Updated June 09, 2015.

This article is part of the Arthritis Archives.

Editor note: On 09/30/2004, Merck the maker of Vioxx, issued a worldwide recall, halting sales of the drug. On 04/07/2005, Following scrutiny of the class of arthritis drugs known as NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors, the FDA announced planned regulatory actions. See: Questions & Answers: FDA Actions On COX-2 Inhibitors & NSAIDs Fallout from the Vioxx recall will continue for years to come.

Dateline: December 28, 1999

A look at two popular arthritis medications

It's no secret. Celebrex and Vioxx are two of the newest and increasingly popular medications prescribed for the treatment of arthritis. In the new and revised 9th Edition of "The Pill Book", a listing of the top 200 prescribed drugs in the United States from January-October 1999 shows:

Celebrex was ranked number 22.

Vioxx was ranked number 175.

Of the older nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS):

Ibuprofen was ranked number 54.

Relafen was ranked number 76.

Naproxen was ranked number 95.

Daypro was ranked number 136.

Since Celebrex and Vioxx have become so widely used, how do they compare? How do you know which to try first, or which might work better for you? Let's look at them side-by-side.

COX-2 Selective Inhibitors

Older, traditional NSAIDS regulate pain and inflammation by blocking the enzyme COX-2, cyclooxygenase-2. However, they also inhibit COX-1, cyclooxygenase-1, the enzyme which helps maintain the lining of the stomach.

The action against COX-1 yields unwanted side effects such as stomach irritation and ulcers. The new class of NSAIDS, the COX-2 selective inhibitors, selectively inhibit COX-2 and spare COX-1, thereby relieving pain and inflammation with less potential for gastrointestinal side effects. Both Celebrex and Vioxx belong to the COX-2 drug class. Research has also shown that 200 mg/day and 400 mg/day of Celebrex are as effective as 500 mg Naproxen/twice a day, without the side effect of affecting blood platelets and causing blood thinning.

Early study results have also revealed the following impressive statistic:

• 1 in 2500 people who take Celebrex develop serious stomach and intestinal problems.
• 1 in 100 people taking traditional NSAIDS for 3-6 months, and 2-4 of 100 people taking a traditional NSAID for one year develop upper gastrointestinal ulcers, bleeding, or perforation.

People who have tried either Celebrex and Vioxx, or both, have shared their experiences on our arthritis forum. Learn from other arthritis patients by reading the posts.

More Comparisons

Celebrex & Vioxx: Drug Interaction Table

Celebrex & Vioxx: Precautions/Warnings Table

_{Sources: The Pill Book, 9th Edition; Celebrex and Vioxx at MedicineNet; Celebrex and Vioxx at rxlist.com
First published 12/28/1999}

Comparing Celebrex and Vioxx
headache, nausea, diarrhea, sinus irritation, respiratory infection, heartburn