FDA Approves GD Searle's Celebrex

Celebrex is prescribed for acute pain, menstrual cramps, and the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (rheumatoid arthritis of the spine), and rheumatoid arthritis.

It is a member of a new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) called COX-2 inhibitors. Like older NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, Celebrex is believed to fight pain and inflammation by inhibiting the effect of a natural enzyme called COX-2. Unlike the older medications, however, it does not interfere with a similar substance, called COX-1, which exerts a protective effect on the lining of the stomach. Therefore, Celebrex may be less likely to cause the bleeding and ulcers that sometimes accompany sustained use of the older NSAIDs.

On December 1, 1998, the FDA advisory panel unanimously recommended the approval of Celebrex for the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Celebrex, generically known as celecoxib, is manufactured by Searle. Celebrex (celecoxib) is the first medication in a class of new arthritis drugs called COX-2 selective inhibitors seeking FDA approval.

In 1990 scientists revealed that there are two types of COX (cyclo-oxygenase), the enzyme involved in the inflammatory process. COX-2 is associated with inflammation while COX-1 is involved with protecting the stomach lining.

This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), specifically a COX-2 inhibitor, which relieves pain and swelling (inflammation). It is used to treat arthritis, acute pain, and menstrual pain and discomfort. The pain and swelling relief provided by this medication helps you perform more of your normal daily activities. Celecoxib is also used to decrease growths found in the intestines (colon polyps) of persons with a family history of this condition.
This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.

Celebrex is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain.

Celebrex is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and menstrual pain. It is also used in the treatment of hereditary polyps in the colon.