🔅Celecoxib is a type of medicine called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is involved in the production of chemicals that cause pain and inflammation in the body.
– Celecoxib is used to treat various conditions that cause pain and inflammation, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute pain, menstrual cramps, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be used to reduce the risk of colorectal polyps in people with familial adenomatous polyposis, a genetic disorder that causes multiple polyps in the colon and rectum.
– Celecoxib belongs to a subclass of NSAIDs called COX-2 selective inhibitors. This means that it mainly targets COX-2 and has less effect on COX-1, another enzyme that is responsible for protecting the stomach lining and maintaining blood clotting. By being more selective, celecoxib may have fewer side effects than other NSAIDs, such as stomach ulcers, bleeding, and kidney problems.
– However, celecoxib still carries a risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, especially in people who have heart disease or other risk factors. Therefore, celecoxib should be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration possible.
– Celecoxib is available as a generic drug and under several brand names, such as Celebrex, Elyxyb, Consensi, and Seglentis. The brand names may differ depending on the country and the formulation of the drug.
For example, Consensi is a combination of celecoxib and amlodipine, a blood pressure medication, while Seglentis is a combination of celecoxib and tramadol, an opioid pain reliever.
– The most common side effects of celecoxib include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia (indigestion), flatulence (gas), nausea, headache, dizziness, rash, and swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs. Some of the serious side effects of celecoxib include allergic reactions (such as hives, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat), liver problems (such as jaundice or hepatitis), kidney problems (such as reduced urine output or blood in urine), eye problems (such as blurred vision or eye inflammation), skin problems (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis), and psychiatric problems (such as anxiety or depression). If any of these side effects occur, medical attention should be sought immediately.
– Celecoxib may interact with other drugs or supplements that affect blood clotting, blood pressure, liver function, kidney function, or stomach acid. Some examples of these drugs or supplements include: warfarin, aspirin, other NSAIDs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics (water pills), lithium, methotrexate, fluconazole, corticosteroids, antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and herbal products such as garlic or ginkgo biloba.
– Before taking celecoxib, it is important to inform the doctor or pharmacist about all the medications and supplements that are being used.
Celecoxib is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It may cause harm to the unborn baby or reduce milk production.
Celecoxib may also affect fertility in women by interfering with ovulation. Women who are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding should consult their doctor before taking celecoxib.
– Celecoxib has been banned in some countries due to safety concerns.
• In 2004, rofecoxib (Vioxx), another COX-2 inhibitor similar to celecoxib, was withdrawn from the market worldwide after it was found to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. This prompted a review of all COX-2 inhibitors by regulatory authorities.
• In 2005, valdecoxib (Bextra), another COX-2 inhibitor related to celecoxib, was also withdrawn from the market worldwide due to an increased risk of serious skin reactions.
• In 2010, lumiracoxib (Prexige), yet another COX-2 inhibitor similar to celecoxib, was banned in Europe and Australia due to an increased risk of liver damage.
– As a result of these safety issues, some countries decided to ban celecoxib as well or restrict its use to certain conditions or patients.
For example:
• In 2005, France suspended the marketing authorization for celecoxib due to concerns about cardiovascular safety.
• In 2007, Canada issued a warning that celecoxib should not be used by people who have had a heart attack or stroke or who have heart disease risk factors.
• In 2010, New Zealand restricted the use of celecoxib to patients who have tried other NSAIDs without success or who cannot tolerate them.
• In 2011, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended that celecoxib should only be used for the shortest possible duration and at the lowest effective dose, and that it should not be used by people who have had a heart attack or stroke or who have heart disease risk factors.
• In 2013, India banned the manufacture and sale of fixed-dose combinations of celecoxib with other drugs, such as paracetamol or tramadol, due to a lack of safety and efficacy data.
– However, celecoxib remains available in many countries, including the United States, where it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of various pain and inflammatory conditions. The FDA advises that celecoxib should be used with caution in people who have heart disease or risk factors, and that it should be discontinued at the first sign of heart problems or stroke. The FDA also requires that celecoxib carries a boxed warning, the strongest type of warning, on its label to alert patients and healthcare providers about the potential risks of cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal bleeding.
– Celecoxib is a complex drug that has both benefits and risks. It can provide effective pain relief and inflammation reduction for some people, but it can also cause serious side effects for others. Therefore, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of celecoxib before taking it, and to follow the doctor's instructions carefully.
– Celecoxib should not be taken without a prescription or medical supervision. If any questions or concerns arise about celecoxib, they should be discussed with the doctor or pharmacist.
