Celebrex
In brief
- In our pharmacy, you can buy Celebrex without a prescription, with delivery in 9–21 days throughout the United Kingdom. Discreet and anonymous packaging.
- Celebrex (celecoxib) is used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis; it is a selective COX‑2 inhibitor that reduces prostaglandin synthesis to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Usual dosages: osteoarthritis 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily; rheumatoid arthritis 100–200 mg twice daily; ankylosing spondylitis 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily.
- Form of administration: oral — capsules (100 mg and 200 mg).
- Onset time: analgesic effects often begin within about 1 hour, with peak effect typically within 2–3 hours.
- Duration of action: effects generally last around 12–24 hours (half‑life ~11 hours), so dosing is commonly once or twice daily depending on indication.
- Alcohol warning: avoid or limit alcohol, as it can increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation, bleeding and other adverse effects when taking celecoxib.
- The most common side effect is dyspepsia (indigestion); other frequent effects include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, headache, dizziness, rash and hypertension.
- Would you like to try Celebrex without a prescription?
Basic Celebrex information
- INN (international nonproprietary name): Celecoxib
- Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Celebrex (capsules 100 mg and 200 mg), generic celecoxib
- ATC code: M01AH01
- Forms and dosages: Capsules 100 mg and 200 mg (blister packs of 10, 30, 60)
- Manufacturers in the United Kingdom: Pfizer (Celebrex) and generic suppliers such as Teva, Mylan and Sandoz
- Registration status in the United Kingdom: Authorised prescription-only medicine
- OTC / Rx classification: Prescription-only medicine (POM)
Legal status and availability in the UK
Celebrex (celecoxib) is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
In our online pharmacy, Celebrex is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 9–21 days.
What celecoxib (Celebrex) is
Active substance and class
Celecoxib is the International Nonproprietary Name for Celebrex.
It belongs to the selective COX-2 inhibitor class with ATC code M01AH01.
This class reduces inflammation and pain and typically has a lower risk of NSAID-related gastric ulceration compared with non-selective NSAIDs.
- Brand and generic
- Brand: Celebrex; generic: celecoxib capsules from multiple manufacturers.
- Capsule strengths
- 100 mg and 200 mg capsules.
- Prescription status
- Prescription-only medicine (POM).
Indications and dosing
Licensed uses
- Osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
The usual adult doses are listed below. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed, and follow your prescriber’s instructions.
- Osteoarthritis: 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: 100-200 mg twice daily.
- Ankylosing spondylitis: 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily.
Forms, strengths and packaging
Celecoxib is sold as 100 mg and 200 mg capsules. Common pack sizes are blister packs of 10, 30 and 60. Pfizer markets Celebrex, and generics from Teva, Mylan, Sandoz and others are also available.
| Form | Strength | Common pack sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 100 mg | 10, 30, 60 |
| Capsule | 200 mg | 10, 30, 60 |
How to take Celebrex, and storage
Capsules may be taken with or without food according to preference.
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is near the time of the next dose; do not double up.
Store below 25°C in the original packaging and protect from moisture. Do not use past the expiry date printed on the pack.
Safety profile: contraindications and monitoring
Absolute contraindications
- Known allergy to celecoxib, sulfonamides or other NSAIDs.
- History of asthma, urticaria or allergic-type reactions after aspirin or NSAIDs.
- Pregnancy, especially during the third trimester.
- Active gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcer disease.
- Established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, cerebrovascular disease or heart failure.
Monitoring needs and cautions
Patients with cardiovascular risk factors require particular caution because of a potential increased cardiovascular risk.
Blood pressure, renal function and signs of fluid retention should be monitored in long-term users.
Hepatic dysfunction and renal impairment also need assessment before and during therapy.
Side effects
Common adverse effects
- Dyspepsia and abdominal pain are among the most common gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Diarrhoea, nausea and headache are also commonly reported.
- Dizziness, rash and pruritus occur in some patients.
- Hypertension and fluid retention may occur during treatment.
Contact a pharmacist or GP if symptoms persist.
Serious events and overdose
- Serious concerns include gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular events and severe skin reactions.
- Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and GI bleeding.
- Management of overdose is supportive and symptomatic; seek medical help (NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency).
Drug interactions
- Concurrent aspirin may reduce the gastric advantage of COX-2 inhibition and has additive bleeding or cardiovascular effects.
- Anticoagulants such as warfarin increase bleeding risk when combined with celecoxib.
- SSRIs can raise gastrointestinal bleeding risk if used together.
- ACE inhibitors, ARBs and diuretics may have reduced renal efficacy when given with NSAIDs.
- Lithium and methotrexate levels may rise if combined with celecoxib, increasing toxicity risk.
Tell your prescriber or pharmacist about all non-prescription medicines and herbal products, including other NSAIDs.
| Drug | Risk | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin | Reduces gastric advantage; additive side effects | Discuss risk/benefit with the prescriber; avoid concomitant use unless indicated |
| Warfarin | Increased bleeding risk | Check INR frequently |
| ACE inhibitors / diuretics | Reduced renal function / loss of effect | Monitor renal function and BP; consider alternative therapy |
| Lithium / methotrexate | Increased plasma levels/toxicity | Monitor drug levels and consider dose adjustment |
Special populations
- Elderly: start at the lowest effective dose and monitor renal function and blood pressure.
- Children: not recommended in the UK for the licensed adult indications.
- Pregnancy: avoid use, especially in the third trimester.
- Hepatic impairment: reduce the initial dose by 50% in moderate impairment (Child-Pugh B) and avoid in severe impairment.
- Renal impairment: use cautiously and generally avoid in severe renal dysfunction.
Comparison with other NSAIDs
Compared with non-selective NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac, celecoxib generally has a lower risk of gastric ulceration in many patients.
However, cardiovascular risk is comparable or may be increased in patients with existing cardiovascular disease or risk factors.
Etoricoxib is another COX-2 selective alternative that may be considered where appropriate.
When switching, the prescriber will consider previous NSAID response, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal history, and the exact doses used.
Manufacturers and generics
Pfizer is the original developer of Celebrex. Generic manufacturers include Teva, Mylan and Sandoz. Celecoxib is classed as a prescription-only medicine in the UK.
Delivery across the United Kingdom
| City | Region | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| London | England | 9–21 days |
| Birmingham | England | 9–21 days |
| Manchester | England | 9–21 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Leeds | England | 9–21 days |
| Liverpool | England | 9–21 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Bristol | England | 9–21 days |
| Sheffield | England | 9–21 days |
| Newcastle Upon Tyne | England | 9–21 days |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 9–21 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 9–21 days |
| Coventry | England | 9–21 days |
| Leicester | England | 9–21 days |
| Southampton | England | 9–21 days |
Frequently asked questions
What are the main alternatives?
Alternatives include traditional NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac, or other selective COX‑2 inhibitors like etoricoxib where available.
How should celecoxib be stored?
Store below 25°C, in the original packaging and protected from moisture.
Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.
What should I do in an emergency?
If you suspect a serious allergic reaction, signs of GI bleeding or a cardiovascular event, seek emergency medical help immediately (999). For overdose advice contact NHS 111.
