What is the Difference Between Celecoxib and Ibuprofen?

Celecoxib and ibuprofen are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to reduce fever, relieve pain, and alleviate swelling and tenderness caused by arthritis and menstrual cramps. However, there are some differences between the two:

1. Availability: Celecoxib is available only with a prescription, while ibuprofen is available both over the counter (OTC) and as a prescription.
2. Gastrointestinal side effects: Celecoxib tends to cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to ibuprofen. This is because celecoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor, which means it only blocks the COX-2 enzyme, while ibuprofen blocks both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Blocking COX-1 can lead to gastrointestinal side effects, whereas blocking COX-2 has a lower risk of causing these issues.
3. Dosage: The standard dosage for celecoxib is 200 mg once daily, while the standard dosage for ibuprofen is 800 mg three times daily.
4. Cost: The out-of-pocket price for 30 capsules of 200 mg celecoxib is approximately $217.49, but it can be obtained for $105-145 with a SingleCare coupon. On the other hand, the retail price for 30 tablets of 800 mg ibuprofen costs anywhere from $6-30, and with a SingleCare coupon, the cost for ibuprofen is $4-8.
5. Effectiveness: Celecoxib and ibuprofen have been found to be equally effective in treating patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

In summary, celecoxib and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs used to treat pain and inflammation, but they have different availability, gastrointestinal side effect profiles, dosages, and costs. Both medications are effective in treating osteoarthritis, but celecoxib may be more suitable for those who experience gastrointestinal side effects with ibuprofen.

Comparative Table: Celecoxib vs Ibuprofen

Celecoxib and ibuprofen are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain and inflammation. Here is a table comparing their differences:

Both celecoxib and ibuprofen are effective in treating pain and inflammation, but they have some differences in side effects and cost-effectiveness. Celecoxib has been found to be more cost-effective for long-term treatment of osteoarthritis in some regions, while ibuprofen may not be as cost-effective. Additionally, celecoxib has a lower incidence of gastric irritation and pain compared to ibuprofen. However, both drugs are effective in treating symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.