Celecoxib

What is Celecoxib?

Celecoxib is a prescription COX-2-selective NSAID. This article uses the Spanish Celebrex capsule product information: symptomatic relief of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis in adults. It does not establish a general acute-pain indication.

How does Celecoxib work?

Celecoxib reduces prostaglandin production involved in pain and inflammation. COX-2 selectivity does not guarantee gastric protection: ulcers, perforation and bleeding, including fatal events, can occur. Aspirin increases gastrointestinal risk.

Celecoxib does not replace aspirin for antiplatelet prevention. Do not stop prescribed antiplatelet treatment yourself. It can mask fever and other signs of inflammation. Response and time to benefit vary.

Who is Celecoxib for?

Celecoxib provides symptomatic relief in osteoarthritis (joint pain and stiffness), rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune inflammatory disease) and ankylosing spondylitis (particularly affecting the spine). The doctor must assess gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and other organ risks before prescribing. It is not indicated in children.

Dosage

Summary of the Spanish Celebrex label for adults, not an individual prescription. Lower doses require the appropriate presentation.

Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, with or without food. If a dose increase brings no benefit after 2 weeks, the doctor should consider alternatives. Do not increase the dose yourself. Moderate hepatic impairment may require dose reduction; severe impairment contraindicates use.

Side effects

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Headache and dizziness.
• Diarrhoea, indigestion and abdominal pain.
• Upper respiratory tract infections.
• Peripheral oedema, such as swelling of the ankles or feet.

Serious risks

Heart attack or stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, kidney injury, severe hepatic reactions and severe allergic or skin reactions can occur. Seek immediate help for chest pain, breathing difficulty, black stools, vomiting blood or facial or throat swelling. Stop treatment and seek medical help for a rash, mucosal lesions or allergic symptoms. Report jaundice. This list is not exhaustive.

Online assessment for Celecoxib

Prescrivia is a technology intermediary connecting patients with independent doctors and licensed pharmacies. It does not provide medical services, prescribe, employ doctors, sell or dispense medicines.

1. Health assessment: Provide your symptoms, medical history and all current medicines for independent clinical assessment.
2. Doctor review: An independent doctor decides whether any treatment is appropriate. Prescrivia does not guarantee that a prescription will be issued.
3. Pharmacy responsibility: Any lawful dispensing is the responsibility of a licensed pharmacy, subject to the applicable prescription and national rules. This article does not establish product availability or a right to delivery.

In Spain, distance sale of prescription medicines is prohibited under Article 3.5 of Royal Legislative Decree 1/2015. An online assessment does not remove this restriction. Access depends on the specific product and jurisdiction.

Important safety information

Do not take celecoxib if you:

• Are allergic to celecoxib, its excipients or sulfonamides, or have had asthma or other allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
• Have active ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Have NYHA class II–IV heart failure, established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease or cerebrovascular disease.
• Have severe hepatic impairment or creatinine clearance below 30 ml/min.
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or could become pregnant without effective contraception.

Tell your doctor about hypertension, high cholesterol, previous ulcers, kidney or liver disease, asthma and fluid retention. Continued treatment needs periodic review.

Interactions: anticoagulants including warfarin increase bleeding risk; ACE inhibitors and diuretics may increase renal risk. Disclose lithium, fluconazole and all other medicines. Avoid combining other NSAIDs without medical direction. Do not drive with dizziness or drowsiness. Stop treatment and seek medical help for a rash, mucosal lesions or allergic symptoms.

Sources

• AEMPS: Celebrex 200 mg, ficha técnica
• BOE: Real Decreto Legislativo 1/2015, artículo 3.5

The update date records an editorial edit, not a clinical review. This information does not replace the product leaflet or individual advice from a qualified healthcare professional.