Celebrex is a brand-name oral capsule that’s prescribed for certain conditions, such as osteoarthritis. Celebrex contains the active ingredient celecoxib and is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Celebrex is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following conditions in adults:

Celebrex is also approved to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) in children ages 2 years and older. (JRA is also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis.)

Drug details

You’ll find key information about Celebrex below.

  • Drug form: oral capsule
  • Generic available? yes
  • Prescription required? yes
  • Controlled substance? no
  • Year of FDA approval: 1998

Celebrex can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Celebrex. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of Celebrex, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may bother you. You can also see this comprehensive article about Celebrex’s side effects.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to report to the FDA a side effect you’ve had with Celebrex, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects of Celebrex can include:*

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Celebrex. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or visit Celebrex’s prescribing information.
† For more information on this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Celebrex aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

  • High blood pressure. This condition doesn’t typically cause symptoms, but symptoms of very high blood pressure can include:
    • headache
    • dizziness
    • chest pain
  • Heart failure and edema (fluid retention). Symptoms can include:
  • Hyperkalemia (high level of potassium in your blood). Symptoms can include:
    • nausea
    • muscle pain or cramps
    • weakness
  • Anemia (low red blood cell count). Symptoms can include:
    • fatigue
    • weakness
    • skin that appears paler than usual
  • Allergic reaction.*
  • Serious skin reactions, such as a widespread itchy rash.*
  • Liver problems,* such as liver damage.
  • Kidney problems,* such as acute kidney failure.
  • Cardiovascular problems,*† such as heart attack and stroke.
  • Digestive problems,*† such as ulcers (sores that are slow to heal).

* For more information on these side effects, see “Side effect details” below.
† Celebrex has boxed warnings for these side effects. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information, see “Cardiovascular problems” and “Digestive problems” in the “Side effect details” section below.

Side effects in children

Celebrex is approved to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) in children ages 2 years and older. JRA is also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The drug isn’t approved for any other uses in children.

The side effects of Celebrex in children are similar to those in adults. One clinical trial looked at the safety of Celebrex in children with JRA who took the medication for 6 months. In this trial, the side effects reported were similar to the mild side effects reported in adults who took Celebrex. (See the “Mild side effects” section above to learn more.)

Celebrex may increase the risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in certain children. With this condition, a person has atypical blood clotting throughout their body.

Atypical blood clotting has been reported in children with systemic onset JRA. This is a rare form of JRA that starts with repeating fevers, often with a rash. Children with this type of JRA may need tests to check their blood clotting while they take Celebrex. If your child has systemic onset JRA, talk with your doctor about the risk of DIC.

Clinical trials have not assessed the safety of using Celebrex for longer than 6 months in children. It’s unknown whether the risk of cardiovascular problems* with long-term Celebrex use in children is similar to that of adults.

* Celebrex has a boxed warning for cardiovascular problems. For more information, see “Cardiovascular problems” in the “Side effect details” section below.

Side effect details

You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug. Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Celebrex. In clinical trials, some people who took Celebrex for osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) reported allergic reactions. And it’s unknown how often allergic reactions occurred in people who used Celebrex for conditions other than OA or RA.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Celebrex. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Weight gain

It’s possible to gain weight while taking Celebrex. In clinical trials, some people who took Celebrex for OA or RA reported weight gain. It’s unknown how often weight gain occurred in people who used Celebrex for conditions other than OA or RA.

See your doctor if you have sudden unexpected weight gain while taking Celebrex. This can be a symptom of heart failure, which is a serious side effect of Celebrex.

Weight loss

Weight loss has not been reported with Celebrex. See the “Common questions about Celebrex” section below to read more about this.

Side effects in older adults

People ages 65 years and older may have a higher risk of digestive problems* with Celebrex than younger adults. These problems include ulcers (sores that are slow to heal), bleeding, or perforations (holes) in the stomach or intestine.

Older adults may also have a higher risk of kidney problems with Celebrex than younger adults. As you age, your kidneys may not work as well. You may also need to take other medications, such as treatments for high blood pressure. These factors can raise your risk of kidney problems.

Older adults will usually start treatment with a lower dose of Celebrex (200 mg per day) to minimize the risk of side effects.

If you’re an older adult and have questions about possible side effects of Celebrex, talk with your doctor.

* Celebrex has a boxed warning for digestive problems. For more information, see “Digestive problems” below.

Rash and other skin reactions

Celebrex can sometimes cause a rash. In clinical trials, there were reports of skin rash occurring in people with OA or RA.

Celebrex can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so you should protect your skin from the sun while taking it. For tips on preventing sunburn, refer to this article.

Keep in mind that Celebrex can cause more serious skin reactions such as drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). Sometimes, these serious skin reactions can be fatal. It’s unknown how often serious skin reactions occur with Celebrex.

Symptoms of a serious skin reaction can include:

  • widespread itchy rash
  • blistering or peeling skin
  • sores in your mouth or on your genitals
  • fever

If you’re using Celebrex and have a skin rash or other symptoms of a serious skin reaction, stop taking the drug and see your doctor right away.

Liver problems

Celebrex can sometimes cause liver problems, such as liver damage, hepatitis, and liver failure. These problems can affect how well your liver works. On rare occasions, liver problems can be fatal.

While you take Celebrex, you’ll have blood tests to check how well your liver is working. These are called liver function tests. They measure the levels of liver enzymes in your blood. (Enzymes are proteins that aid chemical changes in your body.) Higher levels of liver enzymes can be a sign of damage to your liver.

In clinical trials, some people who took Celebrex had liver enzyme levels that were higher than normal.

See your doctor if you have symptoms of a liver problem while taking Celebrex. These include:

  • nausea
  • fatigue
  • flu-like symptoms
  • pain in the upper right of your abdomen
  • yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes
  • itching

If you develop a liver problem, you may need to stop taking Celebrex.

Kidney problems

Celebrex can sometimes cause kidney problems, such as acute kidney failure and kidney stones.

In clinical trials of people who took Celebrex for OA or RA, there were reports of acute kidney failure and kidney stones. It’s unknown how often these side effects occurred in people who took Celebrex for other conditions.

You’re more at risk of kidney problems with Celebrex if you’re age 65 years or older or if you already have kidney problems. You also have a higher risk if you have heart failure or liver problems or if you become dehydrated during treatment. Dehydration can be caused by severe vomiting or diarrhea, and taking medications called diuretics (commonly called “water pills”).

