Celecoxib: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Celecoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to manage the pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis. It helps reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms, and requires a prescription in the United Kingdom. Celecoxib is also sold as Celebrex, and generic versions have been available since 2014-05-30, giving patients access to the medicine under its generic name.

Celecoxib is indicated for managing the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also indicated for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in patients aged 2 years and older, and for the signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.

Other listed uses are the management of acute pain in adults and primary dysmenorrhoea, meaning period pain. These indications concern relief of symptoms and management of pain rather than removal of the underlying condition.

The label lists oral capsules in strengths of 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg and 400 mg, oral liquid at 120 mg/4.8 mL, and oral suspension at 10 mg/mL. The label lists 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily for osteoarthritis. The label lists 100 mg to 200 mg twice daily for rheumatoid arthritis.

The label lists 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily for ankylosing spondylitis, with a possible trial of 400 mg daily if there is no effect after 6 weeks. The label lists 400 mg initially for acute pain and primary dysmenorrhoea, followed by 200 mg if needed on the first day, then 200 mg twice daily as needed on subsequent days.

Children's capsule dosing is weight-based, and special dosing considerations apply to moderate liver impairment and poor metabolism of the medicine. The prescribing information emphasises the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals.

Celecoxib belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug class. These medicines reduce the production of prostaglandins, chemical messengers involved in pain and inflammation, by blocking enzymes called cyclooxygenases. Celecoxib mainly blocks the cyclooxygenase enzyme associated with inflammation.

Reducing these messengers can help relieve pain and inflammatory symptoms. Prostaglandins also have protective roles in the body, including supporting kidney function, which helps explain why this class can cause unwanted effects as well as symptom relief.

Celecoxib can affect the unborn baby's kidneys, reducing the fluid surrounding the baby, and can cause premature closure of a fetal blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus. The label limits dose and duration between about 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy and advises avoiding use at about 30 weeks and later.

Evidence about other risks earlier in pregnancy is inconclusive. Breastfeeding information is not specified in the label here; discuss breastfeeding with a doctor or pharmacist.

A missed dose may leave pain or inflammation less well controlled. General pharmacy advice is to resume the prescribed schedule rather than double a dose to make up for one missed. If the timing is unclear, a pharmacist can advise based on the prescription and whether celecoxib is prescribed regularly or as needed.

The capsule label specifies storage at 25°C (77°F), with excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Follow the storage directions on the individual product packaging to maintain quality.