About the Drug and its uses

Celebrex is its trade name and Celecoxib is its generic name. Celebrex is a drug that is classified under non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This is also called as COX-2 inhibitor. This drug is involved in providing relief to the inflammation and pain. This drug is used to treat acute pain, arthritis, discomfort and menstrual pain. Celebrex functions by inhibiting the enzyme in the body that synthesizes prostaglandins. Reducing prostaglandins will aid in decreasing the swelling and pain.

Common side effects of Celebrex are

• Hypertension
• Fever
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Pain in the upper abdomen
• Infection in the upper respiratory tract
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Cough
• Gas formation
• Sudden injury
• Dizziness
• Irritation in nose
• Sinus infection
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Serious side effects of Celebrex are

• Intestinal or stomach problems
• Cardiovascular problems like heart attack
• Liver damage
• Kidney problems
• Fluid retention
• Swelling of arms or legs
• Weight gain rapidly
• Congestive heart failure
• Allergic reactions that include rashes, itching, hives, difficulty in breathing, mouth and throat inflammation

Rare side effects of Celebrex are

• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Herpes infection
• Infection in the middle ear
• Migraine
• Gain in weight
• Muscle pain
• Anemia
• Depression
• Hair loss

Precautions to be taken to avoid side effects

It is important to inform the doctor about any allergic responses that the patient might have with NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors. The physician must be informed about the diseases that the person is suffering from before taking Celebrex. The people with diseases like asthma, heart disease, hypertension, liver disease, kidney disease, bleeding problems, stomach ulcers, and allergy towards NSAIDs, sulfa drugs and aspirin must not take Celebrex. If the person is alcoholic or pregnant or breast feeder or had heart surgery very recently, then the doctor must be informed about this before taking Celebrex. Children who are suffering from systemic onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis might have higher risk for bleeding or clotting problems when this drug is taken. So, it is necessary to be careful.