My Doctor Just Prescribed Celebrex For My Inflammation. I Am

My Doctor just prescribed Celebrex for my inflammation. I am 67 years old and have never taken any medications except Ibuprophen occasionally for a headache, etc. I was diagnosed with Inflammation ( not Arthritis) in April of 2106. I want to try to stay off all medications and my Doctor said you only have to take this medication when you need it. I've read all the side effects and it scares me to start it. I've tried other medications and I had reactions to them. Is Celebrex safe? How many people have had serious side effects.