Celecoxib-induced upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and ulceration

COX-2 inhibitors are a new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with a reported benefit of less gastric and duodenal ulceration and hemorrhage. We describe a 67-year-old man taking a higher than usual dose of celecoxib (Celebrex) for osteoarthritis with resultant gastric erosions, ulceration, and a significant gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage.