Celebrex (celecoxib) is the only COX-2 selective NSAID currently on the market in the United States. COX-2 selective NSAIDs are considered less likely to cause stomach problems than traditional NSAIDs -- popular medications used to treat arthritis. However, all NSAIDs have risk of high blood pressure, kidney problems, fluid retention, and heart risks.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 1.9% were written for Celebrex -- making it the eighth most commonly prescribed arthritis drug.
