How long can you take Celebrex for?

The length of time you can take Celebrex (celecoxib) depends on your specific condition and your doctor's recommendation. The manufacturer recommends to use the lowest possible dosage that is effective for your symptoms for the shortest amount of time needed.

While Celebrex can be used for both short-term and long-term treatment, it's crucial to follow your doctor's advice to minimize potential side effects. Taking Celebrex for a long period of time may put you at a higher risk for side effects.

What is Celebrex used for?

Celebrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is FDA approved to treat the following:

• Acute pain
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Primary dysmenorrhea
• Rheumatoid arthritis

For some conditions, you may only need to take Celebrex for a short period of time (days to weeks). Your healthcare provider might prescribe longer courses for chronic conditions such as arthritis. If you are not sure how long you should take this medication, ask your healthcare provider.

What are side effects of Celebrex?

Common side effects reported by people taking Celebrex in clinical trials include:

• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Gas
• Swelling in the arms and legs
• Upper respiratory tract infection

Additionally, Celebrex can raise your risk of more rare but serious side effects, including:

• Blood clots
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Stomach bleeding
• Ulcers
• Liver damage
• High blood pressure
• Worsening of heart failure
• Kidney damage
• Serious allergic or skin reaction

These are not all possible side effects of Celebrex. Follow up with your healthcare provider to learn more.

Related questions

• How do Celebrex and ibuprofen compare?
• Can you drink alcohol while taking Celebrex?
• Does Celebrex raise blood pressure?

How long does Celebrex stay in your system?

In adults, Celebrex typically stays in the body for about 2-3 days. This is based on the half-life of the medication, which is a measure of the amount of time until half of the medication is cleared from your system. The half-life of Celebrex is 11.2 hours. It takes about five half-lives for the medication to be considered fully out of your system. It could take longer for Celebrex to leave your system if you have liver problems, since this could cause the medication to break down more slowly.

In children, it takes about 1-2 days for Celebrex to leave the system. This is because the half-life in children is shorter, meaning it is cleared more quickly from the body.

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.