Celebrex is used to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis (the arthritis caused by age-related 'wear and tear' on bones and joints) as well as relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in adults.

Celebrex is also used to manage acute pain in adults (like the short term pain you can get after a dental or surgical operation) as well as treat painful menstrual cycles.

Celebrex also reduces the number of colon and rectum growths (colorectal polyps) in patients with a disease called Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP).

Do not take Celebrex if you have had an allergic-type reaction to sulfa medicines. Additionally, do not take Celebrex you have had asthma, hives or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) medicines.

If you have asthma, you may have aspirin-sensitive asthma. If an aspirin-sensitive asthmatic takes aspirin it can cause severe narrowing of the airway and even death.

Since this type of reaction also has occurred after taking NSAIDs Celebrex should not be given to aspirin-sensitive patients.

Some examples of NSAIDs are ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), and ketoprofen (Orudis).

Celebrex and other NSAID medicines can cause serious problems such as stomach ulcers that bleed. The chance of this serious problem increases the longer you take Celebrex, but it can also happen suddenly.

Stop taking Celebrex and call your healthcare professional right away if you get a burning stomach pain, black bowel movements that look like tar, or vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds.

Celebrex can also cause liver damage. Some of the warning signs of liver damage are nausea, vomiting, tiredness, loss of appetite, itching, yellow coloring of skin or eyes, 'flu-like' symptoms and dark urine.

Kidney problems that include sudden kidney failure or worsening of kidney problems that you already have.

Fluid retention (holding of water in your body) and swelling. Fluid retention can be a serious problem if you have high blood pressure or heart failure.

In addition to the serious side effects listed above, some common, but less serious side effects with Celebrex may include headache, indigestion, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, sinus inflammation, stomach pain and nausea.

If you have been injured from taking Celebrex, injuryhelpline.com can help put you in contact with an attorney who can inform you of your rights.