Celecoxib (By mouth)

Celecoxib (sel-e-KOX-ib)

Treats pain and migraine headaches. This medicine is an NSAID.

Brand Name(s):

CeleBREX, Elyxyb

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to celecoxib, aspirin, NSAIDs, or a sulfa drug (including sulfamethoxazole). Do not use this medicine right before or right after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Use this medicine for the shortest time possible and in the smallest dose possible. This will help lower the risk of side effects.
• Capsule: If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a teaspoon of applesauce. Stir the mixture well and swallow right away. Drink enough water to make sure you swallow all of the medicine.
• Oral liquid:
  • If you are taking 120 milligrams (mg), take the medicine directly from the bottle. Hold the bottle upside down for 10 seconds to make sure the full amount of medicine is taken.
  • If you are taking 60 mg, use an oral dosing syringe to get and measure (2.4 mL) the medicine from the bottle and take it directly from the syringe. Do not use a household teaspoon to measure the medicine.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Capsule: The medicine that has been mixed with applesauce may be stored in a refrigerator and used within 6 hours.
  • Oral liquid: Do not store the bottle and reuse the unused medicine. Throw away the bottle with the unused medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use aspirin or any other NSAID medicine (including diclofenac, diflunisal, ibuprofen, naproxen, salsalate) unless your doctor says it is okay.
• Some medicines can affect how celecoxib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Atomoxetine, cyclosporine, digoxin, fluconazole, lithium, methotrexate, phenytoin, pemetrexed, rifampin
  • Blood pressure medicine (including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta blockers)
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Medicine to treat depression (including SNRIs, SSRIs)
  • Other migraine medicine (including ergotamine, triptans, narcotic pain medicines)
  • Steroid medicine (including hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone)
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine during the later part of pregnancy, unless your doctor tells you to.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, anemia, asthma, high blood pressure, or a history of stomach or bowel problems (including bleeding, ulcers).
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or heart failure
  • Stomach or bowel problems (including bleeding, ulcers, or perforation)
  • Liver problem
  • High blood pressure
  • Kidney problems
  • Risk for disseminated intravascular coagulation (bleeding problem) in children younger than 18 years
  • Serious skin reactions, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)
• This medicine lowers the number of certain blood cells, so you may bleed or bruise more easily. Be careful to avoid injuries.
• This medicine may cause a delay in ovulation for women and may affect their ability to have children. If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Bloody or black, tarry stools
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fast or slow heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your calf
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Sudden or severe headache, dizziness, or problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Loss or change in taste
• Mild skin rash
• Muscle or joint pain
• Passing gas, stomach upset

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 12/4/2023