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Celecoxib

Brand names: Celebrex, Elyxyb

Celecoxib is an NSAID that eases arthritis pain and swelling with less stomach irritation than some other NSAIDs.

Brand namesCelebrex, Elyxyb
Type of medicineNSAID (COX-2 inhibitor)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It still carries heart and bleeding warnings like other NSAIDs.

What it's used for

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Short-term pain and menstrual cramps
  • Migraine (liquid form)

How to take it

  • Take it with or without food; food can help if your stomach is upset.
  • Use the lowest dose for the shortest time.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Upset stomach
  • Diarrhea
  • Swelling in the legs
  • Headache
Call 911Chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side, or slurred speech
Call 911Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Call 911A blistering, peeling, or widespread red rash, especially with fever
Call your provider todayBlack or bloody stools
Call your provider todayPeeing much less, or swelling in the legs

Warnings

  • NSAIDs raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding. Ask a provider first if you have heart disease, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or are over 60.
  • Don't take it if you're allergic to sulfa drugs or had asthma or hives from aspirin or NSAIDs.
  • Don't use right before or after heart bypass surgery.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Don't combine with other NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin for pain.
  • Blood thinners, steroids, and SSRIs raise bleeding risk.
  • It can weaken blood pressure medicines and raise lithium and methotrexate levels.
  • Fluconazole raises its level.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later unless your provider says to. Ask before using it at any point in pregnancy.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.