Understanding Arthritis

If you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis, you're not alone. More than 46 million adults in the United States have reported being diagnosed by their doctor with some form of arthritis.

So what exactly is arthritis? Arthritis means "joint inflammation" and is common in adults 65 and older, but it affects people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups.

The two most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), both of which are more commonly found in women than in men.

CELEBREX is indicated for both forms of arthritis. Learn how CELEBREX could provide relief for you.

Arthritis Quiz — How well do you know arthritis?

Learn more about arthritis with this informative quiz.

Arthritis: A Quick Overview

The word "arthritis" is used to describe more than 100 different diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround joints, and other connective tissue. The locations, types, and severity of symptoms can vary depending on the specific type of arthritis.
Unlike muscle pain, arthritis pain is primarily felt in and around joints. Symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and a decreased range of motion.

Living with Arthritis

Climbing the stairs. Getting out of the car. Putting on socks. Sometimes arthritis pain can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Gradually, these difficulties can make you feel like doing less in your day-to-day activities, even though studies show that staying active can help ease arthritis pain.

That's why it's so important to talk to your doctor if you start to notice signs or symptoms of arthritis, such as joint pain or stiffness. Your doctor can diagnose your arthritis and help you create a treatment plan to help minimize the impact that arthritis pain has on your daily activities. He or she may also recommend other steps that you can take to manage arthritis that may include diet, exercise, or alternative therapies in addition to medication. Find out more about
Partnering with Your Doctor.

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 have bleeding in the stomach or intestine, or 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: February 21, 2013
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