Celebrex, celecoxib, is a medication that helps manage psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Celebrex is supposed to relieve symptoms including:
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Joint pain
Celebrex is a COX-2 inhibitor, which is a type of NSAID. It’s less likely to upset your stomach, but it’s more expensive and similar to NSAIDs for relieving pain. COX-2 inhibitors are good to try if you have psoriatic arthritis. It’s a different treatment option that may work.
The recommended dosage is between 200 mg to 400 mg per day. Your doctor will tell you the best dosage for you. You’re recommended to take the pills at the same time every day. You can take this medication with or without food. This drug is also used for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
While this medication doesn’t cure arthritis, it does help relieve pain while you’re taking it. Celebrex works differently than common NSAIDs and is less likely to upset your stomach or cause ulcers.
Side effects of Celebrex include:
- Upset stomach
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
You’re more likely to have stomach problems with this medication if you’re also drinking alcohol while on it.
Celecoxib is safer than corticosteroids. Studies have shown that this NSAID could be safer to use for your body than ibuprofen and naproxen.
Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in taking Celebrex. Your doctor may recommend you try it if common NSAIDs are causing you problems.
Psoriatic arthritis can be a very painful condition that you spend a lot of time trying to overcome. If your condition is more severe than what NSAIDs can handle, your doctor may prescribe you corticosteroids. Steroids are not an ideal option, as they have quite a few side effects that may be more harmful than the condition itself. That's why most doctors want to stick to a low-dosage, lower-stakes treatment plan to help curb your psoriatic arthritis symptoms.
