Celecoxib is a generic prescription medication that’s used to treat the following conditions in adults:

Celecoxib is also used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children ages 2 years and older.

Drug details

Celecoxib belongs to a drug class called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs reduce inflammation (swelling) and relieve pain.

Celecoxib comes as an oral capsule that’s available in the following strengths:

  • 50 milligrams (mg)
  • 100 mg
  • 200 mg
  • 400 mg

Brand-name versions

The brand-name version of celecoxib capsule is called Celebrex.

Celecoxib is a generic drug. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Celebrex is the brand-name medication that celecoxib is based on. A generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If you’re interested in taking Celebrex instead of celecoxib, talk with your doctor. They can tell you if Celebrex comes in forms and strengths that can be used for your condition. If you have insurance, you’ll also need to check whether your plan will cover Celebrex.

To learn more about how generics compare with brand-name drugs, see this article.

The celecoxib dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using celecoxib to treat
  • your age
  • other medical conditions you may have

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for osteoarthritis

Here’s celecoxib dosage information for osteoarthritis. The capsules come in milligrams (mg).

Celecoxib for osteoarthritis
Form• oral capsule
Strengths• 50 mg
• 100 mg
• 200 mg
• 400 mg
Dose and how often• 200 mg once per day or
• 100 mg twice per day

Dosage for rheumatoid arthritis

Here’s celecoxib dosage information for rheumatoid arthritis.

Celecoxib for rheumatoid arthritis
Form• oral capsule
Strengths• 50 mg
• 100 mg
• 200 mg
• 400 mg
Dose and how often• 100 mg to 200 mg twice per day

Dosage for ankylosing spondylitis

Here’s celecoxib dosage information for ankylosing spondylitis.

Celecoxib for ankylosing spondylitis
Form• oral capsule
Strengths• 50 mg
• 100 mg
• 200 mg
• 400 mg
Dose and how often• 200 mg once per day or
• 100 mg twice per day
Maximum dose (if needed after 6 weeks of treatment)• 400 mg once per day or
• 200 mg twice per day

Dosage for short-term pain

Here’s celecoxib dosage information for short-term pain.

Celecoxib for short-term pain
Form• oral capsule
Strengths• 50 mg
• 100 mg
• 200 mg
• 400 mg
Dose and how often• 400 mg for the first dose only, then 200 mg twice per day when needed

Dosage for period pain and menstrual cramps

Here’s celecoxib dosage information for period pain and menstrual cramps.

Celecoxib for period pain and menstrual cramps
Form• oral capsule
Strengths• 50 mg
• 100 mg
• 200 mg
• 400 mg
Dose and how often• 400 mg for the first dose only, then 200 mg twice per day when needed

Children’s dosage

Celecoxib is approved to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children ages 2 years and older.

Dosage for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Here’s celecoxib dosage information for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The dosage is prescribed according to a child’s weight in kilograms (kg)*.

Celecoxib for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Form• oral capsule
Strengths• 50 mg
• 100 mg
• 200 mg
• 400 mg
Dose for children weighing 10 kg to 25 kg*• 50 mg
Dose for children weighing more than 25 kg• 100 mg
How often• twice a day

* For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb). For example, 25 kg is about 55 lb.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose. And do not take extra doses to make up for missing doses. This can raise your risk for serious side effects.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

It depends. For acute pain, including period pain, celecoxib is used on a short-term basis. For arthritis, if celecoxib is effective for you and doesn’t cause bothersome side effects, it may be used as a long-term treatment.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about celecoxib.

How does celecoxib compare with other pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or etoricoxib?

Celecoxib is a type of pain reliever called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Other NSAIDs include meloxicam (Mobic, Vivlodex), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). Celecoxib belongs to a sub-group of NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors. Other COX-2 inhibitors include etoricoxib and rofecoxib, but these are not available in the United States.

NSAIDs reduce inflammation (swelling) as well as relieve pain. They’re especially useful for painful conditions that involve inflammation, such as arthritis. These drugs have similar uses and side effects. In particular, they all have a risk for causing serious digestive and cardiovascular problems*. However, COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib, may have a lower risk for digestive side effects than other NSAIDs.

Another group of pain relievers is called opioids. Examples include morphine (MS Contin), oxycodone (Roxicodone), and tramadol (ConZip). Opioids are strong pain relievers. However, unlike celecoxib and other NSAIDs, opioids don’t reduce inflammation. Doctors typically prescribe them for moderate to severe pain that hasn’t been relieved with other pain relievers.