Taking certain other medications can also increase the risk of kidney problems with Celebrex. See the “Celebrex interactions” section below for more details.

If you have symptoms of kidney problems while taking Celebrex, tell your doctor. These include:

  • trouble or pain urinating
  • sharp pain in your back or sides
  • producing less urine than usual
  • producing very dark urine
  • confusion
  • itching
  • swollen ankles or feet

If you develop kidney problems, your doctor will likely have you stop taking Celebrex.

Cardiovascular problems

Celebrex has a boxed warning for cardiovascular problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. This warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Celebrex is a type of drug called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Taking an NSAID can increase your risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack or stroke. In some cases, these problems can be fatal. You have a higher risk of cardiovascular problems if you take Celebrex at a high dose or for long periods of time.

And if you have heart disease, you could be at a higher risk of cardiovascular problems with Celebrex. (To learn more, see the “Celebrex precautions” section below.)

You should not take Celebrex if you’re planning to have or recently had a coronary artery bypass graft (heart bypass surgery). This is a surgery to improve blood supply to your heart. Taking Celebrex to treat pain after heart bypass surgery can increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Talk with your doctor about other pain relievers that may be suitable for you.

How often do cardiovascular problems occur with Celebrex?

Clinical trials that were carried out before Celebrex was approved included people with and without a risk of cardiovascular problems. They were being treated for OA or RA. In these studies:

  • heart attack occurred in 0.1% to 1.9% of people who took Celebrex
  • stroke occurred in less than 0.1% of people who took Celebrex

It’s unknown how often heart attack and stroke occurred in people who took Celebrex for other conditions.

One 2016 clinical trial assessed the risk for heart attack and stroke with Celebrex in people who already had a high risk of cardiovascular problems. This study was carried out after Celebrex had been approved for prescribing.

This study involved 24,081 people with OA or RA. They were split into three groups. One group took 100–200 milligrams (mg) of Celebrex twice per day. A second group took 375–500 mg of naproxen twice per day. The third group took 600–800 mg of ibuprofen three times per day. Naproxen and ibuprofen are other types of NSAIDs.

Over 30 months, heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular disease occurred in:

  • 2.3% of people who took Celebrex
  • 2.5% of people who took naproxen
  • 2.7% of people who took ibuprofen

What are the symptoms of cardiovascular problems?

Symptoms of cardiovascular problems while taking Celebrex can include:

  • shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • pain, tightness, or pressure in your chest
  • pain in your jaw, neck, back, or arm
  • suddenly feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • weakness in one side of your body
  • drooping of one side of your face
  • slurred speech

Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

To minimize the risk of cardiovascular problems, Celebrex should be taken at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time. Your doctor will recommend the best dosage for you.

Digestive problems

Celebrex has a boxed warning for digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. This warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Celebrex is an NSAID, and drugs of this type can increase your risk of serious digestive problems. These problems include ulcers (sores that are slow to heal), bleeding, and perforations (holes) in your digestive tract. Specifically, your stomach and intestines can be affected. In rare cases, these digestive problems can be fatal.

Serious digestive problems can occur at any time while you take Celebrex and may not cause any symptoms at first. You’re at a higher risk of these problems if you’re age 65 years or older. Having had a peptic ulcer or bleeding in your stomach or intestine also increases your risk.

In addition, you have a higher risk of these problems if you take Celebrex at a high dose or for long periods of time. You may also have a higher risk if you smoke, drink alcohol, or have certain health conditions, such as advanced liver disease or blood clotting problems. Talk with your doctor about whether Celebrex is right for you.

Taking certain other medications can also increase the risk of digestive problems with Celebrex. See the “Celebrex interactions” section below for more details.

How often do digestive problems occur with Celebrex?

One 2016 clinical trial assessed the risk of serious digestive problems with Celebrex. This study involved 24,081 people with OA or RA. They were split into three groups. One group took 100–200 mg of Celebrex twice per day. A second group took 375–500 mg of naproxen twice per day. The third group took 600–800 mg of ibuprofen three times per day. Naproxen and ibuprofen are other types of NSAIDs.

Over 30 months, ulcers, bleeding, or perforation in the stomach or intestines occurred in:

  • 1.1% of people who took Celebrex
  • 1.5% of people who took naproxen
  • 1.6% of people who took ibuprofen

Another clinical trial assessed the risk of serious digestive problems depending on age. Over 9 months of taking Celebrex, ulcers, bleeding, or perforation in the stomach or intestines occurred in:

  • 0.47% of people younger than age 65 years
  • 1.4% of people ages 65 years and older

What are the symptoms of digestive problems?

Symptoms of serious digestive problems with Celebrex can include:

See your doctor right away if you have these symptoms. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

To minimize the risk of digestive problems, Celebrex should always be taken at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time. Your doctor may also recommend that you take medication to help protect your digestive system.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Celebrex to treat certain conditions. Celebrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation and relieves pain. It’s FDA-approved to treat the conditions below.

Celebrex for acute pain

Celebrex is FDA-approved to treat acute (short-term) pain in adults.

Celebrex reduces inflammation, so it’s especially useful for treating pain in which swelling is involved. Examples of acute pain types that Celebrex can treat include:

Effectiveness for acute pain

Celebrex is a commonly used NSAID that’s well accepted as an effective treatment for acute pain. The drug has been widely used to treat acute pain since it was first approved in 1998.

For example, NSAIDs such as Celebrex are recommended in guidelines for treating pain following musculoskeletal injury. (“Musculoskeletal” refers to the bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tendons.) NSAIDs are also recommended in guidelines for treating back pain.

Celebrex for osteoarthritis

Celebrex is FDA-approved to treat osteoarthritis (OA) in adults.

OA is the most common form of arthritis. It develops when the cartilage in a joint begins to wear down. As a result, the ends of the joint’s bones start to rub together when moving the joint. The joint produces more fluid to try to protect the bones, which can cause the joint to swell.

Over time, the changes in the joint can damage the bones, causing lumps called spurs to develop on the bones. This can lead to further inflammation in the tissues around the joint.

