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Compare Celebrex vs. Advil

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Celecoxib (Celebrex) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain and inflammation. Celecoxib causes fewer stomach issues compared to ibuprofen. Celecoxib is available only by prescription, while ibuprofen can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription, depending on the strength. Celecoxib is usually taken once or twice a day, whereas ibuprofen is typically taken every 4 to 8 hours. Both are used to treat various types of arthritis pain and menstrual cramps. But ibuprofen can also used for general pain, fever, and minor aches. Taking these medications can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding, however, celecoxib is considered to have a lower risk of causing stomach ulcers.

  • Celebrex (celecoxib)
    Ibuprofen
  • Celebrex (celecoxib)
    Ibuprofen

  • Summary of Celebrex vs. Advil

    Summary for COX-2 selective NSAID
    Prescription only

    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.

    Summary for NSAID

    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.

  • Indications of Celebrex vs. Advil

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

    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

  • Pros and Cons of Celebrex vs. Advil

    Pros and Const for COX-2 selective NSAID
    Pros
    •Can use for different types of arthritis
    •Fewer stomach side effects compared to some other NSAIDs
    •Safe to take for children 2 years and older with RA
    •Can open capsules and mix contents with applesauce, so it's convenient for people with difficulty swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke
    •Not recommended during second and third trimesters of pregnancy
    •Not recommended for use if you have severe liver disease
    •Might not be safe for people with a sulfa allergy
    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Works well for fever, pain, and swelling
    •Available over the counter and by prescription and as lower-cost generics
    •Available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and an oral liquid
    •Chewable tablets and liquid can be used in children
    Cons
    •Lasts for only about 6 hours, so might need to take multiple doses throughout the day
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    •Has risk of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems
    •Shouldn't take other NSAIDs at the same time because of higher risk for side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Celebrex vs. Advil

    Common Side Effects for

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for

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

    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Heartburn
    •Dizziness
    •Rash

  • Warnings of Celebrex vs. Advil

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Celebrex vs. Advil

    Learn more about Celebrex
    Learn more about Ibuprofen

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