Opioids can cause different side effects than NSAIDs. In particular, they can slow activity in your brain and spinal cord. This can lead to severe sleepiness and breathing problems.

To find out more about alternative pain relievers for your condition, talk with your doctor.

* Celecoxib and other NSAIDs have boxed warnings for these side effects. To learn more, see “Celecoxib oral capsule precautions” below.

Is celecoxib a painkiller? Will it make me feel ‘high’?

Yes, celecoxib is a pain relief medication. It belongs to a group of pain relief medications called NSAIDs. This type of pain relief medication reduces inflammation as well as relieves pain. NSAIDs such as celecoxib won’t make you feel “high.”

A different group of pain relievers called opioids can make some people feel euphoric or relaxed. Examples of opioids include morphine and oxycodone (Roxicodone). Opioids have a risk for misuse (being taken in a way that’s not prescribed) for the feelings of euphoria and relaxation they cause in some people. These drugs also have a risk for dependence. (With dependence, your body needs the drug to feel like you usually do.)

Celecoxib works in a different way than opioids. It doesn’t affect your brain in a way that can make you feel euphoric or relaxed. And it doesn’t have a risk for misuse or dependence.

Can celecoxib be used for toothache?

Yes, celecoxib can be used for toothache. Toothache is a form of acute (short-term) pain and celecoxib is approved to treat this type of pain. Celecoxib can reduce inflammation (swelling) that’s often associated with toothache.

If you have questions about using celecoxib for toothache, talk with your doctor.

Does celecoxib cause kidney-related side effects?

Yes, celecoxib can cause kidney-related side effects. For example, it can cause and worsen kidney failure. However, in clinical trials of celecoxib, kidney-related side effects rarely occurred.

You’re more likely to have kidney problems with celecoxib if you’re ages 65 years or older, or if you have heart failure or liver problems.

Dehydration can also raise your risk for kidney-related side effects with celecoxib. To avoid dehydration, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids while you’re taking this drug, especially if you have vomiting or diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea can make you lose more fluids than usual.

Taking certain other medications with celecoxib can also raise your risk for kidney problems. Examples of these medications include:

If you’re concerned about your risk for kidney-related side effects with celecoxib, talk with your doctor.

How long does celecoxib take to work? And what is its half-life?

Celecoxib starts working to relieve pain within about 1 hour after taking a dose. However, it may take a few days of treatment before inflammation (swelling) starts to reduce.

Celecoxib has a half-life of about 11 hours. A drug’s half-life is the length of time it takes for half a dose of the drug to be removed from your body. It typically takes about five half-lives for a drug to be fully removed from your body. After you stop taking celecoxib, it takes about 2 days for it to be fully removed.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as celecoxib to treat certain conditions. Celecoxib oral capsules may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Celecoxib for osteoarthritis

Celecoxib is FDA-approved to treat osteoarthritis (OA) in adults.

Osteoarthritis explained

OA is a condition that develops when the cartilage in a joint, such as your knee, starts wearing away. It causes the ends of your bones to rub together painfully when you move the joint. The joint may produce more fluid to help protect the bones, and this fluid can make the joint swell.

OA can worsen over time, and lumps called spurs can develop on the bones. These spurs can irritate and inflame the surrounding tissue.

OA usually affects the knees, hips, or hands, although it can develop in any joint. You may have pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint. You may also have swelling in the tissues around the joint. The condition often causes difficulty with daily activities, such as walking, washing, or dressing.

Celecoxib helps reduce pain and stiffness in the joints affected by OA. This can make it easier to complete daily activities.

To learn more about your condition, visit our arthritis hub.

Celecoxib for rheumatoid arthritis

Celecoxib is FDA-approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults. It’s also FDA-approved to treat RA in children ages 2 years and older. In children, RA is called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).

Rheumatoid arthritis explained

RA is an autoimmune disease, which means it’s caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissues in your body. With RA, your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of certain joints, such as those in your fingers. This causes inflammation (swelling) and pain in the affected joints.

RA can worsen over time and the inflammation can damage the cartilage and bones in the joint. This may cause the joint to become deformed.

