View source for Celecoxib

{{Short description|Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{cs1 config |name-list-style=vanc |display-authors=6}}
{{Infobox drug
| Watchedfields = changed
| verifiedrevid = 458612013
| image = Celecoxib.svg
| image_class = skin-invert-image
| width = 220
| alt = Skeletal formula of celecoxib
| image2 = Celecoxib-3D-spacefill.png
| image_class2 = bg-transparent
| width2 = 
| alt2 = Space-filling model of the celecoxib molecule
| caption =

<!-- Clinical data -->
| pronounce = {{IPAc-en|s|ɛ|l|ɪ|ˈ|k|ɒ|k|s|ɪ|b}} {{respell|SEL|i|KOK|sib}}
| tradename = Celebrex, Onsenal, Elyxyb, Celebra, others
| Drugs.com = {{drugs.com|monograph|celecoxib}}
| MedlinePlus = a699022
| DailyMedID = Celecoxib
| pregnancy_AU = B3
| pregnancy_AU_comment = <ref name="Drugs.com pregnancy">{{cite web | title=Celecoxib (Celebrex) Use During Pregnancy | website=Drugs.com | date=4 May 2020 | url=https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/celecoxib.html | access-date=5 May 2020 | archive-date=25 January 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125072333/https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/celecoxib.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
| pregnancy_category= 
| routes_of_administration = [[Oral administration|By mouth]]
| class = [[COX-2 inhibitor|Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor]]
| ATC_prefix = L01
| ATC_suffix = XX33
| ATC_supplemental = {{ATC|M01|AH01}}

<!-- Legal status -->
| legal_AU = S4
| legal_AU_comment = or S3<ref name=psa>{{cite web | title=S3 celecoxib: expanding pharmacists' options for managing musculoskeletal pain | website=psa.org.au | date=April 2025 | url=https://my.psa.org.au/s/training-plan/a11RF000004PtWrYAK/s3-celecoxib-expanding-pharmacists-options-for-managing-musculoskeletal-pain | access-date=5 April 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard—February 2025) Instrument 2025 | website=Federal Register of Legislation | date=February 2025 | url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2025L00049/latest/text | access-date=5 April 2025 }}</ref>
| legal_BR = C1
| legal_BR_comment = <ref>{{cite web |author=Anvisa |author-link=Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency |date=31 March 2023 |title=RDC Nº 784 - Listas de Substâncias Entorpecentes, Psicotrópicas, Precursoras e Outras sob Controle Especial |trans-title=Collegiate Board Resolution No. 784 - Lists of Narcotic, Psychotropic, Precursor, and Other Substances under Special Control|url=https://www.in.gov.br/en/web/dou/-/resolucao-rdc-n-784-de-31-de-marco-de-2023-474904992 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803143925/https://www.in.gov.br/en/web/dou/-/resolucao-rdc-n-784-de-31-de-marco-de-2023-474904992 |archive-date=3 August 2023 |access-date=16 August 2023 |publisher=[[Diário Oficial da União]] |language=pt-BR |publication-date=4 April 2023}}</ref>
| legal_CA = Rx-only
| legal_CA_comment = 
| legal_DE = <!-- Anlage I, II, III or Unscheduled-->
| legal_DE_comment = 
| legal_NZ = Prescription only
| legal_NZ_comment =
| legal_UK = POM
| legal_UK_comment = <ref>{{cite web | title=Celebrex 100mg capsule - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) | website=(emc) | date=13 January 2020 | url=https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5533/smpc | access-date=5 May 2020 | archive-date=6 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806222736/https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5533/smpc | url-status=live }}</ref>
| legal_US = Rx-only
| legal_US_comment = <ref name="Celebrex FDA label" />
| legal_UN = <!-- N I, II, III, IV / P I, II, III, IV-->
| legal_UN_comment = 
| legal_status = Rx-only

<!-- Pharmacokinetic data -->
| bioavailability = Unknown<ref name=drugs>{{cite journal | vauthors = McCormack PL | title = Celecoxib: a review of its use for symptomatic relief in the treatment of Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis | journal = Drugs | volume = 71 | issue = 18 | pages = 2457–89 | date = December 2011 | pmid = 22141388 | doi = 10.2165/11208240-000000000-00000 | s2cid = 71357689 }}</ref>
| protein_bound = 97% (mainly to [[serum albumin]])<ref name = drugs/>
| metabolism = Liver (mainly [[CYP2C9]])<ref name = drugs/>
| metabolites = 
| onset = 
| elimination_half-life = 7.8 hours; 11 hours (mild hepatic impairment); 13 hours (moderate-severe hepatic impairment)<ref name = drugs/>
| duration_of_action = 
| excretion = Faeces (57%), urine (27%)<ref name = drugs/>

<!-- Identifiers -->
| CAS_number_Ref = {{cascite|correct|??}}
| CAS_number = 169590-42-5
| CAS_supplemental = 
| PubChem = 2662
| IUPHAR_ligand = 2892
| DrugBank_Ref = {{drugbankcite|correct|drugbank}}
| DrugBank = DB00482
| ChemSpiderID_Ref = {{chemspidercite|correct|chemspider}}
| ChemSpiderID = 2562
| UNII_Ref = {{fdacite|correct|FDA}}
| UNII = JCX84Q7J1L
| KEGG_Ref = {{keggcite|correct|kegg}}
| KEGG = D00567
| ChEBI_Ref = {{ebicite|correct|EBI}}
| ChEBI = 41423
| ChEMBL_Ref = {{ebicite|correct|EBI}}
| ChEMBL = 118
| NIAID_ChemDB = 
| PDB_ligand = CEL
| synonyms =

<!-- Chemical and physical data -->
| IUPAC_name = 4-[5-(4-Methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide
| C=17 | H=14 | F=3 | N=3 | O=2 | S=1
| SMILES = c1cc(C)ccc1c2cc(C(F)(F)F)nn2c3ccc(cc3)S(=O)(=O)N
| StdInChI_Ref = {{stdinchicite|correct|chemspider}}
| StdInChI = 1S/C17H14F3N3O2S/c1-11-2-4-12(5-3-11)15-10-16(17(18,19)20)22-23(15)13-6-8-14(9-7-13)26(21,24)25/h2-10H,1H3,(H2,21,24,25)
| StdInChI_comment = 
| StdInChIKey_Ref = {{stdinchicite|correct|chemspider}}
| StdInChIKey = RZEKVGVHFLEQIL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
| density = 
| density_notes = 
| melting_point = 
| melting_high = 
| melting_notes = 
| boiling_point = 
| boiling_notes = 
| solubility = 
| sol_units = 
| specific_rotation = 
}}

