COX-2 Inhibitors (cont.)

What are the side effects of COX-2 inhibitors?

Common side effects include:

• abdominal pain,
• headache,
• nausea,
• diarrhea,
• flatulence, and
• insomnia.

Other side effects include:

• fainting,
• kidney failure,
• aggravation of hypertension,
• ringing in the ears,
• bleeding,
• blurred vision,
• anxiety,
• light sensitivity,
• weight gain,
• water retention,
• drowsiness, and
• weakness.

Allergic reactions also can occur. Individuals who have developed allergic reactions (rash, itching, difficulty breathing) from sulfonamides [for example, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole Bactrim)], aspirin or other NSAIDs may experience an allergic reaction to celecoxib and should not take celecoxib.

COX-2 inhibitors and other NSAIDs may increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and related conditions, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use and in patients who have underlying risk factors for disease of the heart and blood vessels. NSAIDs should not be used for the treatment of pain resulting from coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Other NSAIDs and, to a lesser extent, COX-2 inhibitors may increase the risk of serious, even fatal, stomach and intestinal adverse reactions such as bleeding, ulcers, and perforation of the stomach or intestines. These events can occur at any time during treatment and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for these types of reactions.