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The Curious Bag
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The prescription medication celecoxib is marketed as Celebrex in the United States. Use caution when taking Celebrex along with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or the antifungal fluconazole, which can double the concentration of Celebrex in the bloodstream.
Celebrex Uses
Celebrex treats inflammation and pain related to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Celebrex also treats dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation.
Medicinal Class
The medicinal class NSAIDs has a subclass called COX-2 inhibitors, to which Celebrex belongs.
Function
COX-2 inhibitors prevent the synthesis of the enzyme cyclooxygenese-2, which is a precursor to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin. Prostaglandin creates inflammation and pain responses in the body. Blocking the enzyme prohibits its creation, thus easing inflammation and pain.
Cardiovascular Risks
COX-2 inhibitors Vioxx and Bextra were pulled from the market because of their risk of causing adverse cardiac reactions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada warn patients at risk for cardiovascular events to use Celebrex cautiously.
Benefits
Traditional NSAIDs block both the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. But the body needs the COX-1 enzyme to help protect the stomach from ulcers and perforations. COX-2 inhibitors don't affect COX-1 and thus have less risk than traditional NSAIDs of causing stomach and intestinal problems.
Source:
University of Maryland Medical Center: Celecoxib: FDA and Health Canada Actions
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