Prescription:

Cox-2 inhibitor drugs (e.g. Celebrex, Vioxx) have come under increased scrutiny in recent years. In fact, Vioxx was taken off the market in September 2004 over concerns of heightened risks of heart attacks and strokes among those who have taken it for extended periods. Although Vioxx and Celebrex belong to the same drug category, we cannot assume that Celebrex is associated with the same problems. Health Canada is assessing the safety of Celebrex and continues to release information regarding how this medication should be prescribed.

Celebrex (Celecoxib), better known by the brand name Celebrex, is prescribed to treat pain, stiffness and inflammation from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also sometimes prescribed for the short-term (one week or less) management of moderate to severe pain in adults caused by conditions such as muscle sprains or strains, pain and swelling after orthopaedic surgery or tooth extractions. Some doctors prescribe Celebrex for short-term relief of painful conditions such as gout, headaches, or menstrual pains.

Why is this drug prescribed?

Celebrex capsules contain the active ingredient celecoxib, which is a type of drug known as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. NSAIDs work by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase. Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in producing prostaglandins, in response to injury or certain diseases. These prostaglandins cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Because NSAIDs block the production of these prostaglandins, they are effective at relieving pain and inflammation. Cyclo-oxygenase does not only produce prostaglandins that cause inflammation. It also produces prostaglandins that have useful roles in the body. There are two different forms of cyclo-oxygenase, COX-1 and COX-2. COX-2 is the form that produces prostaglandins that cause inflammation. COX-1 does not produce inflammatory prostaglandins, but does produce others that have useful effects, including some that are involved in maintaining a healthy stomach and intestinal lining. Traditional NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, block the action of both COX-1 and COX-2, and this is why they can sometimes cause side effects such as stomach irritation and peptic ulcers. Celecoxib belongs to a new generation of NSAIDs that selectively block the action of COX-2. This means that it stops the production of inflammatory prostaglandins, without stopping the production of prostaglandins that protect the stomach and intestines. It therefore reduces pain and inflammation, but is less likely than traditional NSAIDs to cause side effects on the stomach and intestines.

Treatments

* Rheumatoid arthritis * Osteoarthritis

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Difficulty in sleeping * Inflammation of the sinuses * Dizziness * Inflammation of the throat * Inflammation of the lining of the nose causing a blocked or runny nose * Disturbances of the gut such as indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, flatulence or abdominal pain * Retention of water in the body tissues swelling, particularly of the legs and ankles * Skin reactions such as rash * Blurred vision * Tiredness * Anxiety * Depression * Increased potassium level in the blood * Pins and needles * Sensation of ringing or other noise in the ears * Shortness of breath * High blood pressure * Heart attack or stroke * Ulceration or bleeding of the stomach or intestines * Liver, kidney or blood disorders