COX-2 inhibitor risks and complications On April 7, 2005 the Food and Drug Administration requested that Pfizer suspend sales of Bextra in the United States. As a result, Bextra will no longer be available to patients in the United States. For more information, click to the Bextra homepage. For more information on safe use of COX-2 inhibitors and other NSAIDs, please see Understanding COX-2 inhibitor side effects. As with all medications, COX-2 inhibitors like Celebrex have risks and potential side effects and complications. While a few major risks and potential side effects are outlined here, patients should always read the label and package insert and consult with their physician for a complete understanding of risks and other issues. Cautions for using Celebrex Potential risks and complications for COX-2 inhibitors such as Celebrex include: Patients who are allergic to sulfa drugs should avoid Celebrex. Any patient who is allergic to aspirin should avoid all COX-2 inhibitors. There isn't any data on whether or not COX-2 inhibitor drugs are safe in pregnancy or for patients with severe renal disease. Taking COX-2 inhibitors with antacids or a fatty meal will limit their absorption. By: Alan J Bridges, MD December 1999 Editorial Note: In addition, new potential risks and side effects of COX-2 inhibitors and other NSAIDs have been studied. For more information, please see Understanding COX-2 inhibitor side effects.