Celebrex, an oral treatment is used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation (swelling and soreness) caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual cramps, and acute short term pains. Celebrex is also used to treat colonic polyps. The active ingredient in Celebrex is called celecoxib. Celebrex is a non-steroidal drug that belongs in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The active ingredient celecoxib blocks the enzyme that creates chemicals called prostaglandins, which cause inflammation, pain, and fever in your body. A lower concentration of prostaglandins reduces inflammation and its accompanying pain, fever, tenderness and swelling. The advantage of Celebrex over other NSAIDs is that for a short-term treatment it causes less inflammation and ulceration of the stomach and intestine. Also, Celebrex does not interfere with the clotting of blood.

Celebrex may cause mild side effects such as headaches, indigestion, diarrhea, sinus inflammation, stomach pain, and nausea. More serious side effects may be bleeding stomach ulcers, liver damage, and kidney problems. Patients over the age of 65 may be more likely to experience side effects. A lower dosage or special monitoring might be required during treatment.

Celebrex is not recommended for people who have had an allergic-type reaction to sulfa medicines, and people who have had asthma, hives or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAID medicines. Patients under the age of 18, and pregnant or breast-feeding women also should not take Celebrex. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, consult your doctor before taking Celebrex.