The safety of celecoxib in cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a single-center care experience

Introduction
Aspirin/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently prescribed, and hypersensitivity reactions to these drugs are frequently observed in clinical practice.

Aim
To evaluate the safety of celecoxib in patients with a history of cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to NSAIDs.

Material and methods
A retrospective evaluation was made of a total of 113 patients with a history of cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to NSAIDs who underwent a drug challenge test with celecoxib. The diagnosis of NSAID hypersensitivity was based on a positive oral aspirin challenge test result or a recorded and significant clinical hypersensitivity reaction to aspirin and/or other NSAID-induced reaction.

Results
A total of 113 patients (40 (35.4%) male, 73 (64.6%) female) with a mean age of 39.64 ±12.65 years underwent the drug challenge with celecoxib. Atopy was determined in 40 (35.4%) patients. The most common accompanying allergic diseases were asthma in 46 (40.7%) patients and allergic rhinitis in 37 (32.7%) patients. The most common NSAIDs responsible for the allergic reaction were diclofenac (48.7%), flurbiprofen (47.8%), ketoprofen (47.8%), and aspirin (45.1%). No allergic reaction to celecoxib was observed in any of the 113 patients who underwent the drug challenge testing.

Conclusions
Celecoxib is a safe alternative drug in patients with a history of cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to NSAIDs.