Common Questions About Arthritis

The Side Effects of Celebrex

Question: Recently, I've been treated for having a significant amount of fluid on my left knee. Since there was no trauma, my doctor suspected gout arthritis, but the crystal slide came back negative. My doctor prescribed rest plus Celebrex for inflammation. I am somewhat concerned about side effects, as the medication appears to be pretty rough on the insides. I am also concerned about the long term effects of medications taken on a daily basis. What can I do to minimize pain and swelling to legs and knees?

Answer: Celebrex is one of the newer additions to a group of medications that have been on the market for many years: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). These drugs do not contain steroids, and they work to reduce both pain and inflammation. Many types of arthritis, such as common osteoarthritis, frequently only require pain relief. Other types of arthritis, such as gout, have a lot of inflammation as well as pain and require an anti-inflammatory medication.

Celebrex and other COX-2 inhibitors (a class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) work through a slightly different chemical pathway than do the older NSAIDS. This group of medications holds a lot of promise for certain groups of patients with significant inflammatory conditions who have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding. Studies have shown a lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when the COX-2 inhibitors are used on a chronic basis (up to six months) to treat the types of arthritis requiring treatment with a long-term anti-inflammatory.

The COX-2 inhibitors can still cause gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as stomach upset, swelling of the ankles, and other side effects--they need to be used under the care of a physician for specific conditions.

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