NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are a type of medicine. Some pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or narcotics, just treat pain. NSAIDs relieve the pain, stiffness, and inflammation of arthritis. NSAIDs are available over the counter and by prescription.

Understanding the risks and benefits of NSAIDs is important. All NSAIDs help relieve arthritis pain, but only you and your doctor can decide which one is right.

Here are some examples of prescription NSAIDs that are used to treat arthritis pain:

• CELEBREX
• Ibuprofen
• Meloxicam
• Naproxen

NSAID Benefits and Risks
It is important to know that there are risks with all medicines, including some of the most common prescription NSAIDs: CELEBREX, naproxen, meloxicam, and ibuprofen. In fact, the FDA requires all prescription NSAID pain relievers, including CELEBREX, to have the same cardiovascular warning. They may all increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This chance increases:

• If you have heart disease or risk factors for it, such as high blood pressure
• When NSAIDs are taken for long periods

CELEBREX should not be used right before or after certain heart surgeries.

All prescription NSAIDs, including CELEBREX, also increase the chance of serious skin reactions or stomach and intestine problems such as bleeding and ulcers, which can occur without warning and may cause death.

Understanding the risks and benefits of different NSAIDs is important. All NSAIDs, including CELEBREX, help relieve arthritis pain, but only you and your doctor can decide which one is right for you. An NSAID like CELEBREX might be a good arthritis treatment option. Your doctor will work with you to find the best arthritis treatment plan.

Important Safety Information:

Like all prescription NSAIDs, CELEBREX may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. It should not be used right before or after certain heart surgeries.

Serious skin reactions or stomach and intestine problems, such as bleeding and ulcers, can occur without warning and may cause death.

Patients taking aspirin and the elderly are at increased risk for stomach bleeding and ulcers.

Tell your doctor if you:
* Are pregnant
* Have a history of ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines
* Have high blood pressure or heart failure
* Have kidney or liver problems

People with aspirin-sensitive asthma or allergic reactions due to aspirin or other arthritis medicines or certain drugs called sulfonamides should not take CELEBREX.

Prescription CELEBREX should be used exactly as prescribed at the lowest dose possible and for the shortest time needed.

For more information about CELEBREX and other NSAIDs, please see the Medication Guide.
For further information on CELEBREX, please see the full Prescribing Information.