Celecoxib

Sounds like 'sel-ee-kox-ib'

Key points about celecoxib

Celecoxib is an anti-inflammatory used to treat pain and inflammation.
Celecoxib is also called Celebrex®.
Find out how to take it safely and the possible side effects.

Healthcare professional guides man doing arm exercises

Celecoxib is one of a group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Celecoxib is used to treat different types of pain such as pain from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and painful periods. It won’t cure your condition, but it helps reduce inflammation to control pain, swelling and stiffness. Read more about pain.

In Aotearoa New Zealand celecoxib is available as capsules (100 mg and 200 mg). It's only available on a prescription written by a prescriber.

The dose of celecoxib will be different for different people. Your healthcare provider will tell you the dose that is right for you. Your dose of celecoxib will depend on what it's being used for.
The usual dose of celecoxib for adults is 200 mg once a day or 100 mg twice a day.
Some people may need a higher dose of 200 mg twice a day.
Always take your celecoxib exactly as your healthcare provider has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.

Take celecoxib with a full glass of water: Swallow the capsules whole. Don't crush or chew them.
Food: If celecoxib makes your stomach sore, take it with food.
Missed dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it when you next need pain relief and then continue as before. Don't take 2 doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Taking celecoxib with other pain medicines

Don't take other anti-inflammatory medicines such as diclofenac, ibuprofen or naproxen while taking celecoxib. This can increase your risk of side effects.

It's safe to take celecoxib with paracetamol because they work differently.

Taking celecoxib with blood pressure medicines

Celecoxib interacts with some medicines, especially those used for high blood pressure, so check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before you start taking it.

Image credit: University of Otago, NZ

Taking NSAIDs together with blood pressure medicines can be harmful to your kidneys. This is called the ‘triple whammy’. If you're taking blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors or ARBs) and diuretics tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting celecoxib.

Examples of ACE inhibitors are captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril and quinapril.
Examples of ARBs are candesartan, irbesartan and losartan.
Examples of diuretics are furosemide, bumetanide, bendroflumethiazide, chlortalidone, indapamide, spironolactone, eplerenone and metolazone.

Read more about the triple whammy.(external link)

Here are some other things to know when you're taking celecoxib.

You may only need to take celecoxib for a few days or long-term. It won’t cure your condition but helps to control pain, swelling and stiffness.
If you’re not well: It can be harmful to take celecoxib when you’re dehydrated or have been sick with diarrhoea (runny poo) or vomiting (being sick). Read more about the risks of NSAIDs.
Alcohol: Celecoxib doesn't directly interact with alcohol. This means that most people could have the occasional drink while taking it without any serious problems. However, if celecoxib makes you feel dizzy or gives you a sore stomach, don't drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse.
Driving: Celecoxib can make you feel dizzy. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Talk to your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy or want to breastfeed.

Like all medicines, celecoxib can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Heartburn Indigestion Stomach discomfort Runny poo (diarrhoea)	These are common and should settle within a few days. Take celecoxib with food. Talk to your healthcare provider if they continue.
Headache Feeling dizzy	This is common and should settle within a few days. Don’t drink alcohol. Be careful when driving or using tools until you feel better. Talk to your healthcare provider if this continues.
Serious stomach problems such as really bad stomach pain, blood in the stool or black stools, cough or vomit up blood or dark coloured vomit.	Stop taking celecoxib. Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Chest pain Shortness of breath or trouble breathing Weakness in one part or side of the body Slurred speech	Stop taking celecoxib. Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Swollen ankles, blood in your pee or not peeing at all – these can be signs of a kidney problem.	Stop taking celecoxib. Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, swelling of your lips, face and mouth or difficulty breathing	This is rare. Stop taking celecoxib and phone 111 for an ambulance.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
Osteoarthritis | Pona ngoikore
Rheumatoid arthritis | Mate rumatiki
Ankylosing spondylitis
Painful periods

The following links provide further information about celecoxib. Be aware that websites from other countries may have information that differs from Aotearoa New Zealand recommendations.

Celecoxib(external link) New Zealand Formulary Patient Information
Celebrex(external link) Medsafe Consumer Medicine Information Medsafe, NZ
Celecoxib(external link) Rheuminfo, US