What Are the Dangers of Celebrex?
Celebrex, the brand name for the generic drug celecoxib, is a prescription-strength NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Celebrex is often prescribed to help relieve inflammation, pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and other medical conditions. Patients suffering juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, severe menstrual cramps or certain colonic polyps may also be prescribed Celebrex.
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Common Side Effects
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The most common side effects of Celebrex, or celecoxib, include stomach upset, indigestion and diarrhea. Serious allergic reactions, such as swelling, rash, itching, dizziness and difficulty breathing, may also result in some patients. Some patients may also experience weight gain, blurred vision, water retention, insomnia and fainting. As with all NSAIDs, Celebrex also may cause stomach or intestinal ulcers and bleeding.
Duration of Use
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Celebrex is not recommended for long-term use in cardiac patients, as NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Patients with high blood pressure or heart disease, and those at risk for heart disease, should also not take Celebrex for an extended period.
Patients are also advised not to take Celebrex soon before or soon after heart surgery.
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How It Works
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Celebrex, or celecoxib, works to decrease inflammation and related pain by blocking the enzyme that produces prostaglandins. Prostaglandins contribute to joint pain and general inflammation.
Warnings
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Patients taking Celebrex should not take any other NSAIDs, such as naproxen or ibuprofen. Other drugs that should be avoided include Fluconazole/Diflucan, warfarin/Coumadin (an anticoagulant) and lithium therapy.
Anyone who has suffered an allergic reaction to aspirin, sulfonamides or other arthritis medications should not take Celebrex.
Theories/Speculation
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Celebrex may cause less-severe side effects than other NSAIDs, such as less inflammation of the stomach and intestine.
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