• This drug has black box warnings. These are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A black box alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Celecoxib oral capsule is a prescription drug that’s available as the brand-name drug Celebrex. It’s also available in a generic version. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version. Celecoxib only.

• Heart risks warning. This drug is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). All NSAIDs can increase your risk of heart attack, heart failure, or stroke. This risk increases the longer you use NSAIDs.

It also increases if you use high doses. Your risk may be higher if you have risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor before taking celecoxib if you have heart disease. • Coronary artery bypass graft warning. Don’t take celecoxib if you will have or have recently had a coronary artery bypass graft, or heart surgery to improve blood flow to your heart. Your risk of heart attack or stroke increases if you take celecoxib to treat pain before or after your surgery. • Stomach problems warning.

Don’t use celecoxib if you have current stomach bleeding or a history of stomach ulcers. Taking celecoxib increases your risk of stomach bleeding, ulcers, or small holes in the lining of your stomach or intestines, which can be fatal.

These may occur at any time without any warning symptoms. If you’re 65 years or older, you’re at higher risk of these problems. • High blood pressure warning: This drug may cause you to develop high blood pressure or may worsen high blood pressure.

Take this medication with caution if you have high blood pressure. Check your blood pressure before and while taking this drug. • Asthma warning: Take this drug with caution if you have asthma. It may cause narrowing in your airways, which could lead to death. If your asthma worsens while you take this drug, get immediate medical attention. Celecoxib oral capsule is a prescription drug that’s available as the brand-name drug Celebrex. It’s also available in a generic version.

Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version. Celecoxib only comes as a capsule you take by mouth. Why it's used This drug is used to treat: • rheumatoid arthritis • osteoarthritis • ankylosing spondylitis • short-term pain • menstrual cramps How it works This drug belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. NSAIDs block an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX). COX works in your body to produce chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. By blocking COX, NSAIDs like this drug stop these chemicals from forming. This, in turn, reduces pain and inflammation. Celecoxib oral capsule does not cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.

More common side effects The more common side effects that can occur with celecoxib oral capsule include: • stomach pain • constipation • diarrhea • gas • heartburn • nausea • vomiting • dizziness • headache • respiratory tract infection If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Serious side effects Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects.

Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following: • Chest pain or heart attack • Stroke. Symptoms may include: • sudden weakness in one part or side of your body • slurred speech • drooping on one side of your face • blurred vision • sudden dizziness or trouble walking • very severe headache with no other cause • High blood pressure • Edema. Symptoms may include: • swelling in your arms and legs, hands and feet • unusual weight gain • Bleeding and ulcers in your stomach and intestine. Symptoms may include: • blood in urine • vomiting • bloody stools • black and sticky stools • Skin reactions, including rash or blisters • Allergic reactions. Symptoms may include: • itching and hives • swelling of your face or throat • Liver problems. Symptoms may include yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes.