Celecoxib is an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) prescription medication indicated for the treatment of inflammation and pain association with osteoarthritis, juvenile and adult rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and acute pain. This medication acts by blocking a key enzyme (cyclooxygense-2) involved in the inflammatory and pain response of the body. Before beginning treatment with celecoxib, be sure to discuss the potential side effects of this medication with your doctor.
Stomach Upset
Upset stomach is experienced by some users of this medication. Symptoms of an upset stomach include nausea, vomiting or bloating. You can also experience difficulty producing a bowel movement (constipation) or frequently excrete loose or watery bowel movements (diarrhea).
Indigestion
Patients who receive treatment with celecoxib can experience indigestion as a side effect of this medication. A study cited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the celecoxib prescribing label reported that 8.8 percent of 4,146 patients receiving celecoxib treatment experienced indigestion (dyspepsia). In contrast, only 6.2 percent of 1,864 patients receiving treatment with a sugar pill (placebo) reported experiencing indigestion. Symptoms of indigestion include heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain or bloating. During celecoxib treatment, patients can also experience sore throat.
Flu-like Symptoms
The anti-inflammatory properties of this medication can make patients more susceptible to infection during celecoxib treatment. Celecoxib depresses the inflammatory response of the immune system, which can interfere with your body's ability to fight off infection. Due to this, you can develop flu-like symptoms, such as fever, nasal congestion or an upper respiratory tract infection while receiving treatment with celecoxib.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Though rare, prolonged use of celecoxib may increase your risk of developing gastrointestinal bleeding. Extended treatment with this medication can cause stomach or gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer formation. Such symptoms require additional treatment and can lead to severe stomach pain or bloody stools.
Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events
Patients who receive prolonged treatment with celecoxib are at an increased risk of experiencing cardiovascular thrombotic events. A study cited by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer reported that the risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or stroke was 3 percent in patients receiving twice daily celecoxib (400mg) during a 3-year period, compared to 0.9 percent in patients receiving placebo. You can also experience high blood pressure while receiving treatment with this medication. Seek emergency medical care if you experience symptoms of chest pain or changes in your heart rate while taking this medication.
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