Celebrex

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Feb 19, 2025

Pros & Cons


Celebrex Pros and Cons

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  • Celebrex can treat mild to moderate pain associated with many types of arthritis.
  • It is a selective COX-2 inhibitor and is less likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects compared to other NSAIDs that are nonselective COX inhibitors.
  • It is available in a lower-cost generic version.
  • Celebrex is safe for children as young as 2 years old (for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis).

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  • Celebrex use can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
  • This medicine is not safe for use after 20 weeks of pregnancy (second and third trimesters).
  • Celebrex is a sulfonamide and may not be safe for people with a sulfa allergy.
  • The risks of taking Celebrex may outweigh the benefits in people with heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease.