Celebrex (celecoxib) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that interferes with the substances in your body that cause you to feel pain. Your dose of Celebrex is based upon the disease you are being treated for. The National Library of Medicine explains that Celebrex is a medication used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, pelvic and spinal pain, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and acute pain.
Heart Attack and Stroke
Chronic Celebrex use can elevate your risk of developing a stroke or heart attack. A stroke occurs when your brain lacks blood and oxygen. Sometimes, you may suffer a brain bleed or a clot that may obstruct the blood vessels in your brain. Stroke manifestations include hemi-paralysis (numbness on one side of your body), trouble speaking or walking, neck stiffness, a headache, double vision or transient blindness.
A heart attack results when your heart also lacks blood and oxygen. Symtpoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, sweating, vomiting and nausea.
Hypertension and Congestive Heart Failure
The National Library of Medicine says that Celebrex can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) and congestive heart failure. High blood pressure is literally the force of blood against your blood vessel walls. Too much force against these walls results in higher blood pressures and your heart has to work harder to contract enough blood to your body. Manifestations of high blood pressure include confusion, ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears (tinnitus), fatigue and visual changes. Symptoms of congestive heart failure include trouble breathing, leg swelling, weight gain, trouble sleeping and weight gain.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Long-term Celebrex can also increase your risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. You can bleed from the upper or lower part of your gastrointestinal system. Manifestations of gastrointestinal bleeding include coughing blood, bloody stool or black stool. Sometimes, your stool may look normal and you only have minute quantities of blood in it. In this case, your doctor may perform a guiac test to check for blood in your stool. Stomach pain or cramping, nausea and sweating are other signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.
