CELEBREX (celecoxib capsules) is used for relief of the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis. By effectively reducing the pain, inflammation and stiffness of arthritis, celebrex can help you through the day with activities like standing, walking or climbing stairs, and through the night while sitting or lying in bed.
Since their introduction in 1999, the drugs, which are known technically as COX-2 inhibitors, have been among America's best-selling prescription pharmaceuticals. One of them, Celecoxib, sold as Celebrex, was the sixth leading prescription drug used by 14 million people last year. The other COX-2 inhibitor is Rofecoxib, sold as Vioxx.The drugs are popular because they provide the same pain- killing effects as aspirin and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, but with less chance of causing ulcers and intestinal bleeding.
Aspirin inhibits two closely related cyclooxygenase enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2. These new drugs specifically inhibit only the COX-2 (which is involved in pain and inflammation) while not affecting the first (which is involved in protecting lining of the stomach).
Celebrex, was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, FDA. The popular pain-killers Celebrex and Vioxx may slightly increase a person's risk of having a heart attack, according to an analysis of clinical studies of these 'super aspirin' drugs.
