Celebrex (Celecoxib)

What is Celebrex (Celecoxib)?

Celebrex (celecoxib) tablets are an anti-inflammatory medicine that can be used to treat a number of conditions. Typically, Celebrex is most commonly prescribed to provide effective treatment for chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, and severe menstrual pain (period pain). 

You can only buy Celebrex when you have been prescribed it.

What is Celebrex used to treat?

In the UK, Celebrex is commonly prescribed for arthritis, period pains, acute pain, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is prescribed to individuals who struggle to perform their daily activities due to the pain and inflammation caused by their condition.

Celebrex suppresses the pain and inflammation, which helps the sufferer to go about their daily life and perform everyday tasks much easier.

For more information about using medicine to treat arthritis, read our helpful medical guide.

Why is Celebrex prescribed for pain relief?

Celebrex's active ingredient, celecoxib, has been clinically tested and found to produce "significant improvements in pain and inflammation".

The study also found celecoxib to be well tolerated, meaning the risk of side effects is low.

How does Celebrex work to treat pain?

Celebrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that gets to work by reducing the hormones in the body which are responsible for causing pain and inflammation. Like most anti-inflammatory medicines, Celebrex can help to reduce pain and swelling primarily by blocking the main enzyme that is responsible for inflammation, prostaglandins.

Who can take Celebrex?

You should inform your doctor before taking Celebrex if any of the following apply to you:

• You suffer from asthma
• You have anaemia
• You smoke
• You consume alcohol on a regular basis
• You have diabetes
• You have high blood pressure
• You have kidney disease or any other kidney problems
• You have liver disease or any other liver problems
• You have nasal polyps

Celebrex can also decrease fertility in women, although this is usually reversible once the treatment is complete.

Read the patient information leaflet for full reasons why this medicine may be unsuitable for you.

Can you buy Celebrex tablets over the counter?

No, Celebrex cannot be bought over the counter. All strengths of Celebrex are prescription-only, meaning a doctor or prescriber has to prescribe you with this medicine. 

Can you buy Celebrex online in the UK?

You can buy branded Celebrex or the generic version Celecoxib 200mg and 100mg tablets from our UK online pharmacy Medicine Direct. You will be required to complete a detailed online medical consultation form which will enable one of our healthcare professionals to accurately assess your medical condition. 

Celebrex alternatives

There are several NSAIDs that can be taken for effective pain relief from conditions like arthritis. 

You can also order the following NSAID medicines online at Medicine Direct:

• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Flurbiprofen

We also stock a branded form of ibuprofen, Cuprofen Maximum Strength. 

Paracetamol tablets are also available to order and can effectively relieve arthritic pain, along with other problems like period pain, headaches, and toothache. 

Celebrex (celecoxib) Indications and Dose

All of our Doctors and Pharmacists follow NICE guidelines when prescribing Celebrex (Celecoxib).

It is important to always take Celebrex as prescribed by your doctor and ensure that you complete the full course of your medication to experience the full benefits.

Read the patient information leaflet before you start taking Celebrex. 

Celebrex comes in a number of dosages:

Celebrex 100mg tablets

100mg is typically the starting dose used for any patient that has been prescribed Celebrex. Depending on the severity of your condition this dosage may be increased to 200mg; however, the doctor would always monitor how your body reacts to Celebrex 100mg before increasing the dosage to 200mg. Celebrex 100mg is usually prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Celebrex 200mg tablets

Your doctor may choose to prescribe Celebrex 200mg tablets if your condition is quite severe and the pain caused by your symptoms is quite high. Typically, Celebrex 200mg tablets are used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and to manage acute pain. Celebrex 200mg tablets should usually be taken twice per day with a meal, usually morning and evening.

How to take Celebrex tablets

You should take Celebrex 200mg tablets orally, usually once or twice a day, as directed by your doctor. The same process should be followed if you are taking Celebrex 100mg tablets

Celebrex should be swallowed with a full glass of water to ensure the tablet reaches your stomach.

It is important to allow the tablet time to fully digest before lying down. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after consumption.

Take the tablets with food.

Celebrex Side Effects

Like all medicines, Celebrex can cause side effects, although they do not affect everyone.

The most common side effects associated with Celebrex are:  

• Cough
• Fever
• Skin rash
• Sneezing
• Fluid build up in the ankles, hands or legs
• Sore throat
• Swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Joint pain
• Ringing in your ears
• Mild itching/skin rash

This list may not be exhaustive. Always read the patient information leaflet for comprehensive details on side effects. 

Celebrex Warnings and Drug Interactions

If you are taking any other medications, it is possible that these may affect the way Celebrex works or increase your risk of experiencing serious side effects.

The most common medications that can interact with the effectiveness of Celebrex are:

• Any ACE Inhibitors such as Losartan, angiotensin II antagonists, beta-blockers or diuretics used for high blood pressure such as bendroflumethiazide
• Cidofovir
• Any anti-fungal medications
• Neuroleptics
• Cyclosporine and tacrolimus
• Barbiturates
• Valsartan
• Lithium
• Any medications used to treat depression
• Carbamazepine
• Dextromethorphan
• Diuretic medicine, commonly known as water pills, such as furosemide
• Blood-thinning medications such as warfarin and others
• Other NSAIDs such as Naproxen 500mg and Ibuprofen
• Over the counter fever medication such as Aspirin

This list may not be exhaustive; learn more about the Celebrex-Celecoxib drug interactions.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Celebrex is not recommended for use during pregnancy, particularly during the early and late stages.

If you are currently pregnant, are trying to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, make sure you inform your doctor. If you are trying to conceive, Celebrex may reduce female fertility for the duration of your treatment. There may also be a risk of miscarriage or birth defects.

Celebrex is also not recommended for use in women who are breastfeeding as the drug can pass into the breast milk, which is then consumed by your baby. There is no evidence to suggest that Celebrex is harmful to a baby, although we recommend always consulting your doctor or GP before taking this medication if you are breastfeeding.

Celebrex and Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking Celebrex can potentially increase your risk of developing stomach ulcers, particularly if you are drinking excessive amounts of alcohol frequently. Drinking alcohol while taking Celebrex may also increase your chances of experiencing more side effects.

Always read the patient information leaflet for a full list of warnings. 

Celebrex Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Celecoxib

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

How much does it cost to buy Celebrex 200mg and 100mg tablets online in the UK?

Celebrex FAQs

Is Celebrex stronger than Tramadol?

Is Celebrex hard on your kidneys?

How long can you take Celebrex for arthritis?

Does Celebrex cause weight gain?