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Celebrex vs. Ibuprofen

Celecoxib, also known by the brand name Celebrex, is a prescription pain medication that's used to temporarily relieve aches and pains from certain conditions, such as different types of arthritis. Celebrex (celecoxib) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), but it has a lower risk of causing stomach upset than other medications in its drug class, such as naproxen. The dosage for Celebrex (celecoxib) is typically once or twice a day. It's recommended to avoid taking this medication with alcohol since it can raise your risk for stomach bleeding. Other side effects include headache, indigestion, and diarrhea.

• Osteoarthritis (OA)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)
• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
• Sudden pain
• Menstrual cramps

Adults

• Headache (16%)
• Indigestion (9%)
• Upper respiratory infection (8%)
• Diarrhea (6%)
• Sinus infection (congestion, runny nose; 5%)
• Belly pain (4%)

Children

• Headache (13%)
• Fever (8%)
• Belly pain (4-8%)
• Cough (7%)
• Nausea (7%)
• Diarrhea (5%)
• Common cold (stuffy nose, sneezing; 5%)

• Heart attack and stroke
• Stomach bleeding and ulcers
• Liver problems
• High blood pressure and heart failure
• Kidney damage and high potassium levels
• Severe allergic reactions
• Severe asthma attack
• Harm to unborn babies

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's used to temporarily relieve fever, pains, and aches in adults and children. In general, ibuprofen is taken by mouth every 4 to 8 hours, though the dosage depends on your age, weight, and other medical problems. Ibuprofen side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, but taking it with food might help prevent these side effects. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, depending on the strength you need.

Over-the-counter ibuprofen:

• Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps
• Fever

Prescription ibuprofen:

• Mild-to-moderate pain
• Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA)
• Pain from menstrual cramps

The following side effects were reported in up to 9% of people in clinical studies.

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Heartburn
• Dizziness
• Rash

• Stomach bleeding and ulcers
• Heart attack and stroke
• High blood pressure and heart failure
• Kidney damage
• Liver problems
• Severe allergic reactions
• Harm to unborn babies
• Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only