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Does Celebrex act as a blood thinner or cause bleeding?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on Nov 7, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Celebrex (celecoxib) does not act as a blood thinner. This is because it selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and not COX-1. The COX enzymes play a role in pain, inflammation, and hemostasis (stopping bleeding). COX-1 is responsible for important blood clotting pathways and platelets (cell fragments in your blood that help stop bleeding) coming together. Other NSAIDs also inhibit COX-1, which affects platelet function. This causes a “blood thinning” effect. However, this is not the case with Celebrex.

Can Celebrex cause bleeding?

While Celebrex does not interfere with platelets or affect the amount of time it takes for you to stop bleeding, it can still raise your risk for bleeding. By blocking the COX-2 enzyme, Celebrex decreases the production of prostaglandins that maintain the protective mucus layer in your GI tract. This can result in gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers.

Additionally, taking Celebrex with certain medications can increase your risk for bleeding. Studies have shown that taking Celebrex with a blood thinner called warfarin can increase bleeding complications. Other medications that can raise your risk of bleeding while taking Celebrex include:

  • Antiplatelet medications
  • Anticoagulants
  • Corticosteroids
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

It is still possible to combine these medications, but your healthcare provider will want to monitor you more closely for signs and symptoms of bleeding. If you notice blood in your urine or stool, unexplained bruising, or experience bleeding that takes longer than usual to stop, get medical attention.

This is not all the information you need to know about Celebrex (celecoxib) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

Related questions

References

Birmingham, B., et. al. 2024. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Acetaminophen, and COX-2 Inhibitors. In: Practical Management of Pain (Fifth Edition). Accessed 11/07/24 at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780323083409000402

Celebrex [package insert]. 2024. Viatris Specialty LLC. Accessed 11/07/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=2d6675e4-5859-4be2-8037-a20ce9f707aa

Chung, L., et. al. 2005. Bleeding complications in patients on celecoxib and warfarin. In: Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2710.2005.00676.x

Cure, M. C., et. al. 2020. NSAIDs may increase the risk of thrombosis and acute renal failure in patients with COVID-19 infection. In: Elsevier Therapie. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.therap.2020.06.012

Leese, P. T., et. al. 2000. Effects of celecoxib, a novel cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, on platelet function in healthy adults: a randomized, controlled trial. In: Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00912700022008766

Lin, XH., et. al. 2018. Risk Factors for Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients Taking Selective COX-2 Inhibitors: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study. In: Pain Medicine. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnx097

Read next

Does Celebrex raise blood pressure?

Yes, Celebrex (celecoxib) can raise blood pressure, but not everyone will experience high blood pressure from taking Celebrex. All nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause or worsen high blood pressure. Continue reading

Is meloxicam very similar to Celebrex?

At lower doses, meloxicam is more similar to Celebrex (celecoxib) than it is to other NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, because it is relatively selective for the COX-2 enzyme. But at higher doses, even within the prescribed range, meloxicam can inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which may lead to side effects like stomach ulcers or bleeding. COX-2 selectivity is a dose-related effect. Continue reading

Can I take Celebrex if I have a sulfa allergy?

Celebrex (celecoxib) contains a sulfonamide group that is chemically related to sulfa drugs, so people with a sulfa allergy should be cautious when taking it. However, evidence for cross-reactivity among different sulfonamide medications is inconsistent, and you should talk to your healthcare provider about this because it may depend on factors such as the severity of your sulfa allergy. Continue reading

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