<!-- Definition and uses -->
'''Celecoxib''', sold under the brand name '''Celebrex''' among others, is a [[COX-2 inhibitor]] and [[nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug]] (NSAID).<ref name=AHFS2019>{{cite web |title=Celecoxib Monograph for Professionals |url=https://www.drugs.com/monograph/celecoxib.html |website=Drugs.com |publisher=American Society of Health-System Pharmacists |date=11 November 2019 |access-date=5 May 2020 |archive-date=20 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520124313/https://www.drugs.com/monograph/celecoxib.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It is used to treat the [[pain]] and [[inflammation]] in [[osteoarthritis]], [[acute pain]] in adults, [[rheumatoid arthritis]], [[psoriatic arthritis]], [[ankylosing spondylitis]], [[painful menstruation]], and [[juvenile rheumatoid arthritis]].<ref name=AHFS2019/> It may also be used to decrease the risk of [[colorectal adenoma]]s in people with [[familial adenomatous polyposis]].<ref name=AHFS2019/> It is taken [[Oral administration|by mouth]].<ref name=AHFS2019/> Benefits are typically seen within an hour.<ref name=AHFS2019/>

<!-- Side effects and mechanism -->
Common side effects include [[abdominal pain]], nausea, and [[diarrhea]].<ref name=AHFS2019/> Serious side effects may include [[myocardial infarction|heart attacks]], [[stroke]]s, [[gastrointestinal perforation]], [[gastrointestinal bleeding]], [[kidney failure]], and [[anaphylaxis]].<ref name=Coxib2013/><ref name=AHFS2019/> Use is not recommended in people at high risk for heart disease.<ref name=AHA2007>{{cite journal | vauthors = Antman EM, Bennett JS, Daugherty A, Furberg C, Roberts H, Taubert KA | title = Use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: an update for clinicians: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association | journal = Circulation | volume = 115 | issue = 12 | pages = 1634–42 | date = March 2007 | pmid = 17325246 | doi = 10.1161/circulationaha.106.181424 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name=Consumer2012>{{cite web | url=http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/05/should-you-still-take-celebrex/index.htm | title=Should you still take Celebrex? | work=[[Consumer Reports]] | date=August 2009 | access-date=27 December 2015 | archive-date=18 December 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218111927/http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/05/should-you-still-take-celebrex/index.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> The risks are similar to other NSAIDs, such as [[ibuprofen]] and [[naproxen]].<ref name=NPR2018>{{cite news| vauthors = Stein R |title=FDA Panel Affirms Safety Of Painkiller Celebrex|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/04/25/605226604/fda-panel-affirms-safety-of-painkiller-celebrex|access-date=19 May 2018|publisher=[[NPR]]|date=25 April 2018|archive-date=20 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520123906/https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/04/25/605226604/fda-panel-affirms-safety-of-painkiller-celebrex|url-status=live}}</ref> Use in the later part of [[pregnancy]] or during [[breastfeeding]] is not recommended.<ref name=AHFS2019/><ref name="Drugs.com pregnancy" />

Celecoxib has demonstrated [[Combination therapy|adjunctive]] benefits in [[Major depressive disorder|major depression]] and efficacy in reducing polyp recurrence in [[familial adenomatous polyposis]], while also being investigated for broader psychiatric, anticancer, and chemopreventive applications.

<!-- History, society, and culture -->
Celecoxib was patented in 1993 and came into medical use in 1999.<ref name=Fis2006>{{cite book | vauthors = Fischer J, Ganellin CR |title=Analogue-based Drug Discovery |date=2006 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-3-527-60749-5 |page=522 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FjKfqkaKkAAC&pg=PA522 |access-date=13 October 2020 |archive-date=27 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427093939/https://books.google.com/books?id=FjKfqkaKkAAC&pg=PA522 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is available as a [[generic medication]].<ref name=BNF76>{{cite book|title=British national formulary: BNF 76|date=2018|publisher=Pharmaceutical Press|isbn=978-0-85711-338-2|pages=1097–1098|edition=76}}</ref> In 2023, it was the 111th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 6{{nbsp}}million prescriptions.<ref name="Top300Drugs">{{cite web | title=Top 300 of 2023 | url=https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Top300Drugs.aspx | website=ClinCalc | access-date=12 August 2025 | archive-date=12 August 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250812130026/https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Top300Drugs.aspx | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Celecoxib Drug Usage Statistics, United States, 2013 - 2023 | website = ClinCalc | url = https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Drugs/Celecoxib | access-date = 18 August 2025 }}</ref>

==Medical uses==
Celecoxib is indicated for the treatment of [[osteoarthritis]], [[rheumatoid arthritis]], [[psoriatic arthritis]], [[acute pain]], [[musculoskeletal pain]], painful [[menstruation]], [[ankylosing spondylitis]], [[juvenile rheumatoid arthritis]], and to reduce the number of colon and rectal polyps in people with [[familial adenomatous polyposis]].<ref name=AHFS2019/> It may be used in children with [[juvenile rheumatoid arthritis]] who are older than two years of age and weigh more than 10&nbsp;kg (22&nbsp;lb).<ref name=AHFS2019/>

For postoperative pain, it is more or less equal to [[ibuprofen]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Derry S, Moore RA | title = Single dose oral celecoxib for acute postoperative pain in adults | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 10 | issue = 10 | article-number = CD004233 | date = October 2013 | pmid = 24150982 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD004233.pub4 | pmc = 4161494 }}</ref> For pain relief, it is similar to [[paracetamol]] (acetaminophen) at 3990&nbsp;mg per day,<ref name="Yelland">{{cite journal | vauthors = Yelland MJ, Nikles CJ, McNairn N, Del Mar CB, Schluter PJ, Brown RM | title = Celecoxib compared with sustained-release paracetamol for osteoarthritis: a series of n-of-1 trials | journal = Rheumatology | volume = 46 | issue = 1 | pages = 135–40 | date = January 2007 | pmid = 16777855 | doi = 10.1093/rheumatology/kel195 | doi-access = free | hdl = 10072/15035 | hdl-access = free }}</ref> which is the first line treatment for osteoarthritis.<ref name=OARSI2007>{{cite journal | vauthors = Zhang W, Moskowitz RW, Nuki G, Abramson S, Altman RD, Arden N, Bierma-Zeinstra S, Brandt KD, Croft P, Doherty M, Dougados M, Hochberg M, Hunter DJ, Kwoh K, Lohmander LS, Tugwell P | title = OARSI recommendations for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis, part I: critical appraisal of existing treatment guidelines and systematic review of current research evidence | journal = Osteoarthritis and Cartilage | volume = 15 | issue = 9 | pages = 981–1000 | date = September 2007 | pmid = 17719803 | doi = 10.1016/j.joca.2007.06.014 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Flood J | title = The role of acetaminophen in the treatment of osteoarthritis | journal = The American Journal of Managed Care | volume = 16 | issue = Suppl | pages = S48–54 | date = March 2010 | pmid = 20297877 }}</ref>