OA most commonly affects the hands, hips, and knees, but it can develop in any joint. The condition causes pain, swelling, and stiffness of the affected joints. OA can lead to trouble moving a joint and difficulties performing everyday tasks, such as walking, using stairs, washing, and dressing.

OA is more common in older adults, but it can also develop in younger adults. Risk factors include aging, obesity, joint injury or surgery, and overusing a joint.

To learn more about this condition, visit our arthritis hub.

Effectiveness for osteoarthritis

Celebrex is a commonly used NSAID that’s well accepted as an effective treatment for OA. The drug works to reduce joint pain and stiffness, helping to improve the daily functioning of people with the condition. Celebrex has been widely used for OA since it was first approved in 1998. The drug is recommended in guidelines for treating OA from the American College of Rheumatology.

In clinical trials of people with OA, Celebrex’s effectiveness was found to be similar to that of a different NSAID called naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprelan, Aleve, others). However, Celebrex is less likely to cause serious side effects than naproxen. These side effects include heart attack, stroke, ulcers (sores that are slow to heal), and bleeding in the digestive system.*

* Celebrex has boxed warnings for cardiovascular and digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information, see “Cardiovascular problems” and “Digestive problems” in the “Celebrex side effects” section above.

Celebrex for rheumatoid arthritis

Celebrex is FDA-approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults.

RA is an autoimmune condition that’s caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking the lining of your joints. RA results in inflammation in the lining of the joints. Over time, this inflammation can damage the cartilage and bone, leading to deformity of the joints.

RA most commonly affects the wrists, hands, and feet, but it can affect any joint in the body. The condition always involves at least two joints and typically occurs symmetrically. This means RA affects the same joints on each side of the body.

RA can cause pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, and stiffness of the affected joints. The condition can lead to trouble moving a joint and difficulties performing everyday tasks. People with RA can also have fatigue and feel generally unwell.

You can find out more about this condition by visiting our rheumatoid arthritis hub.

Effectiveness for rheumatoid arthritis

Celebrex is well accepted to be effective for reducing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in people with RA. Celebrex has been widely used for RA since it was first approved in 1998.

In clinical trials of people with RA, Celebrex was found to be similarly effective as a different NSAID called naproxen. However, Celebrex is less likely to cause serious side effects than naproxen. These side effects include heart attack, stroke, ulcers (sores that are slow to heal), and bleeding in your digestive system.*

* Celebrex has boxed warnings for cardiovascular and digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information, see “Cardiovascular problems” and “Digestive problems” in the “Celebrex side effects” section above.

Celebrex for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Celebrex is FDA-approved to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) in children ages 2 years and older.

JRA is also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis. “Idiopathic” means that the cause is not fully understood. Like adult RA, JRA appears to develop when a child’s immune system mistakenly attacks their joints. But JRA isn’t simply a children’s version of the adult condition.

JRA can affect one or many joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. But children with this condition can also have other symptoms, such as eye inflammation, fatigue, fever, swollen glands, and a rash.

For more on this condition, visit our rheumatoid arthritis hub.

Effectiveness for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Celebrex is a commonly used NSAID that’s well accepted as an effective treatment for JRA. The drug helps reduce joint pain and stiffness, helping to improve daily functioning in children with this condition. NSAIDs such as Celebrex are recommended in guidelines for treating JRA from the American College of Rheumatology.

Celebrex for ankylosing spondylitis

Celebrex is FDA-approved to treat ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults.

AS is a type of arthritis in which a bone fusion occurs in the spine. AS mainly affects the lower part of the spine, where it joins the pelvis. But AS can also affect parts of the body, such as the shoulders, hips, ribs, heels, hands, and feet. The condition runs in families but is more common in young men.

With AS, you have inflammation in your spinal joints. The inflammation can damage the joints and cause new bone to form. Over time, the new bone growth can fuse the vertebrae (bones in your spine) together. AS can cause pain and stiffness that typically starts in the lower back and buttocks. Many people with AS also have other symptoms such as fatigue, bowel inflammation, and eye inflammation.

To learn more about AS, refer to this list of articles.

Effectiveness for ankylosing spondylitis

Celebrex is a commonly used NSAID that’s well accepted as an effective treatment for AS. It reduces pain and stiffness, helping to improve daily functioning in people with this condition. The American College of Rheumatology recommends NSAIDs such as Celebrex for treating AS.

Celebrex for menstrual cramps

Celebrex is FDA-approved to treat primary dysmenorrhea (period pain or menstrual cramps) in adults.

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for pain that a person has before or during a menstrual period. Dysmenorrhea can be primary or secondary. With primary dysmenorrhea, menstrual cramps aren’t related to another condition. With secondary dysmenorrhea, menstrual cramps are caused or worsened by a condition affecting the uterus or pelvic organs, such as fibroids or endometriosis.

Effectiveness for menstrual cramps

Celebrex is a commonly used NSAID that’s well accepted as an effective treatment for menstrual cramps. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends using NSAIDs such as Celebrex to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps.

Celebrex and children

Celebrex is FDA-approved for use in children to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).* To read more about this, see the “Celebrex for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis” section above. Celebrex isn’t approved for any other uses in children.

* JRA is also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Celebrex is available as a generic drug called celecoxib. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

In some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may come in different forms and strengths.

Celebrex contains the active drug celecoxib.

The Celebrex dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using Celebrex to treat
  • your age
  • other medical conditions you may have
  • how well your liver works
  • how you respond to the first dose

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. Further details can also be found in this related article.

Drug forms and strengths (50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg)

Celebrex comes as a capsule that you swallow. It’s available in four strengths: 50 milligrams (mg), 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg.

Dosage for acute pain

The Celebrex dosage for acute (short-term) pain, such as back pain, in adults is 400 mg for the first dose only. This is followed by a second dose of 200 mg after 8–12 hours if needed. After this, the typical dosage is 200 mg twice per day, as needed.

Dosage for osteoarthritis

The typical Celebrex dosage for osteoarthritis in adults is 200 mg per day. This can be taken as a single dose or as 100 mg twice per day.

Dosage for rheumatoid arthritis

The typical Celebrex dosage for rheumatoid arthritis in adults is 100–200 mg twice per day.

Dosage for ankylosing spondylitis

The typical dosage for ankylosing spondylitis in adults is 200 mg per day. This can be taken as a single dose or as 100 mg twice per day.