RA typically affects the hands, wrists, or feet, although it can develop in any joint. The condition usually affects at least two joints. And the same joint on both sides of your body tends to be affected. You may have pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joints. This can cause difficulty with daily activities, such as getting up, walking, washing, or dressing.

With RA, you may also have symptoms that don’t involve your joints. These can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, or weight loss.

Celecoxib reduces inflammation in the joints affected by RA. This helps relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness, and can make it easier to complete daily activities.

To learn more about your condition, visit our arthritis hub.

Celecoxib for ankylosing spondylitis

Celecoxib is FDA-approved to treat ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults.

Ankylosing spondylitis explained

AS is a form of arthritis that may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The condition causes inflammation in the joints in your spine, leading to back pain and stiffness. AS can worsen over time, and the inflammation can damage the joints in your spine. This can cause new bone to grow, which can fuse the bones in your spine.

AS typically affects the lower spine, where it joins the pelvis. However, the condition can also affect the hips, shoulders, feet, and hands. You may have pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joints. This can affect your daily activities, such as walking, washing, or dressing.

With AS you may also have symptoms that don’t involve your joints. These can include fatigue, bowel inflammation, and eye inflammation.

Celecoxib reduces inflammation in the joints affected by AS. This helps relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness and can make it easier to complete daily activities.

Celecoxib for short-term pain

Celecoxib is FDA-approved to treat acute (short-term) pain in adults.

Short-term pain explained

Short-term pain refers to pain lasting less than 3 months. Doctors typically prescribe celecoxib for short-term pain that’s moderate to severe and isn’t relieved by over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). It’s especially useful for pain that also involves inflammation.

Examples of short-term pain that celecoxib can treat include:

Celecoxib for period pain and menstrual cramps

Celecoxib is FDA-approved to treat primary dysmenorrhea (period pain and menstrual cramps) in adults. With primary dysmenorrhea, the pain is not related to another condition, such as fibroids.

Period pain and menstrual cramps explained

Period pain and menstrual cramps are a type of abdominal pain that you may have just before or during your menstrual period. The pain and cramps are caused by muscle contractions in your uterus that help it to expel the uterus lining.

Substances called prostaglandins help make your uterus contract. The pain may be dull, throbbing, or cramping, and you may feel it in your lower abdomen, lower back, pelvic area, or thighs.

Celecoxib helps relieve period pain. It works well for this type of pain because it works by reducing your body’s production of prostaglandins.

Celecoxib and children

Celecoxib is FDA-approved to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children ages 2 years and older. To learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, see “Celecoxib for rheumatoid arthritis” just above.

Celecoxib can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking celecoxib. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of celecoxib, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with celecoxib, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of celecoxib. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view the drug’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of celecoxib can include:

  • abdominal pain
  • nausea and vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • indigestion
  • flatulence (gas)
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • peripheral edema (swelling of the lower legs, feet, or hands)
  • pharyngitis (sore throat)
  • upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
  • sinusitis (sinus inflammation)
  • rhinitis (nasal inflammation)
  • rash
  • mild allergic reaction*

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about allergic reaction and celecoxib, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from celecoxib aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects can include:

* Celecoxib has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is a serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Celecoxib oral capsule precautions” section below.
† For details about allergic reaction and celecoxib, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Side effects in children

Celecoxib is used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children ages 2 years and older. Side effects of celecoxib in children are generally similar to those reported in adults taking the medication. Examples of these are listed above.

In some children, celecoxib can also cause a rare side effect called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

With DIC, tiny blood clots occur in blood vessels throughout the body. These blood clots are dangerous because they can block blood flow to vital organs. The clots also use up the body’s platelets and clotting factors (blood cells and proteins that help blood to clot). This raises the risk of serious bleeding. DIC is a potentially life threatening condition.

DIC has only been reported in children with systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This is a rare form of the condition that typically causes a rash and fever before joint pain develops. Children taking celecoxib for this form of arthritis will usually have blood tests to monitor their blood clotting.

Celecoxib hasn’t been studied for longer than 6 months in children. It’s not known if it’s safe for children to take the drug for longer than this.

If you’re concerned about the risk of celecoxib side effects in children, talk with their doctor.

ALLERGIC REACTION

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking celecoxib. This was a rare side effect in clinical trials of this drug. This side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials of this drug but can still occur since the drug was approved.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to celecoxib, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Celecoxib can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe. Drug-condition interactions can also cause certain effects. For information about these interactions, see the “Celecoxib oral capsule precautions” section below.

