Celecoxib is a generic drug sold under the brand name Celebrex. It is a pain medicine. It treats different types of pain and inflammation. It reduces pain in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. It is effective in painful menstruation, pain in adults. It is helpful in juvenile arthritis in people two years or older. It belongs to class of NSAID drugs and sub group COX-2 inhibitors.

CREDIBILITY:

It treats arthritis and is marketed by Pfizer. It is sold only by prescription in the form of capsule. It was one of the best-selling drug by 2012. As of 2015, the cost for a typical month of medication in US was more than $200. As of 2017, the cost of generic version of Celecoxib was nearly $30. It is in market for over 17 years. Celebrex is approved by FDA. Teva pharmaceutical industries got the permission from FDA to market cheaper generic version of celecoxib capsule in 50, 100, 200, 400 mg On Friday, May 30 2014 ( so the generic is relatively new )

WORKING:

It gives relief from pain and discomfort due to various disease as described above. During inflammation body make prostaglandin that may cause pain. Celecoxib decreases the production of prostaglandin. This reduces the body pain. Thus giving  relief from pain and swelling.

DOSAGES:

It is available in capsule form in the following strength 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg.

It is to swallow along with water or any other liquid. Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach.  Standard dose is as follows;

1. 100 mg – two times every day
2. 200 mg – one time every day
3. 400 mg – as a single dose on the first day and 200 mg two times on the following days. Take it at least five days. Available only on doctor’s prescription.

ADVANTAGES:

1. It is useful for relieving pain in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis.
2. It is effective in case of acute pain in adult musculoskeletal pain.
3. Shows good result in ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile arthritis on people two years or older.
4. It is effective same as ibuprofen in case of pain after surgery.
5. Action is similar to paracetamol
6. It is considered as first line treatment in osteoarthritis
7. Evidences indicate its use in treating a number of psychiatric disorders.
8. It gives comfort in other short term pain and menstruation cramps.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Common side effects include;

1. Nausea
2. Diarrhea
3. Stomach upset
4. Abdominal pain
5. Headache
6. Dizziness
7. Nervousness
8. Skin rashes
9. Stuff nose
10. Some other major side effects may be stomach and intestinal ulcer
11. Chest pain, shortness of breath,
12. Slurred speech,
13. Loss appetite,
14. Dark urine,
15. Jaundice,

But these are rare cases .Call doctor if such major side effects occur.

PRECAUTIONS:

It is necessary to take precaution in certain cases as discussed below

1. It belong to class of NSAID drugs. It can increase your risk of heart attack or other heart disease.
2. Patients with heart surgery should not use it.
3. If you are 65+ you may be at a risk of stomach bleeding, ulcer in the lining of stomach or intestine
4. Avoid taking it if you are an asthmatic patient.
5. Do not take in late pregnancy and during breast feeding
6. Check if patient takes any other NSAID drugs as it can interact with them

Cost of Celecoxib VS Celebrex:

Generic drugs are cheaper than brand named drugs and have the  same effect. They both contain the same active ingredient. Celebrex is costly because it’s a  brand name and was not available as generic form until 2014. It used to cost about $100 to $500 per month. Each pill cost $ 2. Single pill by Cheap drugs in Canada cost $3.30. Quality prescription drugs in USA cost $1.75. While the cost of generic Celecoxib is just $ 0.22 per pill. One can see the gargantuan difference in price – its sky high.

The above information clearly shows how effective is generic Celecoxib as compared to Celebrex . It is as effective and much …much more affordable.