Is Celebrex Harmful?

Celebrex is prescribed for pain relief, particularly in patients suffering from osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis. The drug is classified as a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and is the only Cox-2 inhibitor drug still available in the United States. Both Vioxx and Bextra were pulled from the market.

How Celebrex Works

All NSAIDs work by blocking the enzymes (Cox-1 and Cox-2) which cause inflammation. However, if the Cox-1 enzymes are blocked, this can led to digestive complications. Cox-2 inhibitors, such as Celebrex, only block those enzymes and thus reduce the risk of serious digestive side effects.

High Risk patients and Celebrex

Doctors have to exercise caution when prescribing Celebrex to high-risk patients having cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, kidney and liver problems.

Asthma and Celebrex

Celebrex can be harmful if taken by patients who have asthma or those prone to allergic reactions to aspirin. It can result in abdominal pain, diarrhea and bleeding in the stomach.

Sulfonamides and Celebrex

Other arthritis medications such as sulfonamides can cause allergic reactions in some patients when prescribed with Celebrex. Report such instances the doctor immediately.

Pregnancy and Celebrex

Celebrex taken during pregnancy, especially during the later part, is not recommendable unless its benefits far exceed the risk it will cause to the fetus.

References

• MedicineNet.com
• Celebrex
• Drugs.com