Celecoxib and other medications

Before taking celecoxib, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Below is a table of medications that can interact with celecoxib. This table does not contain all drugs that may interact with celecoxib.

Medication type or medication nameMedication examples
blood thinners• apixaban (Eliquis)
• clopidogrel (Plavix)
warfarin (Jantoven)
• low dose aspirin
corticosteroidsprednisone (Rayos)
dexamethasone
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• citalopram (Celexa)
serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressants• venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
• duloxetine (Cymbalta)
other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)• aspirin (pain-relieving doses)
diclofenac (Voltaren, Zipsor, Zorvolex, others)
ibuprofen (Ibu-Tab, Advil, Motrin, others)
meloxicam (Mobic, Vivlodex)
naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprelan, Aleve, others)
angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitorsramipril (Altace)
• lisinopril (Zestril)
angiotensin II receptor blockerslosartan (Cozaar)
• valsartan (Diovan)
beta-blockers• propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL)
• atenolol (Tenormin)
diureticsfurosemide (Lasix)
hydrochlorothiazide
cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
digoxin (Lanoxin)
fluconazole (Diflucan)
lithium (Lithobid)
methotrexate (Trexall, Otrexup, Rasuvo, Reditrex)
pemetrexed (Alimta, Pemfexy)
rifampin (Rifadin)

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide you with more information about the interactions between these medications and celecoxib. If you have questions about any drug interactions that may affect you, your doctor or pharmacist can address those as well.

Other interactions

Celecoxib is not known to interact with other medications, herbs, supplements, or foods. The manufacturer didn’t list any interactions in the drug’s prescribing information.

However, this doesn’t mean that interactions won’t be recognized in the future. For example, new drugs could be approved that interact with celecoxib.

Before starting celecoxib treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, it’s important to talk with your doctor before taking celecoxib. Here’s some information about the safety of celecoxib during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Celecoxib and pregnancy

Whether celecoxib is safe to use during pregnancy depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

If you’re 30 or more weeks pregnant, your doctor will likely recommend that you do not take celecoxib. Clinical trials show that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause serious fetal harm if used from week 30 of pregnancy onwards. Celecoxib is an NSAID.

If you’re between weeks 20 and 30 of pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe celecoxib. However, they’ll use the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time. And they may also order extra ultrasound scans to monitor the fetus. Clinical trials show that NSAIDs may raise the risk of kidney problems in the fetus if used from 20 weeks of pregnancy onwards.

If you’re less than 20 weeks pregnant, talk with your doctor about the possible risks of taking celecoxib. It’s not known if celecoxib is safe to use during this period of pregnancy. Animal studies found that the drug may have harmful effects on a fetus if used in early pregnancy. But animal studies don’t always predict what might happen in people.

Celecoxib and fertility

Celecoxib can delay ovulation in some females*. This could cause temporary infertility while you’re taking the medication. But your ovulation should return to a regular cycle after you stop taking celecoxib.

If you’re planning a pregnancy or trying to become pregnant, ask your doctor if other medications may be more suitable for you.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, use of the term “female” refers to sex assigned at birth.

Celecoxib and breastfeeding

Celecoxib may pass into breast milk in small amounts. However, it’s not known to cause side effects in a child who is breastfed.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your child while taking celecoxib.

Celecoxib and birth control

Whether celecoxib is safe to use during pregnancy depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using celecoxib.

For more information about taking celecoxib during pregnancy, see “Celecoxib and pregnancy” above.

Using more than the recommended dosage of celecoxib can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more celecoxib than your doctor recommends. (For information on the recommended dosages of celecoxib, see the “Celecoxib oral capsule dosage” section above.)

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

  • nausea and vomiting
  • abdominal pain
  • drowsiness
  • lethargy
  • bleeding in your digestive system, which may cause:
    • vomiting blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds
    • passing stools that are black, tar-like, or bloody
  • high blood pressure
  • sudden kidney failure, which may cause:
    • urinating less than usual
    • passing dark-colored urine
    • confusion
  • slow, shallow breathing
  • coma

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Celecoxib may have some interactions with alcohol. Alcohol doesn’t affect the way the medication works. However, drinking alcohol may raise your risk for certain side effects with celecoxib. These include:

  • nausea
  • indigestion
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • serious digestive problems, such as ulcers (sores) or bleeding in your stomach or intestines*

Drinking alcohol can also make you dehydrated, which could raise your risk for kidney problems with celecoxib.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much is safe to consume while you’re taking celecoxib.

