Celebrex

What is Celebrex used for?

Celecoxib is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, a type of NSAID. It targets the COX-2 enzyme more selectively to reduce inflammation-related prostaglandins associated with pain, and in theory carries somewhat less GI irritation than traditional NSAIDs — though it still carries cardiovascular and GI risks. It is commonly used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and acute pain.

How to take Celebrex and adjust the dose

Osteoarthritis: 200mg daily, either as a single dose or 100mg twice daily. Rheumatoid arthritis: 100-200mg twice daily. Acute pain: an initial 400mg on day one, with an additional 200mg if needed, followed by 200mg twice daily as needed under medical guidance. May be taken with or without food. This reflects commonly cited international labelling doses — follow your doctor's prescription and the HK-registered product insert for the exact dose.

Celebrex side effects

• Common: indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, peripheral oedema
• Serious: GI bleeding/ulceration/perforation (can be fatal, may occur without warning symptoms), increased risk of heart attack and stroke (especially with long-term or high-dose use), severe allergic reactions (including in those allergic to sulfonamides), severe skin reactions

Who should not take Celebrex?

• Allergy to celecoxib, sulfonamides, or other NSAIDs
• Aspirin-sensitive asthma
• Should not be used around coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
• Active GI ulceration or bleeding
• Requires careful evaluation in severe heart failure, ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, or history of cerebrovascular disease
• Severe renal or hepatic impairment
• Avoid in pregnancy (especially late pregnancy) and breastfeeding