Celecoxib
Celecoxib, sold as Celebrex, is a COX-2 inhibitor that eases pain and swelling from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and short-term conditions. Celebrex is the only product listed here, in 100 mg and 200 mg capsules.
Key points
- Celecoxib is an NSAID also used for ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children aged 2 and older.
- All non-aspirin NSAIDs, including celecoxib, carry a boxed warning for increased risk of heart attack and stroke; the risk rises with dose and duration.
- Celecoxib is not suitable if you are allergic to sulfa medications, aspirin or other NSAIDs.
How does celecoxib work?
Celecoxib blocks an enzyme called COX-2, which the body uses to produce the chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. Reducing those chemicals eases the swelling, tenderness and stiffness that come with Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. It sits in the Pain & Anti-inflammatories category as a selective COX-2 inhibitor.
