Celebrex

Generic name:celecoxib [ SEL-e-KOX-ib ]
Drug class:Cox-2 inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Mar 3, 2022.

What is Celebrex?

Celebrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). 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.

Celebrex is used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children who are at least 2 years old. It is also used in the treatment of hereditary polyps in the colon.

Warnings

Celebrex may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using this medicine, especially in older adults. You should not take this medicine if you already have bleeding in your stomach or intestines.

Celecoxib can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use Celebrex just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Celebrex if you are allergic to celecoxib, or if you have:

• an allergy to sulfa drugs; or

• a history of asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a stomach ulcer, bleeding in your stomach or intestines;...