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Compare Vimovo vs. Celebrex

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

Key takeaways

Naproxen/esomeprazole and Celebrex (celecoxib) are both prescription medications used to treat arthritis, but they have some key differences. Naproxen/esomeprazole is a combination of naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and esomeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). This combination helps relieve pain and swelling while protecting your stomach from ulcers. Celebrex, on the other hand, is a COX-2 selective NSAID that specifically targets the COX-2 enzyme involved in pain and inflammation, which generally results in fewer stomach issues compared to other NSAIDs like naproxen. While naproxen/esomeprazole is taken twice a day, Celebrex can be taken once or twice a day depending on the condition being treated. Naproxen/esomeprazole and Celebrex are available as lower-cost generics. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects, including heart attack and stroke, but naproxen/esomeprazole has additional risks due to its esomeprazole component, such as nutrient imbalances and bone fractures. Naproxen/esomeprazole and Celebrex should be avoided if you have kidney problems.

drug combination

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  • Vimovo (naproxen / esomeprazole)
    Celebrex (celecoxib)
  • Vimovo (naproxen / esomeprazole)
    Celebrex (celecoxib)

  • Summary of Vimovo vs. Celebrex

    Summary for NSAID / PPI
    Prescription only

    Vimovo (naproxen / esomeprazole) is a combination medication for people age 12 years and older who have arthritis. It contains naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves arthritis symptoms like joint pain and swelling. This combination medication also contains the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) esomeprazole to protect against damage to the stomach from naproxen. Vimovo (naproxen / esomeprazole) is a tablet that's taken by mouth twice a day. Side effects can include inflammation of the stomach lining and diarrhea.

    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.

  • Indications of Vimovo vs. Celebrex

    Indications for
    •Treatment of different kinds of arthritis while lowering the risk for stomach ulcers
    •Osteoarthritis (OA) in adults
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults
    •Arthritis in children 12 years and older (juvenile idiopathic arthritis, JIA)
    Indications for
    •Osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
    •Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
    •Sudden pain
    •Menstrual cramps

  • Pros and Cons of Vimovo vs. Celebrex

    Pros and Const for NSAID / PPI
    Pros
    •Works well to relieve pain and swelling from arthritis
    •Helps protect against stomach irritation and ulcers from naproxen without needing to take another pill
    Cons
    •Must take twice a day, each time at least 30 minutes before a meal
    •Has many serious risks from both naproxen and esomeprazole ingredients
    •Less flexible for dose adjustments since it's a fixed combination of two ingredients
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Vimovo vs. Celebrex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, and loss of appetite (gastritis, 17%)
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    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%)

  • Warnings of Vimovo vs. Celebrex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart attack or stroke
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Liver damage
    •High blood pressure, heart failure, and fluid buildup in the body
    •Kidney damage
    •Severe allergic reaction or skin reaction
    •Abnormal nutrient and electrolyte levels
    •Bone fracture
    •Lupus
    •Harm to unborn baby
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Vimovo vs. Celebrex

    Learn more about Vimovo
    Learn more about Celebrex

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