If you still have pain after 6 weeks, your doctor may recommend increasing the dosage to a maximum of 400 mg per day. This can be taken as a single dose or as 200 mg twice per day. But if you still have pain after 6 weeks of taking this dose, Celebrex is unlikely to work for you. Your doctor will likely recommend an alternative treatment.

Dosage for menstrual cramps

The typical Celebrex dosage for primary dysmenorrhea (period pain or menstrual cramps) in adults is the same as for acute pain. For details, see the “Dosage for acute pain” section above.

Dosage for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

The dosage for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)* in children ages 2 years and older is based on the child’s body weight.

  • For children who weigh 10 to 25 kilograms (about 22 to 55 pounds [lb]), the recommended dosage is 50 mg twice per day.
  • For children who weigh more than 25 kg (about 55 lb), the recommended dosage is 100 mg twice per day.

* JRA is also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Pediatric dosage

Celebrex is approved to treat JRA in children ages 2 years and older. See the section directly above (“Dosage for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis”) for the recommended dosage for this use.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Celebrex, take it as soon as you can. But if it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. You should not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

It depends on why you’re taking it. Celebrex is taken on a short-term basis to relieve acute pain, such as back pain or menstrual cramps. But you may take Celebrex on a long-term basis for chronic conditions such as arthritis if your doctor determines this is safe for you.

Celebrex should be taken at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time. Be sure to take Celebrex only as directed by your doctor.

Celebrex can interact with several other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase the number of side effects or make them more severe.

Refer to this article for more information about Celebrex and its interactions.

Celebrex and other medications

Below are certain medications that can interact with Celebrex. This section doesn’t contain all drugs that may interact with Celebrex.

Before taking Celebrex, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Celebrex and other NSAIDs

Celebrex is a type of drug called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). You should not take Celebrex with other NSAIDs. Doing so can increase your risk of serious digestive problems.* These problems include ulcers (sores that are slow to heal), bleeding, or perforations (holes) in your digestive tract.

Examples of other NSAIDs that should not be taken with Celebrex include:

Some over-the-counter pain relievers and cold and flu medications may contain certain NSAIDs. It’s important to always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medications with Celebrex. But in general, you should avoid any medications that contain the drugs listed above while using Celebrex.

* Celebrex has a boxed warning for digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, see “Digestive problems” in the “Celebrex side effects” section above.

Celebrex and blood thinners

Blood thinners are drugs used to treat or help prevent dangerous blood clots in the body. Taking Celebrex with blood thinners can raise your risk of bleeding, especially in your stomach or intestines.

Examples of blood thinners include:

Aspirin can also raise your risk of serious digestive problems when taken with Celebrex.

If you’re taking a blood thinner, talk with your doctor about whether Celebrex is right for you. If you do take Celebrex with one of these drugs, be sure to see your doctor right away if you have any signs of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. For more information about this side effect, see “Digestive problems” in the “Celebrex side effects” section above.

Celebrex and corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are drugs used to reduce inflammation. Taking corticosteroids with Celebrex can raise your risk of serious digestive problems. To read more about this side effect, see “Digestive problems” in the “Celebrex side effects” section above.

Examples of corticosteroids include:

If you need to take a corticosteroid with Celebrex, be sure to see your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of digestive problems.

Celebrex and blood pressure medications

Celebrex can sometimes raise blood pressure. Taking Celebrex with certain blood pressure medications can make these medications less effective at managing your blood pressure.

Examples of blood pressure medications that could be made less effective when taken with Celebrex include:

If you need to use blood pressure medication with Celebrex, your doctor will regularly check your blood pressure.

Taking Celebrex with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs can also raise your risk of kidney problems. If you need to take one of these drugs with Celebrex, you should be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Also, your doctor will do various tests to monitor your kidneys.

Celebrex and certain antidepressants

Taking Celebrex with certain antidepressants can raise your risk of bleeding, especially in your stomach or intestines. Examples of these antidepressants include:

If you need to take an antidepressant with Celebrex, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to use the medications together. If you do take Celebrex with one of these drugs, be sure to see your doctor right away if you have any signs of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. For more information about this side effect, see “Digestive problems” in the “Celebrex side effects” section above.

Celebrex and digoxin

Digoxin (Lanoxin) is a drug that’s used to treat heart failure and irregular heartbeats. Taking Celebrex with digoxin can increase the level of digoxin in your body. This can increase your risk of digoxin side effects.

If you need to take digoxin with Celebrex, your doctor will monitor your digoxin level. They’ll adjust your digoxin dose as needed.

Celebrex and lithium

Lithium (Lithobid) is a drug that’s used to treat certain mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder and severe depression. Taking Celebrex with lithium can increase the level of lithium in your body. This can increase your risk of lithium side effects.

If you need to take lithium with Celebrex, your doctor will monitor your lithium level. They’ll adjust your lithium dose as needed.

Celebrex and methotrexate

Methotrexate (Trexall, Rasuvo, Otrexup) is a drug that’s used to treat various types of cancer. It’s also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriasis. Taking Celebrex with methotrexate can increase your risk of methotrexate side effects.

If you need to take methotrexate with Celebrex, be sure to tell your doctor if any side effects become more severe or if you develop new ones. Your doctor will monitor you closely and adjust your treatment if needed.

Celebrex and cyclosporine

Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) is a drug that’s used to stop your body from rejecting an organ after an organ transplant. The drug is also used to treat RA and psoriasis. Taking Celebrex with cyclosporine can increase your risk of kidney problems.

If you need to take cyclosporine with Celebrex, your doctor will monitor your kidney function and adjust your treatment as needed.

Celebrex and pemetrexed

Pemetrexed (Alimta, Pemfexy) is a drug that’s used to treat certain types of cancer. Taking Celebrex with pemetrexed can increase your risk of pemetrexed side effects.

If you need to take pemetrexed with Celebrex, be sure to tell your doctor if any side effects become more severe or if you develop new ones. They’ll monitor you closely and adjust your treatment if needed.

Celebrex and fluconazole

Fluconazole (Diflucan) is an antifungal drug. Taking Celebrex with fluconazole can reduce the breakdown of Celebrex in your body. This could increase the level of Celebrex and raise your risk of Celebrex side effects.

If you need to take fluconazole with Celebrex, your doctor may adjust your dose of Celebrex.

