Celecoxib

Celecoxib, sold under the brand name Celebrex among others, is a COX-2 inhibitor and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to treat the pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, acute pain in adults, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, painful menstruation, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be used to decrease the risk of colorectal adenomas in people with familial adenomatous polyposis. It is taken by mouth. Benefits are typically seen within an hour. Common side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Serious side effects may include heart attacks, strokes, gastrointestinal perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney failure, and anaphylaxis. Use is not recommended in people at high risk for heart disease. The risks are similar to other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Use in the later part of pregnancy or during breastfeeding is not recommended. Celecoxib has demonstrated adjunctive benefits in major depression and efficacy in reducing polyp recurrence in familial adenomatous polyposis, while also being investigated for broader psychiatric, anticancer, and chemopreventive applications. Celecoxib was patented in 1993 and came into medical use in 1999. It is available as a generic medication. In 2023, it was the 111th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 6 million prescriptions.