Understanding How Pain Medicines Work

There are many different types of pain medicines. Some only relieve pain. Some treat both pain and swelling. Here's a closer look at what you should know about some popular pain medicines.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) relieves pain and fever, but not swelling. Therefore it is often used to treat headaches or sinus pain. It is unclear exactly how acetaminophen works. It can be bought without a prescription, but that does not mean it's risk-free. It can cause serious damage to the liver at higher than recommended doses.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or "NSAIDs" are another type of pain medicine. For some NSAIDs you must have a prescription, but others you can buy over-the-counter. NSAIDs treat both pain and swelling.
NSAIDs work by blocking an enzyme called COX. There are two forms of the COX enzyme in the body:
• COX-1, which is found in the body and is important for protecting the stomach lining
• COX-2, which is made when joints are damaged and may cause some of the pain and swelling of arthritis
Non-selective NSAIDs act on both forms of the COX enzyme. Naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil), and aspirin are all examples of NSAIDs that block both types of enzymes.
There are other types of NSAIDs called COX-2 specific inhibitors. They target the COX-2 enzyme, but not the COX-1. CELEBREX® (celecoxib capsules) is an example of a COX-2 specific inhibitor.
Finding the right pain reliever is important. That's why people should talk to their doctors to find out the treatment that will work best for them.
Your doctor is the best source of information about the benefits and risks of different treatment options. Be sure to discuss all the medicines you are taking so that your doctor can recommend what is right for you based on your medical needs.
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Finding the right pain reliever is important. Talk to your doctor to find out which pain reliever is right for you.
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Important Information: CELEBREX, like all prescription NSAIDs, 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.