Celebrex
(celecoxib)
Relieves pain and inflammation.
Our bottom line
Celebrex (celecoxib) works well for treating pain, but is not a good option if you have heart problems.
- Price before coupon$32.34
- Lowest price with coupon$9.9969% savings
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (celecoxib)
Upsides
- Celebrex (celecoxib) effectively relieves pain and inflammation for many types of pain conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual cramps.
- Celebrex (celecoxib) causes less stomach problems compared to other NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen.
- Celebrex (celecoxib) is available as a cheaper, generic form.
- Celebrex (celecoxib) has the lowest risk of heart attack compared to other NSAIDs.
What to expect from Celebrex, on one page
Downsides
- The longer you take Celebrex (celecoxib), the more likely you are to have stomach problems, including inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding.
- Celebrex (celecoxib) can affect your kidneys or cause permanent kidney damage if taken for a long time.
- Celebrex (celecoxib) shouldn't be used if you have an allergy to sulfa medications.
What to expect from Celebrex, on one page
Celebrex (celecoxib) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It reduces inflammation in your body, which relieves swelling and pain.
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (celecoxib)
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$6.94Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- CostcoGet free coupon$9.99
- Get free coupon$10.09
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$10.09
What to expect when you take Celebrex (celecoxib) for Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Celebrex (celecoxib)
- Headache16%16%20%20%
- Indigestion9%9%6%6%
- Upper respiratory infection8%8%7%7%
- Diarrhea6%6%4%4%
- Sinus infection5%5%4%4%
- Stomach pain4%4%3%3%
- Nausea4%4%4%4%
- Back pain3%3%4%4%
- Injury3%3%2%2%
- Gas2%2%1%1%
- Swelling in the limbs2%2%1%1%
- Dizziness2%2%2%2%
- Difficulty sleeping2%2%2%2%
- Sore throat2%2%1%1%
- Stuffy nose2%2%1%1%
- Rash2%2%2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Celebrex.
People taking Celebrex felt side effect more
People taking Celebrex felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Celebrex (celecoxib)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Long-term use
- › History of heart disease
- › History of heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft/CABG)
Taking Celebrex (celecoxib) for extended amounts of time can raise your risk of heart attack or stroke, especially if you've had a history of heart disease or are planning a heart bypass surgery. Take Celebrex (celecoxib) for the shortest amount of time possible needed to control your symptoms to lower this risk. Talk to your doctor about alternatives to Celebrex (celecoxib) if you're going to have heart bypass surgery.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Celebrex (celecoxib)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Celebrex (celecoxib) interacts with many over-the-counter pain medicines and some cold remedies. Check with your pharmacist first to make sure you have chosen a product that won't interact with Celebrex (celecoxib).
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed celecoxibon 6/20/2019Cjeck interactions before taking.58WomanA few monthsRheumatoid arthritis
- Celebrex (celecoxib) can be taken with or without food.
- Not worth itSome hassleReviewed Celebrexon 1/20/2017Take with food to ensure you do not get an upset stomach.27WomanPain
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed CelebrexTake it with food always, after breakfast, and bedtime snack!74Woman
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Celebrexon 12/11/2016Take it with food39WomanPain
- Celebrex (celecoxib) and similar medications in the NSAID family can cause lower kidney function or permanent kidney damage. You're at higher risk for this if you have a history of kidney disease, heart failure, and liver disease. Taking diuretic medications (water pills), ACE inhibitors, or Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) medications also increase your risk. Moreover, if you are 65 years or older you're also at a higher risk for these types of kidney problems.
- Celebrex (celecoxib) can hurt your kidneys, so talk to your doctor if you have a history of kidney problems.
- Celebrex (celecoxib) can affect your kidneys or cause permanent kidney damage if taken for a long time.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed celecoxibon 1/8/2020It’s the best for pain relief, shoulder , knee etc, but your kidney Dr will not like it78ManJust as needed
- Celebrex (celecoxib) effectively relieves pain and inflammation for many types of pain conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual cramps.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed CelebrexI have found it to relieve pain better than any thing I have tried before. Time will tell if it continues. I plan on taking it daily as without a pain reliever I can not function with the osteoarthritus.78WomanTwo years or more
- Worth itBig hassleReviewed Celebrexon 9/15/2016It worked for my knee pain, which is part torn meniscus and part arthritis, but affected my kidneys so I had to stop taking.61WomanPain
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Celebrexon 11/28/2016Great pain management. I can use my hands without pain!59WomanPain
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Celebrexon 6/23/2016Caused bloating and gassy32WomanPain