baby.
Taking NSAIDs like Celebrex during the third trimester of pregnancy can also cause complications such as premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus, which can lead to respiratory distress in the newborn.
In addition, using NSAIDs during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of the following:
- Miscarriage
- Low birth weight
- Delayed onset of labor.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking Celebrex or any other medication. Your doctor may recommend alternative treatments for pain relief, such as acetaminophen, which is generally considered safe during pregnancy.
Is Taking Daily Celebrex Okay?
It’s important to take Celebrex (celecoxib) exactly as prescribed by your doctor to ensure safe and effective use of the medication. Taking more Celebrex than prescribed or using it for longer than recommended can increase the risk of side effects and may not provide additional benefit for your condition.
Overdose Celebrex can increase the risk of serious side effects, including heart attack, stroke, and gastrointestinal bleeding. These risks increase when we go for
- higher than the recommended dose
- Use than longer than recommended
- Use them with a medical history of heart disease and stomach ulcer.
Taking Celebrex for a longer period of time than recommended can also increase the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication abruptly.
If you have concerns about the safety or effectiveness of Celebrex, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend alternative treatments or adjust your dose of Celebrex to minimize the risk of side effects. It’s also important to inform your doctor of any other medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking, as these may interact with Celebrex and increase the risk of side effects.
