How Does Celebrex Work?
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Function
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Celebrex is an anti-inflammatory medication that is used to treat arthritis. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, in the same class of drugs as ibuprofen and aspirin. According to the Blue Cross Healthy Me site, it eases arthritis inflammation by blocking an enzyme known as COX-2. This enzyme produces prostaglandins, which trigger the type of inflammation commonly associated with arthritis. Because of its ability to block COX-2, Celebrex prevents flareups. It can be used to treat both rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs when the immune system attacks joints tissues, and osteoarthritis, which is caused by an impairment in the body's ability to fix joint damage.
Effect
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Celebrex is often compared to aspirin because of its similarities. However, Healthy Me says that aspirin targets both types of COX enzymes in the body. While COX-2 is associated with arthritis, COX-1 produces prostaglandins, which protect the stomach's mucous lining by preventing stomach acids from damaging the lining. Aspirin is hard on the stomach because it blocks the beneficial effects of COX-1, making the lining vulnerable to damage by digestive acids. Since Celebrex only targets COX-2, it eases arthritis without triggering stomach damage.
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Side Effects
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Because of the way it works, Celebrex can have side effects. COX-2 helps to fight ulcers, so because Celebrex blocks it, it can allow ulcers to form and interfere with the healing process. COX-2 is naturally present in a person's kidneys, so Celebrex can affect kidney function. This may lead to fluid retention and can possibly worsen high blood pressure. Healthy Me says that people who take Celebrex should be on the alert for signs of ulcers, such as blood in their stools, or signs of impaired kidney function, such as bloating or swelling.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Logo: Pfizer