Evidence of effects is not clear as several studies done by the manufacturer have not been released for independent analysis.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Puljak L, Marin A, Vrdoljak D, Markotic F, Utrobicic A, Tugwell P | title = Celecoxib for osteoarthritis | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 5 | article-number = CD009865 | date = May 2017 | issue = 7 | pmid = 28530031 | pmc = 6481745 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD009865.pub2 }}</ref>

===Familial adenomatous polyposis===
It has been used to reduce colon and rectal polyps in people with familial adenomatous polyposis, but it is not known if it decreases rates of [[cancer]],<ref name=AHFS2019/> so it is not a good choice for this reason.<ref name=AHFS2019/>

==Adverse effects==
* Cardiovascular events: <!-- [US Boxed Warning]: --> NSAIDs are associated with an increased risk of serious (and potentially fatal) adverse cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke. Risk may be increased with duration of use or pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors or disease. Individual cardiovascular risk profiles should be evaluated before prescribing. New-onset [[hypertension]] or exacerbation of [[hypertension]] may occur (NSAIDs may impair response to thiazide or loop diuretics), and may contribute to cardiovascular events; monitor blood pressure and use with caution in patients with hypertension. Celecoxib may cause sodium and fluid retention, so its use in patients with edema or heart failure warrants caution. Long-term cardiovascular risk in children has not been evaluated. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration of time, consistent with individual patient goals, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events; alternative therapies should be considered for patients at high risk.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Solomon SD, McMurray JJ, Pfeffer MA, Wittes J, Fowler R, Finn P, Anderson WF, [[Ann Zauber|Zauber A]], Hawk E, Bertagnolli M | title = Cardiovascular risk associated with celecoxib in a clinical trial for colorectal adenoma prevention | journal = The New England Journal of Medicine | volume = 352 | issue = 11 | pages = 1071–80 | date = March 2005 | pmid = 15713944 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMoa050405 | doi-access = free }}</ref> The increased risk is about 37%.<ref name=Coxib2013/>
* Gastrointestinal events: <!-- [US Boxed Warning]: --> NSAIDs may increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) ulceration, bleeding, and perforation (may be fatal). These events may occur at any time during therapy and without warning. Use caution with a history of GI disease (bleeding or ulcers), concurrent therapy with aspirin, anticoagulants and/or corticosteroids, smoking, use of [[alcohol (drug)|alcohol]], and the elderly or debilitated patients. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration of time, consistent with individual patient goals, to reduce the risk of GI adverse events; alternate therapies should be considered for patients at high risk. When used concomitantly with ≤325&nbsp;mg of aspirin, a substantial increase in the risk of gastrointestinal complications (e.g., ulcer) occurs; concomitant gastroprotective therapy (e.g., proton pump inhibitors) is recommended.<ref name="Celebrex FDA label">{{cite web | title=Celebrex- celecoxib capsule | website=DailyMed | date=31 May 2019 | url=https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8d52185d-421f-4e34-8db7-f7676db2a226 | access-date=5 May 2020 | archive-date=24 February 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224181140/https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8d52185d-421f-4e34-8db7-f7676db2a226 | url-status=live }}</ref> The increased risk is about 81%.<ref name=Coxib2013/>
* Hematologic effects: Anemia may occur; monitor hemoglobin or hematocrit in people on long-term treatment. Celecoxib does not usually affect [[prothrombin time]], [[partial thromboplastin time]], or [[platelet]] counts; it does not inhibit platelet aggregation at approved doses.

People with a prior history of ulcer disease or GI bleeding require special precautions. Moderate to severe liver impairment or GI toxicity can occur with or without warning symptoms in people treated with NSAIDs.

In October 2020, the U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) required the [[prescribing information]] to be updated for all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to describe the risk of kidney problems in unborn babies that result in low amniotic fluid.<ref name="FDA PR 20201015" /><ref name="FDA safety 20201015" /> They recommend avoiding NSAIDs in pregnant women at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy.<ref name="FDA PR 20201015">{{cite press release | title=FDA Warns that Using a Type of Pain and Fever Medication in Second Half of Pregnancy Could Lead to Complications | website=U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) | date=15 October 2020 | url=https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-using-type-pain-and-fever-medication-second-half-pregnancy-could-lead-complications | access-date=15 October 2020 | archive-date=16 October 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016180003/https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-using-type-pain-and-fever-medication-second-half-pregnancy-could-lead-complications }} {{PD-notice}}</ref><ref name="FDA safety 20201015">{{cite web | title=NSAIDs may cause rare kidney problems in unborn babies | website=U.S. Food and Drug Administration | date=21 July 2017 | url=https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-recommends-avoiding-use-nsaids-pregnancy-20-weeks-or-later-because-they-can-result-low-amniotic | access-date=15 October 2020 | archive-date=17 October 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017014419/https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-recommends-avoiding-use-nsaids-pregnancy-20-weeks-or-later-because-they-can-result-low-amniotic }} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

===Allergy===
Celecoxib contains a [[sulfonamide (chemistry)|sulfonamide]] moiety and may cause allergic reactions in those allergic to other sulfonamide-containing drugs. This is in addition to the contraindication in people with severe allergies to other NSAIDs. However, it has a low (reportedly 4%) chance of inducing cutaneous reactions among persons who have a history of such reactions to aspirin or nonselective NSAIDs. NSAIDs may cause serious skin adverse events, including [[exfoliative dermatitis]], [[Stevens–Johnson syndrome|Stevens-Johnson syndrome]], and [[toxic epidermal necrolysis]]; events may occur without warning and in patients without prior known sulfa allergy. Use should be discontinued at the first sign of rash (or any other hypersensitivity).

