With the recent withdrawal of Vioxx from the market due to the increased risk of heart attack and stroke associated with its use, Celebrex is coming under increasing scrutiny for any health related side effects it may cause because Celebrex is in the same Cox - 2 inhibitor class as Vioxx.

Other serious side effects associated with Celebrex usage are:

• Serious stomach problems, such as stomach and intestinal bleeding, can occur with or without warning symptoms. These problems, if severe, could lead to hospitalization or death. Although this happens rarely, you should watch for signs that you may have this serious side effect and tell your doctor right away.
• Serious allergic reactions including swelling of face, lips, tongue, and/or throat which may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing occur rarely but may require treatment right away.
• Serious kidney problems occur rarely, including acute kidney failure and worsening of chronic kidney failure.
• Severe liver problems occur rarely in patients taking NSAIDs. Tell your doctor if you develop symptoms of liver problems. These include nausea, tiredness, itching, tenderness in the right upper abdomen, and flu-like symptoms.
• Temporary infertility in women, including preventing implantation of embryos into the uterus or triggering early miscarriage

More common, non-life threatening, side effects associated with Celebrex have included:

• Upper and/or lower respiratory infection and/or inflammation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Heartburn, stomach pain and upset
• Swelling of the legs and/or feet
• High blood pressure
• Back pain
• Tiredness
• Urinary tract infection.