Cyclooxygenase-2 or COX-2 Inhibitors Contributions by sshowalter

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Drinking alcoholic beverages or taking NSAIDs while you are using a COX-2 inhibitor can increase your risk of side effects.

Possible side effects include:

• Liver inflammation
• Confusion
• Severe allergic reaction ( hives, difficulty breathing, swelling around the eyes)
• Stomach upset
• Heart attack
• Stroke

COX-2 inhibitors work in a way similar to NSAIDs, helping to decrease inflammation, swelling, and joint pain. In addition, they have the benefit of causing less stomach irritation. In particular, COX-2 inhibitors cause far fewer stomach ulcers than do NSAIDs.

Most commonly prescribed COX-2 Inhibitors for Osteoarthritis:

• Celecoxib (Celebrex)
• Meloxicam (Mobic)