===Heart attack and stroke===
A 2013 meta-analysis of hundreds of clinical trials found that coxibs (the class of drugs that includes celecoxib) increase the risk of major cardiovascular problems by about 37% over placebo.<ref name=Coxib2013>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bhala N, Emberson J, Merhi A, Abramson S, Arber N, Baron JA, Bombardier C, Cannon C, Farkouh ME, FitzGerald GA, Goss P, Halls H, Hawk E, Hawkey C, Hennekens C, Hochberg M, Holland LE, Kearney PM, Laine L, Lanas A, Lance P, Laupacis A, Oates J, Patrono C, Schnitzer TJ, Solomon S, Tugwell P, Wilson K, Wittes J, Baigent C | title = Vascular and upper gastrointestinal effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: meta-analyses of individual participant data from randomised trials | journal = Lancet | volume = 382 | issue = 9894 | pages = 769–79 | date = August 2013 | pmid = 23726390 | pmc = 3778977 | doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60900-9 }}</ref> In 2016, a randomized trial provided strong evidence that treatment with celecoxib is not more likely to result in poor cardiovascular outcomes than treatment with naproxen or ibuprofen.<ref name="NissenYeomans2016">{{cite journal | vauthors = Nissen SE, Yeomans ND, Solomon DH, Lüscher TF, Libby P, Husni ME, Graham DY, Borer JS, Wisniewski LM, Wolski KE, Wang Q, Menon V, Ruschitzka F, Gaffney M, Beckerman B, Berger MF, Bao W, Lincoff AM | title = Cardiovascular Safety of Celecoxib, Naproxen, or Ibuprofen for Arthritis | journal = The New England Journal of Medicine | volume = 375 | issue = 26 | pages = 2519–29 | date = December 2016 | pmid = 27959716 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMoa1611593 | doi-access = free }}</ref> As a result, in 2018 an FDA advisory panel concluded that celecoxib poses no greater risk for causing heart attacks and strokes than the commonly used NSAIDs ibuprofen or naproxen and recommended that the FDA consider changing its advice to physicians regarding celecoxib's safety.<ref name=NPR2018/>

The COX-2 inhibitor [[rofecoxib]] (Vioxx) was removed from the market in 2004 due to its risk. Like all NSAIDs on the US market, celecoxib carries an FDA-mandated "black box warning" for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risk. In February 2007, the [[American Heart Association]] warned that with respect to "patients with a prior history of or at high risk for cardiovascular disease... use of COX-2 inhibitors for pain relief should be limited to patients for whom there are no appropriate alternatives, and then, only in the lowest dose and for the shortest duration necessary."<ref name="AHA2007"/>

In 2005, a study published in the ''[[Annals of Internal Medicine]]'' found that cardiovascular effects of COX-2 inhibitors differ, depending on the drug.<ref name="pmid15684203">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kimmel SE, Berlin JA, Reilly M, Jaskowiak J, Kishel L, Chittams J, Strom BL | title = Patients exposed to rofecoxib and celecoxib have different odds of nonfatal myocardial infarction | journal = Annals of Internal Medicine | volume = 142 | issue = 3 | pages = 157–64 | date = February 2005 | pmid = 15684203 | doi = 10.7326/0003-4819-142-3-200502010-00005 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Other COX-2-selective inhibitors, such as rofecoxib, have significantly higher myocardial infarction rates than celecoxib.<ref name="pmid11509060">{{cite journal | vauthors = Mukherjee D, Nissen SE, Topol EJ | title = Risk of cardiovascular events associated with selective COX-2 inhibitors | journal = JAMA | volume = 286 | issue = 8 | pages = 954–9 | year = 2001 | pmid = 11509060 | doi = 10.1001/jama.286.8.954 }}</ref> In April 2005, after an extensive review of data, the FDA concluded it was likely "that there is a 'class effect' for increased CV risk for all NSAIDs".<ref name="Jenkins">{{cite web |vauthors=Jenkins JK, Seligman PJ | title=Analysis and recommendations for Agency action regarding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cardiovascular risk [decision memorandum] | url=https://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/cox2/NSAIDdecisionMemo.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050909082236/https://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/cox2/NSAIDdecisionMemo.pdf | archive-date=9 September 2005 | date=6 April 2005 | publisher=U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) }}</ref> In a 2006 [[meta-analysis]] of randomized control studies, the [[cerebrovascular disease|cerebrovascular events]] associated with COX-2 inhibitors were examined, but no significant risks were found when compared to nonselective NSAIDs or placebos.<ref name="pmid17176361">{{cite journal | vauthors = Chen LC, Ashcroft DM | title = Do selective COX-2 inhibitors increase the risk of cerebrovascular events? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials | journal = Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics | volume = 31 | issue = 6 | pages = 565–76 | date = December 2006 | pmid = 17176361 | doi = 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2006.00774.x | s2cid = 40738580 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

===Drug interactions===
Celecoxib undergoes metabolism primarily by the enzymes [[CYP2C9]] and [[CYP3A4]], but it also interacts with [[CYP2D6]], inhibiting its activity without being metabolized by it.<ref name="Shkundin_2025">{{cite journal | vauthors = Shkundin A, Wheeler HE, Sinacore J, Halaris A | title = BDNF/BDNF-AS Gene Polymorphisms Modulate Treatment Response and Remission in Bipolar Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial | journal = Journal of Personalized Medicine | volume = 15 | issue = 2 | page = 62 | year = 2025 | doi = 10.3390/jpm15020062 | doi-access = free| pmid = 39997339 | pmc = 11856652 }}</ref> The CYP2C9 gene exhibits considerable genetic variability, with common polymorphisms, such as [[CYP2C9 | rs1799853]] and [[CYP2C9 | rs1057910]], linked to reduced enzyme activity and altered pharmacokinetics of celecoxib.<ref name="Shkundin_2025"/> Additionally, the influence of CYP2D6 on celecoxib metabolism is inconsistent, with its effect varying depending on the individual's CYP2C9 genetic profile.<ref name="Shkundin_2025"/>