Celebrex and rifampin

Rifampin (Rifadin) is an antibiotic drug. Taking Celebrex with rifampin could increase the breakdown of Celebrex in your body. This could lower the level of Celebrex and make it less effective.

If you need to take rifampin with Celebrex, your doctor may adjust your dose of Celebrex.

Celebrex and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Celebrex. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Celebrex.

Celebrex and foods

There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Celebrex. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Celebrex, talk with your doctor.

Alcohol does not affect the way Celebrex works in your body. However, drinking alcohol with Celebrex could raise your risk of certain side effects, such as nausea, indigestion, headache, and dizziness.

Keep in mind that taking Celebrex can increase your risk of ulcers (sores that are slow to heal) and bleeding in your stomach and intestines.* Drinking alcohol with Celebrex can increase this risk even further.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much is safe for you to drink while you take Celebrex.

* Celebrex has a boxed warning for digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information about this side effect, see “Digestive problems” in the “Celebrex side effects” section above.

Celebrex is a type of pain reliever called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Celebrex, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.

Alternatives for acute pain

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat acute (short-term) pain include:

Alternatives for osteoarthritis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat osteoarthritis include:

  • acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • other NSAIDs, such as:
    • aspirin
    • ibuprofen (Ibu-Tab, Advil, Motrin, others)
    • naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprelan, Aleve, others)
    • diclofenac (Zipsor, others)
    • meloxicam
  • topical treatments applied to the skin over the joint, such as:
  • corticosteroid injections in the affected joint, such as:
    • triamcinolone (Kenalog)
    • methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol)
  • duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Alternatives for rheumatoid arthritis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis include:

Alternatives for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis include:

  • other NSAIDs, such as:
    • ibuprofen (Ibu-Tab, Advil, Motrin, others)
    • naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprelan, Aleve, others)
    • diclofenac (Zipsor, others)
    • meloxicam
  • disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as:
    • methotrexate (Trexall, Rasuvo, Otrexup)
    • leflunomide (Arava)
    • hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
    • sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
  • biologic drugs, such as:
    • abatacept (Orencia)
    • adalimumab (Humira)
    • etanercept (Enbrel)
  • corticosteroid injections in the affected joint, such as:
    • triamcinolone (Kenalog)
    • methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol)

Alternatives for ankylosing spondylitis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat ankylosing spondylitis include:

  • other NSAIDs, such as:
    • ibuprofen (Ibu-Tab, Advil, Motrin, others)
    • naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprelan, Aleve, others)
    • diclofenac (Zipsor, others)
    • meloxicam
  • disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as:
    • methotrexate (Trexall, Rasuvo, Otrexup)
    • leflunomide (Arava)
    • hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
    • sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
  • biologic drugs, such as:
    • adalimumab (Humira)
    • certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)
    • etanercept (Enbrel)
    • golimumab (Simponi)
  • corticosteroid injections in the affected joint, such as:
    • triamcinolone (Kenalog)
    • methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol)

Alternatives for menstrual cramps

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat primary dysmenorrhea (period pain or menstrual cramps) include:

  • acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • other NSAIDs, such as:
    • aspirin
    • ibuprofen (Ibu-Tab, Advil, Motrin, others)
    • naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprelan, Aleve, others)
  • hormonal birth control, such as:

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Celebrex.

Can I take Celebrex if I have a sulfa allergy?

Not according to the manufacturer of Celebrex. But in practice, this can be a slightly gray area.

If you have a sulfa allergy, you’ve had an allergic reaction to a medication that contains sulfonamide. Examples of sulfonamide medications include trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Septra, Bactrim), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), and dapsone. If you have a sulfa allergy, it’s possible that taking a different sulfonamide medication could also cause an allergic reaction. Celebrex contains a sulfonamide medication.

However, some research suggests that not every medication that contains a sulfonamide will trigger an allergic reaction in people with a sulfa allergy. Sometimes, a doctor might consider prescribing Celebrex (for example, if there is no suitable alternative). But the decision would be made on a case-by-case basis.

If you have a sulfa allergy, you should talk with your doctor before taking Celebrex.

Is Celebrex a blood thinner?

No, Celebrex isn’t a blood thinner. Blood thinners are drugs that are used to treat and help prevent blood clots. Celebrex, on the other hand, is a type of drug called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are used to treat pain and inflammation.

Aspirin is a different NSAID that, in addition to relieving pain, is used in low doses as a blood thinner. NSAIDs such as Celebrex can sometimes prolong bleeding time. But unlike aspirin, Celebrex doesn’t have a blood thinning effect.

How long can you take Celebrex for?

To relieve pain, you should take Celebrex at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time. For example, to treat acute (short-term) pain, such as menstrual cramps, back pain, or pain following surgery, you may need to take Celebrex only for a few days or weeks.

However, if you have a chronic (long-term) condition such as arthritis, you might need to take Celebrex on a long-term basis. You should do this only if your doctor considers it safe for you to do so.

Taking Celebrex for long periods of time can raise the risk of serious side effects. These include heart attack, stroke, ulcers, and bleeding in your stomach or intestines.* If you do take Celebrex for a long period of time, your doctor will also typically prescribe a medication to help protect your digestive system.

It’s important not to take Celebrex for too long if the drug isn’t working for you. And if you have ankylosing spondylitis, tell your doctor if you still have pain after taking 200 mg of Celebrex per day for 6 weeks. Your doctor may recommend increasing your dosage or suggest a different treatment.

* Celebrex has boxed warnings for cardiovascular and digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, see “Cardiovascular problems” and “Digestive problems” in the “Celebrex side effects” section above.

Can Celebrex cause weight loss?

It’s not likely. Weight loss wasn’t reported in clinical trials of Celebrex.

Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about weight loss while taking Celebrex.

Is it safe to use other pain relievers during my Celebrex treatment?

In some cases, it can be safe. For example, it’s safe to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) with Celebrex. It’s also safe to take opioid pain relievers with Celebrex. Examples include codeine, dihydrocodeine, hydrocodone (Hysingla ER), and oxycodone (OxyContin).

However, you should not take NSAIDs with Celebrex. Celebrex is an NSAID, and taking more than one NSAID can raise your risk of certain side effects. These include ulcers and bleeding in your stomach and intestines.*

NSAIDs to avoid while you’re taking Celebrex include:

If you need to take another pain reliever while taking Celebrex, talk with your doctor first. They can suggest the most appropriate way to manage your pain.

