Celecoxib oral capsule side effects: A detailed guide

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved celecoxib oral capsule for adults with:

• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• ankylosing spondylitis
• painful periods
• pain, as a short-term treatment

For children, it’s approved to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, in children ages 2 years and older.

This article describes possible side effects of celecoxib oral capsule. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for celecoxib.

Celecoxib oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Celebrex.

You can explore this overview article to learn more about celecoxib oral capsule, including the drug’s uses, dosage, ways to save on cost, and more.

Boxed warnings

Celecoxib has boxed warnings about the risk of serious cardiovascular problems and serious digestive problems. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the FDA.

For details, see the “Side effects of celecoxib in detail” section below.

More common side effects of celecoxib

Celecoxib oral capsule may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.

Commonly reported side effects of celecoxib oral capsule include:

• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• indigestion
• gas
• swelling in your hands, feet, or legs

Mild side effects of celecoxib

Celecoxib may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of celecoxib oral capsule that occurred in studies include:

• constipation
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• gas
• indigestion
• nausea
• abdominal pain
• runny or stuffy nose
• sinus congestion
• sore throat
• swelling in your hands, feet, or legs
• upper respiratory tract infection, such as the common cold
• vomiting
• mild allergic reaction*

Celecoxib oral capsule may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of celecoxib in detail” section below.

Serious side effects of celecoxib

Celecoxib may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from celecoxib oral capsule, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911, or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with celecoxib oral capsule.

Serious side effects of celecoxib oral capsule that occurred in studies include:

• liver problems, including liver damage and liver failure
• new or worsening high blood pressure
• new or worsening heart failure
• high blood potassium level
• low red blood cell level
• kidney problems*
• risk of serious cardiovascular problems*
• risk of serious digestive problems*
• severe allergic reaction, including life threatening skin reactions†

* Celecoxib oral capsule has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of celecoxib in detail” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of celecoxib in detail” section below.

Side effects of celecoxib in children

Doctors prescribe celecoxib oral capsule to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children ages 2 years and older. In general, the side effects of celecoxib in children are similar to those in adults.

Still, in children, a rare side effect called disseminated intravascular coagulation was reported. This is a serious blood clotting problem that causes blood clots throughout the blood vessels. This side effect wasn’t reported in adults.

During treatment with celecoxib, your child’s doctor will likely order blood tests to monitor blood clotting.

If you’d like more information about side effects in children taking celecoxib oral capsule, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common questions about side effects of celecoxib

Here are answers to some common questions about the side effects of celecoxib oral capsule. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Will celecoxib 200 mg cause fewer side effects than the drug’s other strengths?

Possibly. Different strengths of celecoxib aren’t expected to cause different side effects. But your risk of side effects is generally lower with a lower dose of celecoxib compared to higher doses.

For example, the following side effects are more likely with a higher dose compared to a lower dose of celecoxib:

• kidney problems*
• risk of serious cardiovascular problems†
• risk of serious digestive problems†

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions about how your celecoxib dose affects your risk of side effects.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of celecoxib in detail” section below.
† Celecoxib oral capsule has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects of celecoxib in detail” section below.

How do the side effects of celecoxib in older adults compare with the side effects seen in younger adults?

Side effects of celecoxib in older adults are expected to be the same as those in younger adults. But in general, older adults have a higher risk of certain side effects from celecoxib compared to younger adults. Older adults generally refers to people ages 65 years and older.

Specifically, older adults are at higher risk of the following side effects of celecoxib:

• kidney problems*
• risk of serious cardiovascular problems†
• risk of serious digestive problems†

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your risk of side effects from celecoxib given your age.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of celecoxib in detail” section below.
† Celecoxib oral capsule has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of celecoxib in detail” section below.

Is weight loss a side effect of celecoxib?

No, it’s not thought so. Weight loss isn’t a side effect reported in celecoxib’s studies. Weight gain, on the other hand, was rarely reported as a side effect in these studies.

Celecoxib is prescribed to treat pain, including pain caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Treating pain symptoms may make it easier to be physically active, which can lead to weight loss.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your weight and whether any of your medications could affect it.

Does celecoxib cause long-term side effects?

Yes, in some cases celecoxib oral capsule may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time. If these side effects occur, they could cause complications that last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.

Examples of long-term side effects include:

• new or worsening high blood pressure
• new or worsening heart failure
• liver problems, including liver damage and liver failure
• kidney problems*
• risk of serious cardiovascular problems†
• risk of serious digestive problems†

Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to best manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of celecoxib may last.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of celecoxib in detail” section below.
† Celecoxib oral capsule has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of celecoxib in detail” section below.

Coupon for celecoxib

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for celecoxib when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Side effects of celecoxib in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of celecoxib oral capsule.

Boxed warning: Risk of serious cardiovascular problems

Celecoxib has boxed warnings about the risk of serious cardiovascular problems. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the FDA.

In studies, serious cardiovascular problems were rare in people taking celecoxib oral capsule. These problems may include heart attack or stroke, both of which can be life threatening.

