Celecoxib

O que é Celecoxib?

Celecoxib is a receita médica non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that selectively inhibits the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is responsible for producing prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation. It is approved by the Agência Europeia de Medicamentos (EMA) for the tratamento of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and acute pain in adults.

Como funciona Celecoxib work?

Unlike traditional NSAIDs that inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, Celecoxib selectively targets only COX-2. This distinction is clinically significant:

• Targeted anti-inflammatory action: By blocking COX-2, Celecoxib reduces the production of prostaglandins at sites of inflammation, thereby decreasing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
• Preserved gastric protection: COX-1 plays a protective role in maintaining the stomach lining. Because Celecoxib largely spares COX-1, it is associated with a lower incidence of gastrointestinal ulcers compared to non-selective NSAIDs.
• Fever reduction: Celecoxib also inhibits the prostaglandins responsible for fever, providing antipyretic effects.
• No antiplatelet effect: Unlike aspirin and non-selective NSAIDs, Celecoxib does not significantly inhibit platelet aggregation at therapeutic doses, which is relevant for pacientes on anticoagulation therapy.

The onset of analgesic effect typically occurs within one to two hours of taking the first dose, with anti-inflammatory benefits developing over several days of regular use.

Para quem é Celecoxib for?

Celecoxib is indicated for adults experiencing pain and inflammation associated with:

• Osteoarthritis: Joint degeneration causing pain and stiffness, most commonly in the knees, hips, and hands.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition causing chronic joint inflammation.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: Inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints.
• Acute pain: Post-operative or injury-related pain in adults.

Celecoxib is particularly considered for pacientes who require NSAID therapy but have a history of gastrointestinal intolerance to non-selective NSAIDs. It is not appropriate for pacientes with significant cardiovascular disease, severe heart failure, known sulfonamide hypersensitivity, or severe hepatic impairment. A full medical assessment is required before any receita médica is issued.

Dosagem

Celecoxib is taken orally as cápsulas. The recommended dosing schedule, per EMA-approved prescribing guidance, varies by indication:

Indication	Recommended Dose	Maximum Daily Dose
Osteoarthritis	200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily	200 mg/day
Rheumatoid arthritis	100–200 mg twice daily	400 mg/day
Ankylosing spondylitis	200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily	400 mg/day
Acute pain	400 mg initially, then 200 mg if needed	400 mg on day 1

Celecoxib should be taken at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms. It can be taken with or without food. Patients should not exceed the recommended dose without guidance from their prescribing médico.

Efeitos secundários

As with all medicamentos, Celecoxib may cause efeito secundários. Not everyone experiences them, and many are mild and transient.

Efeitos secundários comuns (podem afetar até 1 em 10 pessoas)

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhoea
• Indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Abdominal pain
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Peripheral oedema (swelling of the ankles or feet)

Menos comuns but serious efeito secundários

• Cardiovascular events: NSAIDs, including COX-2 selective inhibitors, are associated with a small increased risk of heart attack and stroke with prolonged use, particularly at higher doses. Patients with established cardiovascular disease or risk factors should discuss this with their médico.
• Serious gastrointestinal events: Although less common than with non-selective NSAIDs, ulcers, perforation, and gastrointestinal bleeding can still occur. Seek medical attention for any signs of GI bleeding, including dark or tarry stools.
• Hepatic reactions: Rare cases of serious liver reactions have been reported. Report any signs of jaundice or abnormal liver function promptly.
• Severe allergic reactions: Including anaphylaxis. Patients with a known sulfonamide allergy are at increased risk and should not take Celecoxib.
• Renal impairment: NSAIDs can reduce renal blood flow and precipitate acute kidney injury, particularly in elderly pacientes or those with pre-existing kidney disease.

This is not a complete list of efeito secundários. Refer to the EMA-approved Summary of Product Characteristics for full prescribing information.

Como obter Celecoxib online na Europa

Celecoxib is a medicamento sujeito a receita médica (POM) across all estados-membros da UE and cannot be legally dispensed without a valid receita médica from a licensed medical professional.

Prescrivia operates as a technology intermediary platform: we do not prescribe medicamentos, employ médicos, or sell medicamentos. Our platform connects pacientes with independent EU-registered médicos who can conduct confidential online health assessments.

The process works as follows:

1. Complete uma avaliação de saúde: Answer a structured set of health questions covering your medical history, current medications, and pain management needs. This information is reviewed by an independent médico.
2. Avaliação médica: An independent EU-registered médico reviews your assessment. If Celecoxib is clinically appropriate for your circumstances, they may issue a receita médica. If it is not appropriate, the médico will advise accordingly.
3. Receita e dispensa: If a receita médica is issued, it is forwarded to a licensed EU farmácia partner, which dispenses and ships the medicamento directly to you.

Important: A Prescrivia não garante that a receita médica will be issued. All prescribing decisions are made independently by qualified medical professionals based on your individual clinical circumstances.

Informação de segurança importante

Não utilize Celecoxib if you:

• Have a known allergy to sulfonamides or any ingredient in Celecoxib
• Have experienced asthma, urticaria, or allergic reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs
• Have active peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Have severe heart failure, severe hepatic impairment, or severe renal impairment
• Are in the third trimester of pregnancy or breastfeeding

Informe o seu médico before starting Celecoxib if you have:

• A history of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or elevated cholesterol
• A history of gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding
• Kidney or liver disease
• Fluid retention or heart failure
• A history of asthma

Interações medicamentosas: Celecoxib may interact with warfarin and other anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, lithium, and certain antifungal medications (fluconazole increases Celecoxib plasma levels significantly). Always disclose all current medications to your médico during the assessment.

Celecoxib is not appropriate for long-term use without regular medical review. The lowest effective dose should be utilizado para the shortest possible duration.

Fontes

Medical information on this page is based on the following sources:

• Agência Europeia de Medicamentos (EMA). Celecoxib — Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: ema.europa.eu
• Agência Europeia de Medicamentos (EMA). Assessment report for Celecoxib-containing medicamentos.
• Organização Mundial da Saúde (WHO). Model List of Essential Medicines. who.int
• Fitzgerald GA, Patrono C. The Coxibs, Selective Inhibitors of Cyclooxygenase-2. N Engl J Med. 2001;345:433-442.

This content is reviewed periodically to reflect updated clinical guidance. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice relevant to your individual health circumstances.