* Celebrex has a boxed warning for digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information, see “Digestive problems” in the “Celebrex side effects” section above.

Was Celebrex ever taken off the market?

No, Celebrex has never been taken off the market. Two similar pain relievers, called rofecoxib (Vioxx) and valdecoxib (Bextra), were withdrawn from the market in 2004 and 2005. That’s because these drugs were found to increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. And the FDA considered the risks of these drugs to outweigh their benefits.

Vioxx, Bextra, and Celebrex all belong to a class of drugs called COX-2 inhibitors. (A class of drugs is a group of medications that act in a similar way.) COX-2 inhibitors are a type of NSAID. So after Vioxx and Bextra were withdrawn from the market, a large clinical trial was carried out to check the safety of Celebrex.

Researchers found that the risks of heart attack and stroke with Celebrex were much lower than with Vioxx or Bextra. The trial also found that the risks were lower with Celebrex than with high doses of naproxen or ibuprofen. (Naproxen and ibuprofen are widely used and commonly prescribed NSAIDs, but they aren’t COX-2 inhibitors.)

Based on the results of this clinical trial, the FDA decided that the benefits of Celebrex outweigh its risks.

Celebrex is a type of pain reliever called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It reduces inflammation and relieves pain for various conditions. Celebrex is used to treat certain forms of arthritis as well as acute pain, including menstrual cramps. (“Acute” means short term.) For details on the conditions the drug treats, see the “Celebrex uses” section above.

What causes the pain?

If you have damage to tissues in your body, such as following an injury or surgery, or due to arthritis, your body makes prostaglandins. These are hormones created by an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX). Prostaglandins are made as part of the healing process, but they also cause inflammation and pain.

Prostaglandins are also responsible for causing the uterus to contract during menstrual periods. The contractions cause the lining of the uterus to be expelled, and they also cause menstrual cramps.

What does Celebrex do?

Celebrex works by stopping COX from making prostaglandins. This reduces inflammation and relieves pain.

How long does it take to work?

Celebrex starts to work soon after you start taking it. The drug can typically relieve acute pain such as menstrual cramps or pain following surgery within 60 minutes of taking a dose.

The anti-inflammatory effect of Celebrex takes a little longer. If you have arthritis, you may need to take Celebrex for a few days before it reaches its full effect. However, in clinical trials, Celebrex was found to significantly reduce osteoarthritis pain within 24–48 hours of starting treatment.

How long does Celebrex stay in your system?

It takes about 2 days for your body to clear Celebrex after you stop taking the drug.

Celebrex isn’t known to cause dependence or withdrawal. With dependence, your body needs the drug to feel as you typically would. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.

Certain pain-relieving drugs have a high potential for misuse. That’s because taking them can cause pleasant or euphoric feelings, also known as a high. This can sometimes lead to addiction or dependence on these drugs and withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them.

Drugs that are associated with these problems are primarily opioid pain relievers, such as codeine, oxycodone (OxyContin), and hydrocodone (Hysingla ER). Opioids are sometimes known as narcotics. Due to their potential for misuse and dependence, these drugs are controlled substances. This means they’re prescribed and dispensed under federal laws in the United States. These laws help ensure that these drugs are used safely.

Unlike opioids, Celebrex is not a narcotic or a controlled substance. It does not cause a high, it’s not addictive, and stopping Celebrex use does not cause withdrawal symptoms. When you stop taking Celebrex, there’s no need to taper your dose (stop treatment gradually).

If you have concerns about withdrawal or dependence for any medications you take, including Celebrex, talk with your doctor.

You may wonder how Celebrex compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Celebrex and ibuprofen are alike and different.

Ingredients

Celebrex is a brand-name drug that contains celecoxib. Ibuprofen is a generic drug. Ibuprofen is also available under several brand names, including Ibu-Tab, Advil, and Motrin.

Celebrex and ibuprofen are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Uses

Below are the conditions that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Celebrex and ibuprofen to treat.

* JRA is also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
† The form of ibuprofen that comes as a suspension (a type of mixture in liquid) can be used to treat these conditions in adults as well as children ages 6 months and older.

Drug forms and administration

Celebrex comes as a capsule that you swallow. You can also open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on a teaspoonful of applesauce to swallow. You’ll likely take Celebrex once or twice per day. The drug is available only by prescription.

Ibuprofen comes as a tablet, capsule, and liquid suspension that you swallow. These forms of the drug can be taken up to four times per day.

Ibuprofen also comes as an infusion. This is an injection into your vein that’s given over a period of time by a healthcare professional. They can give this form of ibuprofen up to four times per day.

Ibuprofen tablets are available OTC and by prescription. Lower strengths (100 milligrams [mg] and 200 mg) of ibuprofen tablets are sold OTC. Higher strengths (400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg) are available by prescription.

Side effects and risks

Celebrex and ibuprofen both contain an NSAID drug. Therefore, these medications can cause very similar side effects, but some different ones as well. Below are examples of these side effects.

Mild side effects

These lists contain up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with Celebrex, with ibuprofen, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

  • Can occur with Celebrex:
  • Can occur with ibuprofen:
    • few unique mild side effects
  • Can occur with both Celebrex and ibuprofen:
    • diarrhea
    • indigestion
    • abdominal pain
    • nausea or vomiting
    • gas
    • headache
    • dizziness
    • weight gain

Serious side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Celebrex, with ibuprofen, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

* Both Celebrex and prescription ibuprofen have boxed warnings for these side effects. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information on these side effects of Celebrex, see “Cardiovascular problems” and “Digestive problems” in the “Celebrex side effects” section above.

Effectiveness

Celebrex and ibuprofen have different FDA-approved uses, but when prescribed by a doctor, they’re both used to treat the following conditions:

  • OA
  • RA
  • acute pain
  • primary dysmenorrhea
  • JRA*

NSAIDs such as Celebrex and ibuprofen are well accepted as effective pain relievers for these conditions. And prescribed doses of ibuprofen are considered to be similarly effective to Celebrex. (Lower doses of ibuprofen that you can buy OTC may not be as effective as Celebrex.)

