Celebrex may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using this medicine, especially in older adults. You should not take this medicine if you already have bleeding in your stomach or intestines.
Celecoxib can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use Celebrex just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Celebrex if you are allergic to celecoxib, or if you have:
an allergy to sulfa drugs; or
a history of asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a stomach ulcer, bleeding in your stomach or intestines;
heart disease, high blood pressure;
asthma;
bleeding problems;
liver or kidney disease; or
if you smoke or drink alcohol.
If you are pregnant, you should not take Celebrex unless your doctor tells you to. Taking a NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How should I take Celebrex?
Take Celebrex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.
You may take Celebrex with or without food.
If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture with water. You may save this applesauce mixture for later use in a refrigerator for up to 6 hours.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
