Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in the U.S. Approximately 27 million adults have reported being diagnosed with OA by their doctor. While the cause of OA is unknown, it occurs when cartilage in joints breaks down over time. Often called “wear and tear” arthritis, OA is most commonly found in the knees, hips, hands, or spine, though it can occur in any joint.

Quick facts about OA

One in 2 people in the U.S. will experience some form of OA in their lifetime.
OA is much more common in women than men.
OA accounts for more than 50% of arthritis cases in the U.S. (nearly 27 million of the 46 million adults who have reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis).

Symptoms of OA

The most noticeable symptom of OA is a feeling of pain in or around the joint. Other symptoms include:

Tenderness and stiffness in the joint
Loss of flexibility or range of motion
Grating sensation or sound in the joint, also known as crepitus

You might notice some of these feelings or sounds even when performing everyday activities like climbing stairs, getting dressed, or going shopping. If you do, talk to your doctor about it. Go to Partnering with Your Doctor, where you'll find helpful information about talking to your doctor.

Illustration of osteoarthritis of a knee joint

Causes of OA

While the causes of OA are still unknown, the risk of developing OA increases as you get older. You are also at risk if you:

Have someone in your family who has OA
Are overweight
Repetitively overuse a joint
Have previously injured a joint

Treatment of OA

While there's no way to reverse the cartilage loss of OA, there are many ways to treat the pain. You may be able to manage OA pain effectively with an integrated treatment approach that includes positive lifestyle changes and anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs.

Just one 200mg CELEBREX a day can provide 24-hour relief for many with arthritis pain and inflammation.* Learn more about CELEBREX.

*Individual results may vary. This dosing is for osteoarthritis.

Understanding Osteoarthritis

For illustrative purposes only.

Rheumatoid arthritis can be felt in and around any of the joints in your body. In this example, white blood cells attack the joint, which results in swelling of the connective tissue that lubricates the cavities of joints — the synovial membrane. This swelling releases proteins that thicken the joint and causes pain. These proteins can also erode the cartilage and bones in the joint as well as the ligaments that surround it.

Indications:

CELEBREX is indicated for the relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, and for the management of acute pain in adults.

Important Safety Information:

All prescription NSAIDs, like CELEBREX, ibuprofen, naproxen, and meloxicam have the same cardiovascular warning. They may all increase the chance of 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 or when NSAIDs are taken for long periods.

CELEBREX 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 have:
* A history of ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines
* High blood pressure or heart failure
* Kidney or liver problems

CELEBREX should not be taken in late pregnancy.

Do not take CELEBREX if you’ve had an asthma attack, hives, or other allergic reactions to aspirin, any other NSAID medicine or certain drugs called sulfonamides.

Life threatening allergic reactions can occur with CELEBREX. Get help right away if you’ve had swelling of the face or throat or trouble breathing.

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.

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The product information provided in this site is intended for residents of the United States.
The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

Last Updated: December 20, 2011
CSP00928/410811-01