Both drugs are widely prescribed to treat the conditions listed above. For example, NSAIDs such as Celebrex and ibuprofen are recommended in guidelines for treating pain following musculoskeletal injury, back pain, and menstrual cramps. The drugs are also recommended in guidelines for OA and JRA.*

However, there can be differences in the risk of side effects with these drugs. For example, lower doses of ibuprofen that you can buy OTC are less likely than Celebrex to cause serious side effects. These side effects include stomach ulcers, heart attacks, stroke,† and kidney problems. On the other hand, a large clinical trial found that Celebrex is less likely than higher prescribed doses of ibuprofen to cause these serious side effects.

Talk with your doctor about whether either of these drugs is suitable for you.

* JRA is also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
† Both Celebrex and prescription ibuprofen have boxed warnings for ulcers, heart attack, and stroke. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information on these side effects of Celebrex, see “Cardiovascular problems” and “Digestive problems” in the “Celebrex side effects” section above.

Costs

The costs of Celebrex and ibuprofen will vary depending on your treatment plan. The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Celebrex is a brand-name drug. It’s also available in a generic form called celecoxib. Ibuprofen is a generic drug. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.

Visit Optum Perks to find coupons and savings for Celebrex and prescription ibuprofen.

Like ibuprofen (above), the drug Mobic has uses similar to those of Celebrex. Here’s a comparison of how Celebrex and Mobic are alike and different.

Note: Mobic is currently discontinued, but a generic version called meloxicam is available. The information in this section on Mobic also applies to its generic.

Ingredients

Celebrex contains celecoxib. Mobic contains meloxicam. Both Celebrex and Mobic are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Uses

Here’s a list of conditions that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Celebrex and Mobic to treat.

* Celebrex is approved to treat JRA in children ages 2 years and older. Mobic is approved to treat JRA in children who weigh 60 kilograms (about 132 pounds) or more.
† JRA is also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Drug forms and administration

Celebrex comes as a capsule that you swallow. You can also open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on a teaspoonful of applesauce to swallow. You’ll likely take Celebrex once or twice per day.

Mobic comes as a tablet that you swallow.* You’ll likely take it once per day.

Both Celebrex and Mobic are available only by prescription.

* Meloxicam, the generic version of Mobic, comes as an oral suspension in addition to a tablet that you swallow.

Side effects and risks

Celebrex and Mobic are both NSAIDs. Therefore, these medications can cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects.

Mild side effects

This list contains up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with both Celebrex and Mobic (when taken individually):

Serious side effects

This list contains examples of serious side effects that can occur with both Celebrex and Mobic (when taken individually):

* Both Celebrex and Mobic have boxed warnings for these side effects. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information on these boxed warnings for Celebrex, see “Cardiovascular problems” and “Digestive problems” in the “Celebrex side effects” section above.

Effectiveness

Celebrex and Mobic have different FDA-approved uses, but they’re both used to treat OA, RA, and JRA.*

NSAIDs such as Celebrex and Mobic are well accepted as effective treatments for these conditions. The drugs are considered to be similarly effective and are both widely prescribed. For example, NSAIDs such as Celebrex or Mobic are recommended in guidelines for treating OA and JRA.*

However, there can be differences in the risk of side effects with these drugs.

Talk with your doctor about whether either of these drugs is suitable for you.

* JRA is also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
† Both Celebrex and Mobic have boxed warnings for digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information on these boxed warnings for Celebrex, see “Digestive problems” in the “Celebrex side effects” section above.

Costs

Mobic is discontinued. But a generic version of the drug, meloxicam, is available for prescription.

The costs of Celebrex and meloxicam will vary depending on your treatment plan. The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Celebrex is a brand-name drug that is available in a generic form called celecoxib. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.

Visit Optum Perks to find coupons and savings for Celebrex and meloxicam.

As with all medications, the cost of Celebrex can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Before approving coverage for Celebrex, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Celebrex, contact your insurance company.

To learn more about Celebrex and cost than what you’ll find below, refer to this article.

Drug coupons

To save money on your Celebrex prescription, explore the Optum Perks* coupons below.

You can also visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Celebrex. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

* Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.

Save on your Celebrex prescription

Save on Celebrex without insurance.

Enter your information:

Location

47201

Dosage

200mg celecoxib (30 Capsules)

Save money without using insurance

Simply show the Optum Perks coupon at your preferred pharmacy or order online and instantly save up to 80% without using insurance. The coupon doesn’t expire, so be sure to save it for refills.

Find your pharmacy
advertisement
SEE MORE RESULTS

Retail price refers to the manufacturer’s published list price and is up to date as of 3/2023. Retail and discounted prices are U.S.-only and can vary based on region and pharmacy. We cannot guarantee that the discounted price listed here will exactly match the price at your pharmacy. Please contact your pharmacy for the exact price.

Optum Perks and Healthline are subsidiaries of RVO Health.

Pricing source:Perks.optum.com

optum-logo
Was this helpful?

Financial assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Celebrex, help is available. Pfizer Inc., the manufacturer of Celebrex, offers a Celebrex Savings Card. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 855-612-1956 or visit the program website.

Generic version

Celebrex is available in a generic form called celecoxib. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If your doctor has prescribed Celebrex and you’re interested in using celecoxib instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check your insurance plan, as it may only cover one or the other.

You may take Celebrex with certain other medications to help manage your pain. For example, Celebrex is often used with acetaminophen (Tylenol). This is a different type of pain-relieving drug that you buy without a prescription.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you may take Celebrex with a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). DMARDs help stop your immune system from attacking your joints.

Examples of DMARDs include:

If you have questions about using Celebrex with DMARDs, talk with your doctor.

You should take Celebrex according to your doctor’s or healthcare professional’s instructions.

Celebrex comes as a capsule that you swallow. You can also open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on a spoonful of applesauce that’s room temperature or cool. You’ll then swallow the applesauce with water right away.

When to take

Celebrex may be taken once or twice per day, as directed by your doctor.

  • If you take Celebrex once per day, you can take it at any time of day. But you should always stick to the same time.
  • If you take Celebrex twice per day, you should take it in the morning and evening, ideally 12 hours apart.
  • For acute (short-term) pain, such as menstrual cramps, you should take your first dose when you first have pain. If needed, you can take a second dose after 8–12 hours. After this, you should take Celebrex twice per day, as needed to relieve pain. Ideally, your doses should be 12 hours apart.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Taking Celebrex with food

If your dose of Celebrex is up to 200 milligrams (mg) twice per day, you can take it with or without food. However, if your doctor prescribes a higher dose than 200 mg twice per day, they’ll likely recommend that you take it with food. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions about whether to take Celebrex with food.

