Side effects

In this list we will limit ourselves to the most common side effects. Since each person reacts individually to in medicine, there may of course be unmentioned side effects. Allergic reactions: Gastrointestinal complaintsIn some cases Celebrex® causes gastritis.

The inflammation is caused by the direct absorption of Celebrex® through the stomach. Dizziness Water retention in tissue (edema) Tinitus Psychological complaints: Laboratory changes (laboratory values)

Skin rash (redness, itching)
Blood pressure drop
Shock
Drowsiness
Headaches
Lack of concentration
Depression
Increase of liver enzymes in the blood
Erythropoiesis

Like other active ingredients in the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Celebrex® can cause fluid retention with the formation of edema, i.e. water retention in certain parts of the body. Oedema usually first forms in the lower leg area.

The lower legs increase in circumference, stockings leave marks and when a finger is pressed on the lower leg, small bumps appear which quickly disappear. If this side effect occurs during treatment with Celebrex®, the doctor treating the patient should be consulted. In otherwise healthy patients, edema is not dangerous but only an aesthetic problem.

In patients suffering from cardiac insufficiency, for example, the increased fluid retention can have consequences and may make it necessary to discontinue the medication. In the package insert, the frequency of the occurrence of edema under a therapy with Celebrex® is also frequently stated. This means that one in 10 to one in 100 patients taking Celebrex® will develop edema.

Fatigue is a very unspecific symptom and can have many causes. Many medications can also cause fatigue. According to the package insert, fatigue can occasionally occur when taking Celebrex®. This means that one in 100 to one in 1000 patients taking Celebrex® suffer from increased fatigue.

Do I need stomach protection when taking Celebrex®?

There are two different types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The selective COX2 inhibitors, which include Celebrex®, and the non-selective COX inhibitors, which include for example ibuprofen. The selective COX2-inhibitors do not attack the stomach and should therefore not have a damaging effect on the stomach mucosa.

On the other hand, drugs such as ibuprofen are said to significantly increase the risk of developing gastric ulcers, especially when taken over a longer period of time. This is why ibuprofen should always be combined with stomach protection if taken over a longer period of time. This is not the case with selective COX2 inhibitors. Basically they do not have to be combined with a stomach protector. However, if there are risk factors such as a history of stomach ulcers, advanced age, poor general condition, regular alcohol consumption or comedication with other drugs that increase the risk of developing stomach ulcers, the additional intake of a stomach protection tablet is recommended.