* Celecoxib has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is a serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Celecoxib oral capsule precautions” section below.

As with all medications, the cost of celecoxib can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of celecoxib. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company.

Before approving coverage for celecoxib, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for celecoxib, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

Financial assistance to help you pay for celecoxib may be available.

Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds are two websites offering resources that may help decrease the price you pay for celecoxib. They also offer tools to help you find low cost healthcare, as well as educational resources. To learn more, visit their sites.

Mail-order pharmacies

Celecoxib may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of celecoxib, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Celecoxib is taken by mouth. You should take it according to the instructions your doctor gives you.

When to take

Your doctor may prescribe celecoxib to be taken once or twice per day. If you take it once per day, you can take it at any time of day, just stick to the same time. If you take it twice per day, take it in the morning and evening, about 12 hours apart.

Taking the medication around the same time of day helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body. This helps celecoxib work effectively.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Accessible labels and containers

If your prescription label is hard to read, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does.

If you have trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist if they can put celecoxib in an easy-open container. They also may be able to recommend tools that can make it simpler to open lids.

Taking celecoxib with food

You can take celecoxib either with or without food. If the medication upsets your stomach, you may find this gets better if you take it with food.

Can celecoxib be crushed, split, or chewed?

No, you should not crush, split, or chew celecoxib capsules. However, if you have trouble swallowing the capsules whole, you can open them and take the contents sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce.

This drug comes with several precautions. These are considered drug-condition interactions.

FDA warnings

This drug has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Risk of serious cardiovascular problems

Celecoxib is a type of drug called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs can raise your risk of serious cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke. These problems are rare. However, you may have a higher risk if you:

  • have heart disease
  • have risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, or smoking
  • take celecoxib in a high dose or for a long time

Before prescribing celecoxib, your doctor will assess whether the drug is safe for you. Your doctor will typically not prescribe celecoxib if you’re due to have or have recently had a coronary artery bypass graft (a type of heart bypass surgery). And they may not prescribe celecoxib if you’ve recently had a heart attack.

To reduce your risk for cardiovascular problems, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible dose of celecoxib for the shortest possible time.

While taking celecoxib, call 911 or a local emergency number right away if you have symptoms of serious cardiovascular problems, which may include:

  • chest pain that may spread to your shoulder, arm, or jaw
  • shortness of breath
  • feeling dizzy or faint
  • slurred speech
  • sudden weakness in one side of your body

Risk of serious digestive problems

NSAIDs such as celecoxib can cause serious digestive problems. These include ulcers (sores), bleeding, and perforations (tears) in the lining of your esophagus, stomach, or intestine. These problems are rare. But you may have a higher risk if you:

  • are ages 65 years or older
  • have had a past ulcer, bleeding, or perforation in your digestive system
  • have blood clotting problems
  • have severe liver disease
  • take certain other medications, including aspirin or enoxaparin (Lovenox)
  • smoke or drink alcohol
  • take celecoxib in a high dose or for a long time

Before prescribing celecoxib, your doctor will assess whether the drug is safe for you. To reduce your risk for digestive problems, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible dose of celecoxib for the shortest possible time.

While taking celecoxib, see your doctor right away if you have symptoms of serious digestive problems, which may include:

  • abdominal pain
  • vomiting blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds
  • passing stools that are black, tar-like, or bloody

Other precautions

In addition to the boxed warnings mentioned above, Celecoxib has other warnings.

If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors pertain to you, be sure to talk with your doctor before taking celecoxib.

  • if you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant
  • if you’re breastfeeding or thinking about breastfeeding
  • if you’ve had an allergic reaction to celecoxib or any of its ingredients
  • if you’ve had an allergic reaction to other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
  • if you’ve had an allergic reaction to sulfonamide drugs, such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Septra, Bactrim), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), or dapsone
  • if you have liver or kidney problems
  • if you’re dehydrated
  • if you have heart failure
  • if you have high blood pressure
  • if you have asthma

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of celecoxib, see the “Celecoxib oral capsule side effects” section above.

When you get celecoxib from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Celecoxib tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly sealed container. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take celecoxib and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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