Caution must be exercised with concomitant use of 2C9 inhibitors, such as [[fluconazole]], which can greatly elevate celecoxib serum levels.<ref name="Celebrex FDA label"/> If used concomitantly with lithium, celecoxib increases lithium plasma levels.<ref name="Celebrex FDA label"/> If used concomitantly with warfarin, celecoxib may result in an increased risk of bleeding complications.<ref name="Celebrex FDA label"/> The risk of bleeding and gastric ulcers also increases further when [[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor]]s (SSRI) are used in combination with celecoxib.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Turner MS, May DB, Arthur RR, Xiong GL | title = Clinical impact of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors therapy with bleeding risks | journal = Journal of Internal Medicine | volume = 261 | issue = 3 | pages = 205–213 | date = March 2007 | pmid = 17305643 | doi = 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2006.01720.x | s2cid = 41772614 | doi-access = free }}</ref> The drug may increase the risk of kidney failure with [[angiotensin]]-converting enzyme-inhibitors, such as [[lisinopril]], and [[diuretic]]s, such as [[hydrochlorothiazide]].<ref name="Celebrex FDA label"/>

==Mechanism of action==

===Anti-inflammatory===
A highly selective reversible inhibitor of the [[COX-2]] isoform of [[cyclooxygenase]], celecoxib inhibits the transformation of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin precursors. Therefore, it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.<ref name="Celebrex FDA label"/> Nonselective NSAIDs (such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen) inhibit both [[COX-1]] and COX-2. Inhibition of COX-1 (which celecoxib does not inhibit at therapeutic concentrations) inhibits the production of prostaglandins and the production of thromboxane A2, a platelet activator.<ref name="Celebrex FDA label"/> COX-1 is traditionally defined as a constitutively expressed "housekeeping" enzyme and plays a role in the protection of the gastrointestinal mucosa, kidney hemodynamics, and platelet thrombogenesis.<ref name=Mathew>{{cite journal | vauthors = Mathew ST, Devi SG, Prasanth VV, Vinod B | title = Efficacy and Safety of COX-2 Inhibitors in the Clinical Management of Arthritis: Mini Review | journal = ISRN Pharmacology | volume = 2011 | article-number = 480291 | date = 2011 | pmid = 22084715 | pmc = 3197256 | doi = 10.5402/2011/480291 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="Katzung">{{cite book| vauthors = Katzung BG |title=Basic & clinical pharmacology |date=2007 |publisher=McGraw-Hill Medical |location=New York |isbn=978-0-07-145153-6 |page=579 |edition=10th }}</ref> COX-2, on the contrary, is extensively expressed in cells involved in inflammation and is upregulated by bacterial lipopolysaccharides, cytokines, growth factors, and tumor promoters.<ref name=Mathew/><ref name="Shi S and Koltz U">{{cite journal | vauthors = Shi S, Klotz U | title = Clinical use and pharmacological properties of selective COX-2 inhibitors | journal = European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology | volume = 64 | issue = 3 | pages = 233–52 | date = March 2008 | pmid = 17999057 | doi = 10.1007/s00228-007-0400-7 | s2cid = 24063728 }}</ref> Celecoxib is approximately 10-20 times more selective for COX-2 inhibition over COX-1.<ref name="Katzung"/><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Conaghan PG | title = A turbulent decade for NSAIDs: update on current concepts of classification, epidemiology, comparative efficacy, and toxicity | journal = Rheumatology International | volume = 32 | issue = 6 | pages = 1491–502 | date = June 2012 | pmid = 22193214 | pmc = 3364420 | doi = 10.1007/s00296-011-2263-6 }}</ref> It binds with its polar [[Sulfonamide (chemistry)|sulfonamide side chain]] to a hydrophilic side pocket region close to the active COX-2 binding site.<ref name="DiPiro_2008">{{cite book | vauthors = Dipiro JT, Talbert RL, Yee GC, Matzke GR, Wells BG, Posey LM |title=Pharmacotherapy A Pathophysiologic Approach |date=2008 |publisher=McGraw-Hill Medical |location=New York |isbn=978-0-07-147899-1 |edition=7th}}</ref> In theory, this selectivity allows celecoxib and other COX-2 inhibitors to reduce [[inflammation]] (and pain) while minimizing gastrointestinal [[adverse drug reaction]]s (e.g. [[stomach ulcer]]s) that are common with nonselective NSAIDs.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bhatt DL, Scheiman J, Abraham NS, Antman EM, Chan FK, Furberg CD, Johnson DA, Mahaffey KW, Quigley EM, Harrington RA, Bates ER, Bridges CR, Eisenberg MJ, Ferrari VA, Hlatky MA, Kaul S, Lindner JR, Moliterno DJ, Mukherjee D, Schofield RS, Rosenson RS, Stein JH, Weitz HH, Wesley DJ | title = ACCF/ACG/AHA 2008 expert consensus document on reducing the gastrointestinal risks of antiplatelet therapy and NSAID use: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation Task Force on Clinical Expert Consensus Documents | journal = Journal of the American College of Cardiology | volume = 52 | issue = 18 | pages = 1502–17 | date = October 2008 | pmid = 19017521 | doi = 10.1016/j.jacc.2008.08.002 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

===Anti-cancer===
For its use in reducing colon polyps, celecoxib affects genes and pathways involved in inflammation and malignant transformation in tumors, but not normal tissues.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Half E, Arber N | title = Colon cancer: preventive agents and the present status of chemoprevention | journal = Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy | volume = 10 | issue = 2 | pages = 211–9 | date = February 2009 | pmid = 19236194 | doi = 10.1517/14656560802560153 | s2cid = 72411967 }}</ref>

Celecoxib binds to [[Cadherin-11]] (which may explain the reduction in cancer progression).{{Citation needed|date=December 2019|reason=removed citation to predatory publisher content}}

==Structure-activity relationship==
[[File:Monosubstituted 1,5-diarylpyrazoles.jpg|400px|right]]
[[File:Enzyme data for monosubstituted 5-aryl analogs.jpg|400px|right]]
[[File:Enzyme data for 4-substituted analogs.jpg|400px|right]]
[[File:In vitro cox-I and cox-II enzyme data for disubstituted 5-aryl analogs.jpg|400px|right]]

