Celebrex
(Celecoxib)
Relieves pain and inflammation.
Our bottom line
Celebrex (Celecoxib) works well for treating pain and causes less upset stomach than other NSAIDs.
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (celecoxib)
Upsides
- Relieves pain and inflammation for many types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
- Good for treating muscle aches and pains, as well as menstrual cramps.
- Causes fewer stomach problems than other NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or Naproxen.
- Lasts longer than Ibuprofen.
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What to expect from Celebrex, on one page
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550Downsides
- The longer you take Celebrex (Celecoxib), the more likely you are to have stomach problems, including inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding. Can also happen if you take Celebrex (Celecoxib) on an empty stomach.
- Like all NSAIDs, it can raise your risk of blood clots, heart attack, or a stroke.
- Can also affect your kidneys or cause permanent kidney damage if taken for a long time.
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What to expect from Celebrex, on one page
Download Fact SheetCelebrex (Celecoxib) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks the inflammation process 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
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Pay as low as$33.79Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$21.93
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What to expect when you take Celebrex (Celecoxib) for Arthritis
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
- High blood pressure
- Stomach problems
- Fever
Side effect rates for Celebrex (Celecoxib)
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 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?Research studies with real people found harmful effects on unborn babies, but the benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Take it with a meal or a snack to prevent an upset stomach.
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Celebrexon 12/11/2016Take it with food39WomanPain
- Not worth itSome hassleReviewed Celebrexon 1/20/2017Take with food to ensure you do not get an upset stomach.27WomanPain
- Celebrex (Celecoxib), and similar medications in the NSAID family, can cause lower kidney function or cause permanent kidney damage. You're at higher risk for this if you've a history of kidney disease, heart failure, and liver disease. Taking Diuretic, ACE inhibitor, or Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) medications also increases your risk. If you are 65 or older you're also at a higher risk for these types of kidney problems.
- Can hurt your kidneys, so don't use it if you have a history of kidney problems.
- Can also affect your kidneys or cause permanent kidney damage if taken for a long time.
- Relieves pain and inflammation for many types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
- Good for treating muscle aches and pains, as well as 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