What substitutes for Celebrex

for osteoarthritis pain

Ibuprofen (Motrin) or Naprosyn (Aleve).

Ibuprofin, naprosyn and celebrex are all NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). They reduce the inflammation of arthritis, which in turn reduces the pain. They are not, in themselves, pain relievers (analgesics). However, as I have stated, the reduction of inflammation helps to ease the pain.

Celebrex is special in that it is a cox-2 inhibitor. In short, all this means is that it is less likely to cause stomach irritation and ulcers. I take huge amounts of ibuprofen (3200 mgs daily) for my arthritis, and I take ranitidine once daily to help reduce stomach irritation.

Analgesics such as aspirin and aceteminophen (Tylenol) do nothing for inflammation. They are strictly for relieving pain. In some instances, they can be combined with NSAIDS to help relieve pain. However, it is vital that you talk to your doctor before doing this. Many prescription pain relievers are Tylenol-based without you knowing it, and the possibility of an overdose is very real. Your doctor will advise you on what drugs you can combine safely.

Talk to your doctor about the possibility of substituting ibuprofen or naprosyn for the celebrex. Ask him for something to relieve stomach upset also, or take these meds with food.

My mother has been on celebrex for years, just recently switching to 600 mgs ibuprofen 3x daily. She finds that this works better for her than the celebrex because she had built up a tolerance to it.