The Searle research group found the two appropriately substituted aromatic rings must reside on adjacent positions about the central ring for adequate COX-2 inhibition. Various modifications can be made to the 1,5-diarylpyrazole moiety to deduce the structure-activity relationship of celecoxib.<ref name="Penning">{{cite journal | vauthors = Penning TD, Talley JJ, Bertenshaw SR, Carter JS, Collins PW, Docter S, Graneto MJ, Lee LF, Malecha JW, Miyashiro JM, Rogers RS, Rogier DJ, Yu SS, Burton EG, Cogburn JN, Gregory SA, Koboldt CM, Perkins WE, Seibert K, Veenhuizen AW, Zhang YY, Isakson PC | title = Synthesis and biological evaluation of the 1,5-diarylpyrazole class of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors: identification of 4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benze nesulfonamide (SC-58635, celecoxib) | journal = Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | volume = 40 | issue = 9 | pages = 1347–65 | date = April 1997 | pmid = 9135032 | doi = 10.1021/jm960803q }}</ref> A para-sulfamoylphenyl at position 1 of the pyrazole was found to have a higher potency for COX-2 selective inhibition than a para-methoxyphenyl (see structures 1 and 2, below). In addition, a 4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl or 4-sulfamoylphenyl is known to be necessary for COX-2 inhibition. For instance, replacing either of these entities with a –SO<sub>2</sub>NHCH<sub>3</sub> substituent diminishes COX-2 inhibitory activity as noted with a very high inhibitory concentration-50 (see structures 3 – 5). At the 3-position of the pyrazole, a trifluoromethyl or difluoromethyl provides superior selectivity and potency compared to a fluoromethyl or methyl substitution (see structures 6 – 9).<ref name="Penning"/>

Celecoxib is compound 22; the 4-sulfamoylphenyl on the 1-pyrazol substituent is required for COX-2 inhibition and the 4-methyl on the 5-pyrazol system has low steric hindrance to maximising potency, while the 3-trifluoromethyl group provides superior selectivity and potency.<ref name="Penning" /> To explain the selectivity of celecoxib, it is necessary to analyze the free energy of binding difference between the drug molecule and COX-1 compared to COX-2 enzymes. The structural modifications highlight the importance of binding to residue 523 in the side binding pocket of the cyclooxygenase enzyme, which is an isoleucine in COX-1 and a valine in COX-2.<ref name="Price">{{cite journal | vauthors = Price ML, Jorgensen WL | title = Rationale for the observed COX-2/COX-1 selectivity of celecoxib from Monte Carlo simulations | journal = Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters | volume = 11 | issue = 12 | pages = 1541–4 | date = June 2001 | pmid = 11412976 | doi = 10.1016/s0960-894x(00)00522-9 }}</ref> This mutation appears to contribute to COX-2 selectivity by creating steric hindrance between the sulfonamide oxygen and the methyl group of Ile523 that effectively destabilizes the celecoxib-COX-1 complex.<ref name="Price"/>

==History==
{{See also|Discovery and development of cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors}}

It was initially marketed by [[Pfizer]] for arthritis. Celecoxib and other COX-2 selective inhibitors, [[valdecoxib]], [[parecoxib]], and [[mavacoxib]], were discovered by a team at the [[G.D. Searle, LLC|Searle]] division of [[Monsanto]] led by [[John Talley (chemist)|John Talley]].<ref name=Forbes2003>{{cite news| vauthors = Langreth R |title=The Chemical Cobbler|url=https://www.forbes.com/global/2003/0623/050.html|work=Forbes|date=23 June 2003|access-date=15 April 2018|archive-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416013759/https://www.forbes.com/global/2003/0623/050.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=SLACS>{{cite journal|title=Dr. John Talley: 2001 St. Louis Awardee|journal=Chemical Bond|date=May 2001|volume=52|issue=5|page=2|url=http://www.stlacs.org/Bonds/2001May.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415180802/http://www.stlacs.org/Bonds/2001May.pdf|archive-date=15 April 2018}}</ref>

Two lawsuits arose over the discovery of celecoxib. Daniel L. Simmons of [[Brigham Young University]] (BYU) discovered the COX-2 enzyme in 1988,<ref name="ScientistBYULitig">{{cite web | url = http://www.the-scientist.com/news/display/25408/ | title = University sues Pfizer over COX-2 research | vauthors = Yajnik J | date = 27 October 2006 | work = [[The Scientist (magazine)|The Scientist]] | access-date = 11 November 2010 | archive-date = 3 February 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090203140727/http://www.the-scientist.com/news/display/25408/ }}</ref> and in 1991, BYU entered into a collaboration with [[Monsanto]] to develop drugs to inhibit it. Monsanto's pharmaceutical division was later purchased by [[Pfizer]], and in 2006, BYU sued Pfizer for breach of contract, claiming Pfizer did not properly pay contractual royalties back to BYU.<ref name="Deseret News">{{cite web |work=Deseret News |date=28 October 2009 |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705340277/Judge-orders-Pfizer-to-pay-BYU-852K-for-suit-delays.html |title=Judge orders Pfizer to pay BYU $852K for suit delays | vauthors = Thomson L |access-date=23 November 2009 |archive-date=31 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091031124503/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705340277/Judge-orders-Pfizer-to-pay-BYU-852K-for-suit-delays.html }}</ref> A settlement was reached in April 2012, in which Pfizer agreed to pay $450 million.<ref name="Settlement">{{cite news | vauthors = Harvey T |title=Pfizer, BYU settle Celebrex lawsuit for $450M |work=[[The Salt Lake Tribune]] |date=1 May 2012 |url=http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/entertainment/54024947-79/byu-pfizer-settlement-simmons.html.csp |access-date=22 July 2012 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160303220047/http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/entertainment/54024947-79/byu-pfizer-settlement-simmons.html.csp |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Pfizer Settles B.Y.U. Lawsuit Over Development of Celebrex | website=[[The New York Times]] | date=1 May 2012 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/02/health/pfizer-settles-byu-lawsuit-over-development-of-celebrex.html | agency=[[Associated Press]] | access-date=5 May 2020 | archive-date=27 December 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227132546/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/02/health/pfizer-settles-byu-lawsuit-over-development-of-celebrex.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Other important discoveries in COX-2 were made at [[University of Rochester]], which patented the discoveries.<ref>{{US patent | 6048850}}</ref> When the patent was issued, the university sued Searle (later Pfizer) in a case called, ''University of Rochester v. G.D. Searle & Co.'', 358 F.3d 916 (Fed. Cir. 2004). The court ruled in favor of Searle in 2004, holding in essence that the university had claimed a method requiring, yet provided no written description of, a compound that could inhibit COX-2, and therefore the patent was invalid.<ref name="hodgsonruss">{{cite web |url=http://www.hodgsonruss.com/Home/Practice_Areas/Alphabetical_Listing/Intellectual_Property_Technology/Articles/20012004Articles/Reach-ThroughClaimsDeclaredInvalid |title=Reach-Through Claims Declared Invalid |access-date=31 December 2012 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222060537/http://www.hodgsonruss.com/Home/Practice_Areas/Alphabetical_Listing/Intellectual_Property_Technology/Articles/20012004Articles/Reach-ThroughClaimsDeclaredInvalid |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="kayescholer">Ranjana Kadle (2004) [https://web.archive.org/web/20130721100341/http://www.kayescholer.com/professionals/sobel_gerald_extras/misc/01_Rochester2_FedCir_Affirm.pdf CAFC Court Decision Reach-Through Claims Declared Invalid]</ref>

