If you experience joint pain, aching muscles, swelling or other discomforts associated with arthritis, you may find relief by taking Celebrex, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain and inflammation. Celebrex is clinically proven to be effective in reducing swelling and relieving pain from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout. Although this medicine is not a cure for arthritis, it helps reduce the stiffness, discomfort and swelling associated with the disease.
There are many types of NSAIDs such as aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen that are effective in reducing pain and other symptoms of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Celebrex, however, works differently from other NSAID medications. The main ingredient of Celebrex is celecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor. COX-2 is an enzyme produced by the body in response to injury or inflammation. The COX-2 enzyme stimulates the production of the natural chemical prostaglandin that is important in healing. Too much prostaglandin causes excessive inflammation. Because inflammation is one of the symptoms of arthritis, inhibiting prostaglandin reduces swelling. COX-2 inhibitors block the enzyme and reduce levels of prostaglandin.
Celebrex may be a safer choice for patients who are at higher risk for stomach-related side effects associated with NSAIDs. Most NSAIDs block not only COX-2 enzymes but also COX-1 enzymes that also produce inflammation. When COX-1 is inhibited, some beneficial chemicals that the body produces to protect the lining of the stomach are also affected. A healthy stomach lining protects stomach tissues from acids found the stomach. People who take NSAIDs with COX-1 inhibitors may experience stomach upsets, gas, ulcers or bleeding. COX-2 inhibitors like Celebrex do not affect the enzymes that protect the stomach. Those who take Celebrex have a lower incidence of gastrointestinal disorders such as stomach ulceration or bleeding than those who take medicines with COX-1 inhibitors. Because Celebrex does not inhibit COX-1, the enzymes that help protect the lining of the stomach continue to work, reducing the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects.
Celebrex is a prescription medication that should be taken in consultation with your doctor. As little as 200 milligrams of Celebrex can be taken once a day to relieve arthritis symptoms. Celebrex can be used for both intermittent pain relief and for longer-term relief from inflammation from arthritis. The medicine may need to be taken regularly for up to two weeks before you feel the full benefits of the anti-inflammatory properties of the drug.
