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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Celecoxib

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Celecoxib

  • Celecoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.

About celecoxib

Type of medicineA selective inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase-2 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Used forRelief of pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
Also calledCelebrex® (for relief of pain and inflammation)
Available asCapsules

Celecoxib is a member of a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This is abbreviated to NSAID. Other NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, indometacin, naproxen and diclofenac.

Celecoxib is also known as a cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor because it works to relieve pain and inflammation in arthritis by blocking a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) which is involved in the production of irritant chemicals in response to disease. By blocking the action of COX-2, celecoxib reduces the symptoms of pain and inflammation in arthritis.

Before taking celecoxib

Before taking celecoxib make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are under 18 or over 65 years of age.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder.
  • If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer.
  • If you have a heart condition, or a problem with your blood vessels or circulation.
  • If you have high blood pressure or swollen ankles.
  • If you have ever had blood clotting problems.
  • If you have inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's Disease, or ulcerative colitis.
  • If you have systemic lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory condition also called lupus or SLE).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic or unusual reaction to any other NSAID (this includes aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and indometacin), to a sulphonamide antibiotic, or to any other medicine.

How to take celecoxib

  • Before starting celecoxib, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Take celecoxib exactly as your doctor has told you.
  • It is not important whether you take celecoxib before or after meals.
  • Try to take celecoxib at the same time(s) each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored. Your doctor will want to check your blood pressure while you are taking celecoxib.
  • Your doctor will try to prescribe you the lowest dose for the shortest time so that you do not suffer from side-effects. If you need to take celecoxib for a long time, your doctor may want to prescribe another medicine along with it to protect your stomach from irritation.
  • If you do not feel any improvement in your symptoms after two weeks of taking celecoxib, talk to your doctor.
  • If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking celecoxib.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with celecoxib.

Can celecoxib cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Dizziness, tirednessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace lost fluids
Indigestion, wind, abdominal painStick to simple or bland foods - avoid rich or spicy foods
Swollen ankles, fluid retention, flu-like illness, chest or urinary infections, and difficulty sleepingIf any of these are troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you experience any of the following, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay:

  • Any sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestine, such as blood in vomit or dark stools.
  • Any shortness of breath, or swelling of the mouth or face.
  • A severe skin rash.
  • A severe headache with a high temperature and a stiff neck.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store celecoxib

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Celebrex®, Pharmacia Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2010, accessed January 2011.
  • British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3789DocRef: dils3795Last Reviewed: 21 Feb 2011Version: 25
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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