Why is Celebrex prescribed?
Celebrex is prescribed for acute pain, menstrual cramps, and the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (rheumatoid arthritis of the spine), and rheumatoid arthritis. It is a member of a new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) called COX-2 inhibitors. Like older NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, Celebrex is believed to fight pain and inflammation by inhibiting the effect of a natural enzyme called COX-2. Unlike the older medications, however, it does not interfere with a similar substance, called COX-1, which exerts a protective effect on the lining of the stomach. Therefore, Celebrex may be less likely to cause the bleeding and ulcers that sometimes accompany sustained use of the older NSAIDs.