Can Celebrex be crushed, split, or chewed?

You should not crush or chew Celebrex capsules. But if you have trouble swallowing the drug, you can split open the capsules and sprinkle the contents onto a teaspoonful of applesauce. (The applesauce should be at room temperature or cool.) You’ll then swallow the applesauce with water right away.

The possible risks of taking Celebrex during pregnancy depend on how far along you are in the pregnancy.

There haven’t been enough studies of Celebrex in pregnant people to know for sure how it can affect a fetus. Animal studies found that Celebrex can have harmful effects on fetuses. However, animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.

Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy may increase the risk of certain problems. (Keep in mind that Celebrex is an NSAID.)

Your doctor may recommend that you avoid Celebrex at 30 weeks of pregnancy and after. Studies have shown that NSAIDs can have harmful effects on a fetus if taken during the last trimester of pregnancy.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking Celebrex. They can help you weigh the possible risks and benefits of taking this drug during pregnancy.

Celebrex and fertility

In females,* taking Celebrex can reduce fertility for a time by delaying ovulation. This effect goes away when Celebrex treatment is stopped.

If you’re planning a pregnancy or trying to become pregnant, you should talk with your doctor about your fertility before taking Celebrex.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

The possible risks of taking Celebrex while pregnant depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using Celebrex.

For more information about taking Celebrex during pregnancy, see the “Celebrex and pregnancy” section above.

Celebrex may pass into your breast milk. If you’re breastfeeding, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Celebrex.

This drug comes with several precautions.

FDA warnings

This drug has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Cardiovascular problems

Celebrex is a type of drug called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Taking an NSAID can increase your risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke. Sometimes, these problems can be fatal. You have a higher risk of cardiovascular problems if you take Celebrex at a high dose or for long periods of time.

You should not take Celebrex if you’re planning to have or recently had a coronary artery bypass graft (heart bypass surgery). This is a surgery to improve blood supply to your heart. Taking Celebrex to treat pain after heart bypass surgery can increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Digestive problems

Celebrex is an NSAID, and drugs of this type can increase your risk of serious digestive problems. These problems include ulcers (sores that are slow to heal), bleeding, and perforations (holes) in your digestive tract. Specifically, your stomach and intestines can be affected. In some cases, these digestive problems can be fatal.

Serious digestive problems can occur at any time while you take Celebrex and may not cause any symptoms at first. You’re at a higher risk of these problems if you’re age 65 years or older. Having had a peptic ulcer or bleeding in your stomach or intestine also increases your risk.

For more about Celebrex’s boxed warnings, see the “Celebrex side effects” section above.

Other precautions

Before taking Celebrex, talk with your doctor about your health history. Celebrex may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

  • Sulfa allergy: According to the manufacturer of Celebrex, you should not take the drug if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to sulfonamide medications. Examples include trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Septra, Bactrim), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), and dapsone. However, Celebrex is sometimes prescribed to people with a sulfa allergy on a case-by-case basis. To read more about this, see the “Common questions about Celebrex” section above. If you have a sulfa allergy, talk with your doctor about whether Celebrex is right for you.
  • Allergic reaction: Don’t take Celebrex if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction or a serious skin reaction, such as a widespread itchy rash, to Celebrex or any of its ingredients. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
  • Allergy to other NSAIDs: Celebrex is a type of drug called an NSAID. Don’t take Celebrex if you’ve ever had an asthma attack, hives, or other allergic reaction after taking a different NSAID drug. Other NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Ibu-Tab, Advil, Motrin, others), and naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprelan, Aleve, others). Ask your doctor what other medications are better choices for you.
  • Asthma: Celebrex can cause asthma attacks in some people. If you have asthma, talk with your doctor about whether Celebrex is right for you.
  • High blood pressure: Celebrex can cause or worsen high blood pressure. Having high blood pressure when you take Celebrex can raise your risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack or stroke. (See “FDA warnings” above to read more about this.) If you have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor about whether Celebrex is right for you. If you take Celebrex, they’ll likely monitor your blood pressure.
  • Heart disease: If you have heart disease, you could be at a higher risk of cardiovascular problems with Celebrex. This is especially the case if you’ve had a heart attack in the past. (See “FDA warnings” above for more information.) You could also be at a higher risk if you have risk factors for heart disease. These include smoking, as well as having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Talk with your doctor about whether Celebrex is right for you.
  • Heart failure: Celebrex can cause or worsen heart failure. Taking Celebrex when you have heart failure can raise your risk of kidney problems. If you have heart failure, talk with your doctor about whether Celebrex is right for you. If you do take Celebrex, see your doctor if you have new or worsening symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, swollen ankles, or weight gain.
  • Liver problems: Celebrex can sometimes cause or worsen liver problems. In addition, Celebrex is broken down by your liver. So if your liver doesn’t work well, this can cause Celebrex to build up in your body, possibly increasing the risk of Celebrex side effects. (See the “Celebrex side effects” section above to learn more.) If you have liver problems, ask your doctor whether Celebrex is right for you. If you take the drug, they may prescribe a lower dosage than usual. You’ll also likely have blood tests to check your liver while you take Celebrex.
  • Kidney problems. Celebrex can sometimes cause or worsen kidney problems, especially if you become dehydrated while taking it. If you have kidney problems, talk with your doctor about whether Celebrex is right for you.
  • Pregnancy. The possible risks of taking Celebrex while pregnant depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy. For more information, please see the “Celebrex and pregnancy” section above.
  • Breastfeeding. Celebrex may pass into breast milk. For more information, please see the “Celebrex and breastfeeding” section above.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Celebrex, see the “Celebrex side effects” section above.

Using more than the recommended dosage of Celebrex can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Celebrex than your doctor recommends.

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of overdose from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Celebrex include:

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

When you get Celebrex from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, ask your pharmacist how to correctly dispose of it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Celebrex capsules should be stored at a room temperature of 68–77°F (20–25°C) in a tightly sealed container. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take Celebrex and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information on how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Celebrex Images