By the way, doctor: Celebrex and bleeding

Q. I take Celebrex for arthritis. I learned that it and the other NSAID medicines increase the risk of bleeding. If that's true, is my risk for hemorrhagic stroke higher?

A. It's all about the platelets. Platelets are tiny fragments of blood cells that help blood clot. Many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a tendency to reduce the ability of platelets to form clots, so they increase the risk of bleeding.

To continue reading this article, you must login.
  • Research health conditions
  • Check your symptoms
  • Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
  • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
  • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »