Celecoxib Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Taking It

When you take celecoxib, a type of painkiller designed to reduce inflammation with less stomach irritation than older NSAIDs. Also known as a COX-2 inhibitor, it's often prescribed for arthritis, menstrual pain, or acute injuries. But while it helps with pain, it doesn’t come without risks — especially for people with heart conditions or a history of ulcers.

Many people assume that because celecoxib is gentler on the stomach than ibuprofen or naproxen, it’s safer overall. That’s not true. Studies show it can still raise your risk of heart attack, a serious cardiovascular event that can occur even in people without prior heart disease, especially if you take it long-term or at high doses. It’s also linked to high blood pressure, a hidden problem that can worsen without symptoms, and in rare cases, severe skin reactions or liver damage. If you’re over 65, have kidney issues, or are on blood thinners, these risks go up. Your doctor might not mention all of this unless you ask — so knowing what to watch for matters.

What you won’t find on the label: celecoxib doesn’t cure arthritis. It just masks the pain. That means you might keep using it while your joints keep breaking down. And if you’re taking it for chronic pain, you’re probably better off exploring movement, weight management, or even physical therapy — things that fix the root cause instead of just hiding the signal. Many people in India are switching to simpler, cheaper options like acetaminophen or topical gels, especially when they’re worried about long-term side effects.

Below, you’ll find real stories and facts from people who’ve taken celecoxib — what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they’d known before starting. Whether you’re considering it, already on it, or just curious, these posts give you the unfiltered truth — no marketing, no fluff, just what matters for your health.