Celebrex - a drug of choice in the treatment of osteoarthritis

Each doctor should keep in mind that all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) negatively affect cartilage and aggravate the course of osteoarthrosis.

That is why The European League Against Rheumatism suggests that the treatment of osteoarthrosis should be started with indication of analgesic agents, and NSAID's should be administered only in low therapeutic doses for a short period of time.

However, it is commonly known that a lot of patients with osteoarthrosis suffer from persistent pain and inflammatory syndrome which require the application of NSAID's. For this category of patients the application of selective COX-2 inhibitors are the most preferable and worthwhile.

Celebrex - a drug for treatment of osteoarthritis

Selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase type 2 do not exert negative effects on cartilage and some of them like Celebrex (Celecoxib) contributes to increase of glycosaminoglycans synthesis as well possess a positive influence on the course of the knee joints osteoasthrosis. 2-years placebo controlled trial proved a high effectiveness of Celebrex in management of pain, stiffness and inflammation. The effects of Celebrex are comparable with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate or their combination. Since cyclooxygenase is involved in the activation of osteoclasts, selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase type 2 belongs to a first line treatment of patients with osteoporosis or with a risk factor for osteoporosis development.

In spite of its advantages, Celebrex may have some negative effects. Like other NSAID medication, Celebrex could increase the chance of having a heart attack or stroke, possibly resulting in death. The risk is greater if you have heart disease or use NSAIDs for a long time. It's important to discuss the risks and benefits of using Celebrex with your doctor and to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time possible.

Although Celebrex is easy on the stomach, it still poses some degree of risk-especially if you've had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding in the past. All NSAIDs, including Celebrex, can cause serious-and even life-threatening-ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines. These side effects can happen without symptoms and may occur at any time during treatment. If you've ever had ulcers or stomach bleeding, make sure the doctor is aware of it. And be sure to alert the doctor if you develop any digestive problems or notice a change in your bowel movement (such as blood in the stool or black, sticky stools).

Celebrex may cause serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (marked by blisters of the mouth, eyes, and skin) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (marked by large patches of red, peeling skin). If you have a skin reaction, you should stop taking this drug and seek medical attention immediately.

Celebrex has been known to cause kidney or liver problems, particularly in people with an existing condition. If you have such a disorder, take Celebrex with caution. If you develop symptoms of liver poisoning stop taking the drug and see your doctor immediately. Warning signs include nausea, fatigue, itching, yellowish skin, pain in the right side of the stomach, and flu-like symptoms.