According to the [[National Academy of Sciences]], [[Philip Needleman]], who was vice president of [[Monsanto]] in 1989 and president of [[G. D. Searle & Company|Searle]] in 1993<ref name="NASO" /> oversaw research into [[COX-2]] that led to the development of the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib (Celebrex).<ref name="NASO" /> He became senior executive vice president and chief scientist of [[Pharmacia]] from 2000 to 2003.<ref name="NASO">{{cite web | url=http://www.nasonline.org/news-and-multimedia/podcasts/interviews/philip-needleman.html?referrer=https://www.google.ca/ | title=Philip Needleman | publisher=National Academy of Sciences | date=15 June 2015 | access-date=28 December 2015 | archive-date=7 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107133428/http://www.nasonline.org/news-and-multimedia/podcasts/interviews/philip-needleman.html?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F | url-status=live }}</ref> Celecoxib was discovered and<ref>{{US patent | 5466823}}</ref> developed by G. D. Searle & Company and was approved by the FDA on 31 December 1998.<ref>{{cite web | title=Drug Approval Package: Celebrex (Celecoxib) NDA# 20-998 | website=U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) | date=24 December 1999 | url=https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/98/20998.cfm | access-date=5 May 2020 | archive-date=27 March 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327103438/https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/98/20998.cfm | url-status=live }}</ref> It was co-promoted by Monsanto Company (parent company of Searle) and Pfizer under the brand name Celebrex. Monsanto merged with [[Pharmacia]], from which the Medical Research Division was acquired by Pfizer, giving Pfizer ownership of Celebrex. The drug was at the core of a major patent dispute that was resolved in Searle's favor (later Pfizer) in 2004.<ref name="hodgsonruss" /><ref name="kayescholer" /> In ''University of Rochester v. G.D. Searle & Co.'', 358 F.3d 916 (Fed. Cir. 2004), the [[University of Rochester]] claimed that United States Pat. No. 6,048,850 (which claimed a method of inhibiting COX-2 in humans using a compound, without actually disclosing what that compound might be) covered drugs such as celecoxib. The court ruled in favor of Searle, holding in essence that the university had claimed a method requiring, yet provided no written description of, a compound that could inhibit COX-2, and therefore the patent was invalid.

After the withdrawal of rofecoxib from the market in September 2004, celecoxib enjoyed a robust increase in sales. However, the results of the APC trial in December of that year raised concerns that Celebrex might carry risks similar to those of rofecoxib, and Pfizer announced a moratorium on [[direct-to-consumer advertising]] of Celebrex soon afterward. Sales reached $2 billion in 2006.<ref name="AHA2007"/> Before its availability in generic form, it was one of Pfizer's "best-selling drugs, amounting to more than $2.5 billion in sales [by 2012], and was prescribed to 2.4 million" people in 2011.<ref name=NYT2012 /> By 2012, 33 million Americans had taken celecoxib.<ref name=NYT2012>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/25/health/in-documents-on-pain-drug-celebrex-signs-of-doubt-and-deception.html | title=In Documents on Pain Drug, Signs of Doubt and Deception | work=[[The New York Times]] | date=24 June 2012 | access-date=27 December 2015 | vauthors = Thomas K | archive-date=3 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103151323/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/25/health/in-documents-on-pain-drug-celebrex-signs-of-doubt-and-deception.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

Pfizer resumed advertising Celebrex in magazines in 2006,<ref name="Berenson">{{cite news | vauthors = Berenson A |title=Celebrex Ads Are Back, Dire Warnings and All |work=The New York Times |date=29 April 2006 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/29/business/media/29celebrex.html |access-date=21 February 2017 |archive-date=7 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107133428/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/29/business/media/29celebrex.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and resumed television advertising in April 2007 with an unorthodox, {{frac|2|1|2}}-minute advertisement which extensively discussed the adverse effects of Celebrex in comparison with other anti-inflammatory drugs. The ad drew criticism from the consumer advocacy group [[Public Citizen]], which called the ad's comparisons misleading.<ref name="Saul">{{cite news | vauthors = Saul S |title=Celebrex Commercial, Long and Unconventional, Draws Criticism |work=The New York Times |date=10 April 2007 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/10/business/media/10celebrex.html |access-date=21 February 2017 |archive-date=17 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117060825/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/10/business/media/10celebrex.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Pfizer responded to Public Citizen's concerns with assurances that they are truthfully advertising the risk and benefits of Celebrex as set forth by the FDA.<ref name="Saul"/>

In 2025, Australian [[Therapeutic Goods Administration]] decided  to include celecoxib 200mg as the first Schedule 3 (Pharmacist Only Medicine) selective COX-2 inhibitor in a primary pack containing not more than 10 dosage units for the short-term treatment of acute pain due to primary dysmenorrhoea or musculoskeletal or soft tissue injury in adults.<ref name=psa/>

==Society and culture==

===Fabricated efficacy studies===
In 2000, [[Pfizer]] and [[Pharmacia]] presented findings from their Celebrex Long-Term Arthritis Safety Study (CLASS) in ''[[JAMA]]'', reporting that it was better at preventing stomach complications than competitior drugs.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Silverstein FE, Faich G, Goldstein JL, Simon LS, Pincus T, Whelton A, Makuch R, Eisen G, Agrawal NM, Stenson WF, Burr AM, Zhao WW, Kent JD, Lefkowith JB, Verburg KM, Geis GS | title = Gastrointestinal toxicity with celecoxib vs nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: the CLASS study: A randomized controlled trial. Celecoxib Long-term Arthritis Safety Study | journal = JAMA | volume = 284 | issue = 10 | pages = 1247–1255 | date = September 2000 | pmid = 10979111 | doi = 10.1001/jama.284.10.1247 }}</ref> However, federal investigators found that the companies deceptively reported only the first six months of results from a one-year trial. The following year, the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) showed that the full results did not demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in stomach complications.<ref name=NYT2012 /> In 2012, a federal judge unsealed corporate documents further showcasing this deception in a long-running [[securities fraud]] case against Pfizer.<ref name=NYT2012 />

