Celebrex vs. Ibuprofen: Which Is Better?
Key takeaways:
Celebrex (celecoxib) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Both medications are effective at treating certain types of pain.
Celebrex and ibuprofen can both cause side effects like kidney damage and stomach ulcers or bleeding. Celebrex tends to have a lower risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding than ibuprofen.
Celebrex and ibuprofen are both available as brand-name and generic medications. But you can also find ibuprofen available over the counter. GoodRx can help make your prescription more affordable.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for the treatment of acute pain and chronic inflammatory joint conditions. But long-term use of these pain relievers may cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, such as stomach ulcers or bleeding.
Celebrex (celecoxib) is an NSAID that tends to cause fewer GI side effects compared to more commonly used NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). However, it’s only available with a prescription. On the flip side, ibuprofen is available over the counter (OTC) and as a prescription. So is Celebrex better than ibuprofen? Not necessarily. Let’s take a look.
Which is better for pain?
Celebrex and ibuprofen have been compared in numerous studies for specific types of pain. Results indicate that both medications tend to be similarly effective for many types of pain. Studies of people with ankle sprains, pain after surgery, and pain from knee osteoarthritis showed that both medications work about the same for pain control.
What about the heart?
Long-term use of NSAIDs can increase your risk of stroke and heart attacks. But the risk depends on which NSAID you take. Studies show that Celebrex has a higher risk of heart attacks than ibuprofen. The American Heart Association suggests Celebrex be used at the lowest dose possible for the shortest amount of time necessary.
What about gastrointestinal bleeding?
The use of any NSAID has been associated with an increase in the risk of stomach irritation, ulcers, or bleeding. However, Celebrex is associated with a lower risk of ulcers and bleeding, as well as fewer GI complications, than many other NSAIDs. Generally, you should take the lowest effective dose of any NSAIDs for the shortest time possible to lower the risk of GI bleeding or ulcers.
What about the kidneys?
NSAIDs can be hard on the kidneys. But Celebrex is thought to be safer for the kidneys than ibuprofen. In one study, serum creatinine was found to be significantly increased in people treated with ibuprofen compared to Celebrex. Higher serum creatinine can mean something is wrong with your kidneys. But your healthcare provider may still suggest avoiding all NSAIDs, including Celebrex, if you have a history of kidney problems.
What about the liver?
Neither Celebrex or ibuprofen are considered to be hard on the liver. NSAIDs rarely cause liver damage for people without liver problems. But they’re not always recommended for people with liver disease. You should check with your healthcare provider before taking NSAIDs if you have a history of liver problems.
Can you get ibuprofen and Celebrex over the counter?
As mentioned earlier, ibuprofen is readily available OTC. You can purchase up to 200 mg tablets without a prescription. Higher dosages can be prescribed by your healthcare provider if needed. Celebrex and its generic version are only available with a prescription.
How to save on Celebrex and ibuprofen
Celebrex and ibuprofen are available as brand-name medications. But you can also find them as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you navigate the many ways to save on your prescription.
Save with GoodRx. GoodRx can help you save over 70% off the average retail price of the generic versions of Celebrex and ibuprofen. Generic Celebrex’s price at certain pharmacies is less than $11 with a free GoodRx discount. Generic ibuprofen’s price at certain pharmacies is less than $9 with a free GoodRx discount.
Save with patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Celebrex’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication at no charge.
Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance and meet eligibility requirements, brand-name Celebrex’s price is as little as $4 if you use the manufacturer’s savings card.
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What are the standard dosages?
For Celebrex, the standard dosage is based on the available prescription strengths. For ibuprofen, the standard dosage is different between the prescription and OTC versions.
Celebrex
Celebrex is available in the following capsule doses:
50 mg
100 mg
200 mg
400 mg
The usual instructions are to take 1 capsule by mouth once or twice a day. But the dose prescribed depends on the condition being treated.
OTC ibuprofen
The most commonly taken form of OTC ibuprofen is 200 mg tablets or capsules. The recommended dosage for adults and children ages 12 and older is 1 to 2 tablets (200 mg to 400 mg) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed. You shouldn’t take more than 1,200 mg per day.
OTC ibuprofen is also available as an oral liquid for children. Children’s ibuprofen dosages depend on your child’s body weight. The recommended dosage can be found on the medication’s packaging. But you should always confirm the dosage with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before giving it, especially for kids younger than 6 months old.
Prescription-strength ibuprofen
Prescription ibuprofen is available as 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg tablets. It’s usually dosed as 1 tablet by mouth 3 or 4 times a day as needed. The maximum recommended dose is 3,200 mg per day. But you should never take more than what’s been prescribed for you.
How long is typical treatment?
Celebrex and ibuprofen, like all NSAIDs, can vary in how long they are taken. You might take NSAIDs short-term for mild pain for as little as 1 to 2 days, or even as a single dose. Or a healthcare provider may prescribe NSAIDs long-term for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Always check with your healthcare provider about how long you should take NSAIDs. They’ll weigh the risks and benefits of these medications for you. In some cases, they may recommend avoiding NSAIDs for your safety.
The bottom line
Both Celebrex and ibuprofen have their pros and cons. But the medication you use will depend on your particular situation. NSAIDs like Celebrex and ibuprofen are effective for treating many types of pain. But they can also have serious side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about which medication is right for you.
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References
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