Common, Mild, and Severe Celbrex Adverse Reactions
Celebrex, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is commonly prescribed for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. However, like many medications, it comes with potential side effects.
In clinical trials, a serious side effect of Celebrex was observed in children with systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), a form of JRA that affects the entire body, who developed Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) [1].
More common side effects of Celebrex include digestive issues such as diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, and headache. Weight gain, particularly in people taking the drug for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, may also occur [1].
Celebrex should not cause withdrawal side effects when treatment is stopped. However, it's important to note that older adults taking Celebrex may be at an increased risk of certain side effects, such as heart problems, kidney conditions, and digestive problems (such as stomach ulcers) [1].
Cardiovascular problems due to NSAIDs, including Celebrex, may include heart attack or stroke. The risk may be increased if you recently had coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or a heart attack [1].
Celebrex has boxed warnings from the FDA about risks of serious digestive problems (including bleeding, tears, or ulcers in the digestive system) and serious cardiovascular problems (including heart attack or stroke) [1].
Symptoms of a cardiovascular problem that should be reported to a doctor include chest pain, weakness, pain in the jaw, arms, or back, and numbness on one side of the body [1].
Symptoms of digestive problems that should be reported to a doctor include bloating, heartburn, and a burning pain in the abdomen [1].
Less common side effects of Celebrex, not typically included in its boxed warnings, include dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, mild skin rash, sinusitis, nausea and vomiting, headache, and weight gain [2][3]. These effects tend to be less severe and often temporary but should be discussed with a healthcare provider if persistent or bothersome.
Other less common gastrointestinal-related side effects include lightheadedness, bloating, difficulty passing stool, frequent watery stool, and acidity [3].
If you experience weight gain or headaches during Celebrex treatment, talk with your doctor [1]. If side effects from Celebrex do not go away or become worse, it's important to talk with your doctor or pharmacist [1].
To help prevent cardiovascular problems, Celebrex should be prescribed at the lowest dose for the shortest time possible [1]. Before taking Celebrex, discuss your health history with your doctor, particularly if you have liver problems, kidney problems, asthma, high blood pressure, heart conditions, a previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding [1].
In summary, while the boxed warning primarily alerts about risks such as heart attack, stroke, stomach bleeding, ulcers, liver damage, serious allergic or severe skin reactions, and kidney damage, less common side effects of Celebrex may include dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, mild skin rash, sinusitis, nausea and vomiting, headache, weight gain, lightheadedness, bloating, changes in bowel movements (diarrhea, difficulty passing stool) [2][3]. These effects tend to be less severe and often temporary but should be discussed with a healthcare provider if persistent or bothersome.
- Celebrex is prescribed for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, but it may lead to potential side effects.
- A serious side effect observed in children with systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) from Celebrex use was Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC).
- Common side effects of Celebrex include digestive issues such as diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, headache, and weight gain, particularly in people taking the drug for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Older adults taking Celebrex may be at an increased risk of certain side effects, such as heart problems, kidney conditions, and digestive problems.
- Cardiovascular problems due to NSAIDs, including Celebrex, may include heart attack or stroke, and the risk may be increased if you recently had coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or a heart attack.
- Celebrex has boxed warnings from the FDA about risks of serious digestive problems and serious cardiovascular problems.
- Less common side effects of Celebrex may include dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, mild skin rash, sinusitis, nausea and vomiting, headache, weight gain, lightheadedness, bloating, changes in bowel movements, and acidity.
- To help prevent cardiovascular problems, Celebrex should be prescribed at the lowest dose for the shortest time possible, and before taking Celebrex, discuss your health history with your doctor.
