Celecoxib (Celebrex, Elyxyb) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

What are the most common side effects of celecoxib?

The most common side effects of celecoxib are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Upset stomach or stomach pain
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Gas or heartburn
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Stuffy or runny nose, sore throat
• Change in taste
• Rash

There may be other side effects of celecoxib that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of celecoxib?

While less common, the most serious side effects of celecoxib are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Heart Attack and Stroke. Celecoxib can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This risk is increased in people with existing heart disease and with longer use of celecoxib and higher doses. Do not take celecoxib if you have had a recent heart attack without talking to your health care provider. This could increase your risk of having another heart attack. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

• Chest pain or pressure
• Fast or abnormal heartbeat
• Trouble breathing
• Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
• Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
• Sudden weakness on one side of your body
• Sudden and severe headache
• Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech

Severe Allergic Reactions. Celecoxib can cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multiorgan hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body, including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Severe Skin Reactions. NSAIDs, including celecoxib, can cause rare but serious skin reactions such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and fixed drug eruption (FDE), that can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash or blisters, stop taking celecoxib and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Painful skin that looks burned or peels off
• A flat rash or areas of skin discoloration
• Blisters or sores on the skin, mouth, nose, eyes, or genitals
• Red, painful, or watery eyes
• Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, or muscle aches
• Darkened patches or blisters that appear in the same place after taking the medicine

Bleeding. Celecoxib can increase your risk for bleeding, especially if you have a bleeding disorder or take other medicines that increase your risk for bleeding. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice any signs of bleeding, including easy bruising or bleeding.

Stomach Bleeding. Celecoxib can increase your risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) in your gut. The risk is higher if you have a history of stomach ulcers, or bleeding problems, take higher doses of celecoxib or take it for longer than directed, have poor health, are age 60 or older, have liver disease, smoke, drink alcohol, or take certain other medicines such as oral corticosteroids, anticoagulants, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Stop taking celecoxib and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Vomit blood
• Black or tarry poop
• Stomach pain that does not go away
• Upset stomach
• Feel faint

Anemia. Celecoxib may cause anemia, which is a condition that causes low levels of red blood cells. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of anemia.

• Unusual weakness or tiredness
• Cold hands and feet
• Fast or abnormal heartbeat
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Celecoxib may increase your blood pressure or worsen it if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your health care provider if your blood pressure increases while taking this medicine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. An increase in blood pressure may not be noticeable but look out for any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.

• Sudden, severe headache
• Chest pain
• Dizziness or confusion
• Trouble breathing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurry or other changes to the vision
• Anxiety
• Buzzing in the ears
• Nosebleed
• Feeling of skipped heartbeats

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking celecoxib. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach or belly pain
• Fever
• Weakness or unusual tiredness
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Light-colored poop
• Dark-colored urine
• Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Heart Failure. Celecoxib may increase your risk for heart failure. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.

• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
• Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs (edema)
• Unusually fast weight gain
• Unusual tiredness

Kidney Damage.Kidney damage can happen when taking celecoxib. Stop taking celecoxib and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

• Reduced need to pee
• Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs (edema)
• Weakness or unusual tiredness
• Trouble catching your breath or chest pain or pressure
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Seizures

Increased Potassium (Hyperkalemia). Celecoxib can increase the potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia), especially if your kidneys are not working as well as they should. A mild increase in potassium levels may not cause any symptoms. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of sudden, severe high potassium.

• Chest pain or fast or abnormal heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unable to move your muscles