Although Celebrex (celecoxib) is no longer marketed on television or in magazines, this selective anti-inflammatory medication is commonly prescribed and very useful for certain individuals. Knowing the answers to these frequently asked question about Celebrex may help you decide to talk to your doctor about whether it is right for you.
What is Celebrex?This anti-inflammatory medication is part of a special family of medications that specifically target a certain enzyme (cyclooxygenase-2) in the chemical cascade that triggers inflammation. Thus, it is considered aCOX-2 inhibitorbecause it blocks this enzyme for working and producing an avalanche of inflammation. The benefit of the selective action of a COX-2 inhibitor like Celebrex is that it avoids stimulating other enzymes that trigger stomach acid production or enzymes that interfere with blood clotting.
Is it safe?In 2005, a whirlwind of controversy surrounded the COX-2 inhibitorsbecause sister drugs rofecoxib (Vioxx) and Valdecoxib (Bextra) came under fire for increasing cardiovascular risk. In fact, both Vioxx and Bextra were removed from the market. Many people mourned the loss of these medications because they were greatly improving their quality of life. But at what cost?? The biggest risk was to those with known heart disease and/or taking the medications for longer than one year. Because Celebrex seems to generate less risk, it remained on the market and is safely used by certain people in order to relieve pain. In fact, all anti-inflammatory medications increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart attack but that result is seen in less than one percent of users. When select for the right individual, the benefits often outweigh the risks.
Who should consider using Celebrex?Celebrex is best considered in two different scenarios: stomach irritation with traditional anti-inflammatory medications and around the time of surgeries. Because Celebrex is selective and does not increase stomach acid production like other traditional NSAID’s , anyone that cannot tolerate the older anti-inflammatory medications due to stomach irritation should consider Celebrex if pain and inflammation relief is needed. The second set of individuals that should consider a COX-2 inhibitor like Celebrex is anyone that will be having a surgery. COX-2 anti-inflammatory medications used before and after surgery have been proven to improve pain relief, reduce opioid use, and improve outcomes. Anyone scheduled for surgery, including total knee replacements, total hip replacements and even general surgeries, should consider using Celebrex (1) (2). Unlike traditional anti-inflammatory medications, the COX-2 inhibitor medications are safe to use before and after surgery because they do not increase blood loss.
How can I get my insurance to pay for Celebrex?保险公司往往时期需要事先授权之前，他们将用于支付西乐葆。它比传统的NSAID如布洛芬更贵。但是因为它打乱他们的胃或他们有手术有些人不能采取布洛芬。保险公司将支付这种药物如果传统NSAID的都试过了，如果这个人有肠胃不适的病史，或有可能，如果一个人接受手术。一旦这些标准的一个被满足，这种药物应该由保险公司支付。
Thankfully Celebrex survived the attacks on COX-2 inhibitors years ago. It has proven to be a very valuable tool in the pain relief toolbox because it produces fewer side effects and is effective at improving quality of life.
Reference:
(1) Carmichael, NM, Katz, J, et. al;An Intensive Perioperative Regimen of Pregabalin and Celecoxib Reduces Pain and Improves Physical Function Scores Six Weeks After Total Hip Arthroplasty;Pain Research and Management; 2013, May/June18(3):127-32
(2)朱,Y, Wang年代;Effect of Perioperative Parecoxib on Postoperative Pain and Local Inflammation Factors PGE-2 and IL-6 for Total Knee Arthroplasty;欧洲杂志of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology; 2014, April, 24(3):395-401
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