Symptoms of a heart attack include:

• chest pain or discomfort
• arm, shoulder, neck, or jaw pain
• nausea
• lightheadedness or dizziness
• shortness of breath
• sweating

Symptoms of a stroke include:

• weakness, numbness, or paralysis in the arm, face, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• difficulty walking or problems with balance or coordination
• difficulty speaking or slurred speech
• difficulty understanding others
• difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
• confusion or feeling disoriented

Certain factors can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular problems with celecoxib oral capsule. These include:

• taking celecoxib for a long time
• taking a higher dose of celecoxib
• already having heart disease
• having risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure or tobacco use
• having a recent heart attack or heart bypass surgery

Ways to manage

If you have symptoms of a stroke or heart attack, take action right away. Call 911 or a local emergency number. These are life threatening problems that need immediate treatment in a hospital or emergency department.

If you have a serious cardiovascular problem while taking celecoxib, your doctor will likely recommend switching to a different treatment for your condition.

Boxed warning: Risk of serious digestive problems

Celecoxib has boxed warnings about the risk of serious digestive problems. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the FDA.

In studies, serious digestive problems were rare in people taking celecoxib oral capsule. These problems may be serious or life threatening.

Examples of these serious digestive problems include any of the following in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines:

• inflammation
• bleeding
• ulcers
• perforations (holes)

These digestive problems can occur at any time and may not cause symptoms. Symptoms you may notice include:

• blood in your vomit or stools
• burning pain in your abdomen
• abdominal bloating
• abdominal cramps
• dizziness or tiredness
• fainting
• shortness of breath

Certain factors can increase the risk of serious digestive problems with celecoxib oral capsule. These include:

• having a past ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding
• consuming alcohol
• smoking or using tobacco
• taking another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil)
• taking a blood thinner, such as warfarin (Jantoven)
• being ages 65 years and older
• taking celecoxib for a long time
• taking a higher dose of celecoxib

Ways to manage

If you have symptoms of serious digestive problems while taking celecoxib oral capsule, call your doctor right away. But if your symptoms feel life threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number. Or you should go to the nearest emergency room.

If you have a serious digestive problem from taking celecoxib, your doctor will likely recommend you stop treatment. They can suggest other medications to treat your condition.

Kidney problems

In studies, kidney problems were rare in people taking celecoxib oral capsule. This side effect may be serious. Kidney problems reported with celecoxib include kidney damage, which can lead to kidney failure.

Symptoms of kidney damage include:

• urinating more or less than usual
• painful urination
• difficulty urinating
• urine that’s bloody, dark, or cloudy
• fever or chills
• pain in your back or sides
• fatigue (low energy)
• weakness

Certain factors can increase the risk of kidney problems with celecoxib oral capsule. These include:

• having a kidney condition, such as chronic kidney disease
• having a liver condition, such as hepatitis
• having heart failure
• being ages 65 years and older
• taking certain medications, including diuretics (water pills), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

Ways to manage

Your doctor will likely monitor your kidney health while you’re taking celecoxib oral capsule. This is especially true if you take it for a long time.

If you have symptoms of kidney problems, tell your doctor. They’ll likely evaluate your symptoms. This may involve ordering lab tests or imaging studies. Depending on these results, they may suggest stopping celecoxib. Your doctor can recommend a different medication to treat your condition.

Allergic reaction

For some people, celecoxib oral capsule can cause an allergic reaction. But these reactions were rare in the drug’s studies.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to celecoxib oral capsule, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for celecoxib

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking celecoxib oral capsule.

Boxed warnings

This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of serious cardiovascular problems and serious digestive problems. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Side effects of celecoxib in detail” section above.

Other warnings

It may not be safe for you to take celecoxib oral capsule if you have certain health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether celecoxib oral capsule is a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking celecoxib oral capsule, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

• asthma
• heart conditions, including high blood pressure or heart failure
• kidney problems, such as chronic kidney disease
• liver conditions, such as hepatitis
• recent heart attack
• recent or scheduled heart bypass surgery
• taking certain medications, including diuretics (water pills), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
• past allergic reaction to celecoxib or any of its ingredients

Celecoxib and pregnancy

Celecoxib oral capsule should not be taken during pregnancy after week 30 of pregnancy. In certain cases, it may be all right to take the drug for a day or two between weeks 20 and 30 if your doctor specifically recommends doing so.

If you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with celecoxib.

Celecoxib and breastfeeding

In general, celecoxib oral capsule may be safe to take while breastfeeding. That said, check with your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you specifically.

Celecoxib and alcohol

Celecoxib oral capsule is known to interact with alcohol.

Drinking alcohol raises your risk of serious digestive problems celecoxib may cause, including bleeding in your stomach or intestines. Celecoxib oral capsule has a boxed warning for serious digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of celecoxib in detail” section below.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with celecoxib oral capsule.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of celecoxib oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• If I’m prescribed celecoxib, are any medications safe for me to take for an occasional headache?
• Are there treatments for my condition besides celecoxib that may be safer based on my medical history?
• If I have side effects from celecoxib, is there a lower dose I can try?
• How can I help lower my risk of side effects while I’m taking celecoxib?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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.