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Celecoxib

Celecoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in the COX-2 inhibitor class. It eases pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness in inflammatory joint conditions. It is also used for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children aged 2 years and older, painful menstrual periods and short-term pain.

Medicines containing Celecoxib

Celecoxib

Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis

100 · 200mg

Celecoxib is the active ingredient in these tablets, used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. You can choose from several strengths and pack sizes. You see the price per tablet for each option.

FromUS$0.54/ tabletView

Celebrex

Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis

100 · 200mg

Celebrex contains celecoxib and is used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. It comes as a hard capsule in several strengths and pack sizes. You can compare the price per tablet across options.

FromUS$0.57/ tabletView

Key points

  • The tablets come in 100 mg and 200 mg strengths.
  • Relief usually begins within 1–3 hours, and the effect lasts 8–12 hours.
  • Celecoxib is not indicated for children under 2 years.

What celecoxib is used for

Celecoxib is used to relieve pain and stiffness caused by Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis. It is also prescribed for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children 2 years and older, painful menstrual periods and short-term pain.

How it works

Celecoxib selectively inhibits the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. This reduces production of prostaglandins, which mediate inflammation and pain signalling. The result is less pain and fewer inflammatory markers in joint tissues.

Forms and brands

Both Celecoxib and Celebrex contain celecoxib in tablet form. Orders are shipped from pharmacy partners in India to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Safety and interactions

Do not take celecoxib if you have active peptic ulceration, a history of asthma or severe hepatic impairment. It should not be taken right before or right after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. NSAIDs such as celecoxib may increase the risk of serious blood clots, heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal; the risk increases with dose and duration. Heart attack and gastrointestinal haemorrhage are serious effects that need immediate medical attention. Stop at the first sign of a skin rash. Common effects include dyspepsia, diarrhoea and abdominal pain; dizziness, peripheral oedema and hypertension can also occur. Celecoxib interacts with lithium, warfarin and aspirin. Do not combine it with other prescription or over-the-counter NSAIDs. Avoid it around or after 20 weeks of pregnancy unless a doctor directs it; breastfeeding requires caution.

What the sources say

  • Celecoxib relieves pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. (MedlinePlus)
  • Non-aspirin NSAIDs, including celecoxib, may raise the risk of serious blood clots, heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal; risk rises with dose and duration. (Arthritis Foundation)
  • Celecoxib should not be taken immediately before or after CABG heart surgery. (MedlinePlus)
  • Do not take celecoxib with other prescription or over-the-counter NSAIDs. (Arthritis Foundation)

Further reading

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