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The Curious Bag
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The prescription medication celecoxib sells under the brand name Celebrex in the United States. Celebrex treats osteoarthritis-related pain and inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis and painful menstruation symptoms.
COX-2 Inhibitor
The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class has a subclass called COX-2 inhibitors. Celebrex falls into this subcategory.
Function
The enzyme cyclooxygenese-2 leads to the production of a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin. Prostaglandin stimulates inflammation and pain response. COX-2 inhibitors block the synthesis of cyclooxygenese-2, thus preventing the actions of prostaglandin.
Other Cox-2 Inhibitors
Celebrex is the only COX-2 inhibitor medication currently available in the United States. The COX-2 inhibitors Vioxx and Bextra were taken off the market in 2004 and 2005, respectively, because they increased the risk of serious cardiovascular incidents such as stroke.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
The Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada have warned that COX-2 inhibitors may not be appropriate for patients at risk for cardiovascular incidents, as these medications may result in heart attack or stroke for such individuals.
Considerations
Celebrex may also cause severe intestinal and stomach problems such as bleeding, ulcerations and perforations.
Source:
University of Maryland Medical Center: Celecoxib: FDA and Health Canada Actions
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