Side Effects

While many (possibly even most) people tolerate Cox 2 Inhibitors (Coxibs) well, some people experience mild to severe side effects from this type of pain and inflammation medication. Several factors seem to be related to increased risk of side effects while taking Coxibs. These include:

1. Higher doses: Higher dose of Coxibs medications are more likely to cause side effects.
2. Longer duration of use: As with most medicines, the longer a person takes Coxibs, the higher will be the risk of some unwanted side effect.
3. Combining Coxibs with other pain/inflammation medications: Using additional medications to control pain/inflammation (like aspirin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and other over-the-counter or prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in addition to Coxibs increases your risk of experiencing one or more side effects.
4. Poor Health: Poor health status is associated with a greater risk of side effects to Coxibs.
5. Timing of the dose: When a person takes their Coxib medication may impact its effectiveness and the risk of side effects. No studies have been done in humans to determine when the best and safest time to take Coxibs would be. However, based on animal studies, it appears that Coxibs are better tolerated when taken in the late afternoon and evening and might have an increased risk of toxicity when taken in the mid- to late-morning. The time of day when we take other things for our health (including other medications and many dietary supplements) can influence how well they work.
6. Female Sex: In some studies, females have experienced more side effects from Coxibs than males.
7. Older Age: Elderly people are more likely to experience side effects from Coxibs.

Any diet, lifestyle, and nutritional supplement strategies that can be used to repair and rebuild joints, or correct underlying imbalances contributing to pain and inflammation can augment the effectiveness of Coxibs, so that a lower dose is needed for shorter periods of time. Nutritional strategies can also act to improve the function of areas typically challenged by Coxibs; such as the sensitive lining of the digestive tract. As an example, by improving the protective mucous barrier that lines the digestive tract, the erosive effects (leading to ulcers) of Coxibs (especially when used in combination with aspirin or other NSAIDs) can be reduced. To learn what important nutritional steps you can take to help minimize your risk of side effects to Coxibs used by themselves or with other pain and inflammation medications click here to begin your health assessment.

Side effects are often treated with additional medications, which in turn, can have additional side effects.

The most common serious side effects reported by users of Coxibs are listed next. If you notice any of the following happening, stop should taking Coxibs and tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital:

• stomach ulcers that may become serious and may bleed
• fluid in the lungs
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
• severe increase in blood pressure
• heart failure
• serious kidney problems
• serious liver problems
• unusual headache with a stiff neck

• feeling sick (nausea), vomiting
• heartburn, indigestion, uncomfortable feeling or pain in the stomach,
• diarrhoea
• constipation
• swelling of the legs, ankles or feet
• high blood pressure
• mouth ulcers
• dizziness
• headache
• drowsiness
• tiredness
• dry mouth
• hair loss
• difficulty concentrating
• anxiety
• blurred vision

NOTE 1: A number of other very infrequent side effects have been reported in clinical studies of Coxibs medications. These are listed in a textbook that most doctors have in their office called the Physicians Desk Reference and can be found by looking under the name of the specific Coxib medication. Please ask the doctor who prescribed the Coxib medication or the pharmacist that filled the prescription to check in this reference book if you think some other symptom might be related to taking Coxibs.

DISCLAIMER
The information here is provided for people who are on Coxibs or who are considering use of such drugs. This site cannot be used to determine whether you should be placed on Coxibs (or other pain/inflammation treatments) or whether you should discontinue Coxibs. This information cannot be used as a substitute for obtaining medical advice or for seeking treatment from a qualified physician. Readers should not rely on the information contained in it for advice in particular cases. If you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

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