In March 2009, [[Scott S. Reuben]], former chief of acute pain at [[Baystate Medical Center]], Springfield, Massachusetts, revealed that the data for 21 studies he had authored for the efficacy of the drug (along with others such as [[Vioxx]]) had been fabricated. The analgesic effects of the drugs had been exaggerated. Reuben was also a former paid spokesperson for Pfizer. Although from 2002 to 2007 Pfizer underwrote much of Dr. Reuben's research and "many of his trials found that Celebrex and Lyrica, Pfizer drugs, were effective against postoperative pain," Pfizer was not aware of the fraudulent data.<ref name="nyt0311">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/health/research/11pain.html |title=Doctor Admits Pain Studies Were Frauds, Hospital Says |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=11 March 2009 |access-date=27 December 2015 | vauthors = Harris G |archive-date=17 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517184147/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/health/research/11pain.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=August 2018}} None of the retracted studies were submitted to either the US [[Food and Drug Administration]] or the European Union's regulatory agencies before the drug's approval. Although Pfizer issued a public statement declaring, "It is very disappointing to learn about Dr. Scott Reuben's alleged actions. When we decided to support Dr. Reuben's research, he worked for a credible academic medical center and appeared to be a reputable investigator",<ref name="WSJ-3-2009">{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123672510903888207 | work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] | title=Top Pain Scientist Fabricated Data in Studies, Hospital Says | vauthors = Winstein KJ | date=11 March 2009 | url-access=subscription | access-date=3 August 2017 | archive-date=30 August 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830223401/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123672510903888207 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Associated Press, Mar 11, 2009, ''Mass. doctor accused of faking pain pill data'' |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jjpBsTFN9SEtQu-xyDltivC2GJ8AD96S2KVO0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090316103119/https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jjpBsTFN9SEtQu-xyDltivC2GJ8AD96S2KVO0 |archive-date=16 March 2009 }}</ref> the documents unsealed in 2012, revealed that by February 2000, Pharmacia employees had devised a strategy to present the findings.<ref name=NYT2012 />

=== Brand names ===
Pfizer markets celecoxib under the brand name Celebrex, and it is available as oral capsules containing 50, 100, 200, or 400&nbsp;mg of celecoxib.<ref name="Celebrex FDA label" />

It is legally available in many jurisdictions as a generic under several brand names.<ref>{{cite web | title=Celecoxib | website=Drugs.com | date=4 May 2020 | url=https://www.drugs.com/international/celecoxib.html | access-date=5 May 2020 | archive-date=10 March 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310184046/http://www.drugs.com/international/celecoxib.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In the US, celecoxib was covered by three patents, two of which expired on 30 May 2014, and one of which (US RE44048<ref>{{cite web |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/USRE44048 |title=US Re-issued Patent RE44048 |access-date=10 November 2016 |archive-date=9 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109190350/https://www.google.com/patents/USRE44048 |url-status=live }}</ref>) was due to expire 2 December 2015. On 13 March 2014, that patent was found to be invalid for [[double patenting]].<ref>{{cite web | vauthors = Parloff R | title=Judge cuts 18 months off patent life of Pfizer's Celebrex | website=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] | date=13 March 2014 | url=https://fortune.com/2014/03/13/judge-cuts-18-months-off-patent-life-of-pfizers-celebrex/ | access-date=5 May 2020 | archive-date=25 July 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725162355/http://fortune.com/2014/03/13/judge-cuts-18-months-off-patent-life-of-pfizers-celebrex/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Upon the patent expiry on 30 May 2014, the FDA approved the first versions of generic celecoxib.<ref>{{cite press release | title=FDA approves first generic versions of celecoxib | website=U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) | date=31 May 2014 | url=https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm399428.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531020104/https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm399428.htm | archive-date=31 May 2014 | access-date=5 May 2020}}</ref>

In the US, Celebrex is marketed by [[Viatris]] after Upjohn was spun off from Pfizer.<ref>{{cite web | title=Pfizer Completes Transaction to Combine Its Upjohn Business with Mylan | publisher=Pfizer | via=Business Wire | date=16 November 2020 | url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201116005378/en/ | access-date=17 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Celebrex | website=Pfizer | url=https://www.pfizer.com/products/product-detail/celebrex | access-date=17 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Brands | website=Viatris | date=16 November 2020 | url=https://www.viatris.com/en/products/brands | access-date=17 June 2024}}</ref>

==Research==

===Psychiatry===
On the theory that inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of major mental disorders, celecoxib has been trialed for a number of psychiatric disorders, including [[major depression]], [[bipolar disorder]], and [[schizophrenia]].<ref name="repurposed2021">{{cite journal | vauthors = Bartoli F, Cavaleri D, Bachi B, Moretti F, Riboldi I, Crocamo C, Carrà G | title = Repurposed drugs as adjunctive treatments for mania and bipolar depression: A meta-review and critical appraisal of meta-analyses of randomized placebo-controlled trials | journal = Journal of Psychiatric Research | date = September 2021 | volume = 143 | pages = 230–238 | doi = 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.09.018| pmid = 34509090 | s2cid = 237485915 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Müller N, Myint AM, Krause D, Weidinger E, Schwarz MJ | title = Anti-inflammatory treatment in schizophrenia | journal = Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry | volume = 42 | pages = 146–53 | date = April 2013 | pmid = 23178230 | doi = 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.11.008 | s2cid = 22078590 }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite journal | vauthors = Na KS, Lee KJ, Lee JS, Cho YS, Jung HY | title = Efficacy of adjunctive celecoxib treatment for patients with major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis | journal = Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry | volume = 48 | pages = 79–85 | date = January 2014 | pmid = 24056287 | doi = 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.09.006 | s2cid = 35885429 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rosenblat JD, Cha DS, Mansur RB, McIntyre RS | title = Inflamed moods: a review of the interactions between inflammation and mood disorders | journal = Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry | volume = 53 | pages = 23–34 | date = August 2014 | pmid = 24468642 | doi = 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.01.013 | s2cid = 32289214 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Fond G, Hamdani N, Kapczinski F, Boukouaci W, Drancourt N, Dargel A, Oliveira J, Le Guen E, Marlinge E, Tamouza R, Leboyer M | title = Effectiveness and tolerance of anti-inflammatory drugs' add-on therapy in major mental disorders: a systematic qualitative review | journal = Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica | volume = 129 | issue = 3 | pages = 163–79 | date = March 2014 | pmid = 24215721 | doi = 10.1111/acps.12211 | s2cid=23482349 }}</ref>  A 2014 meta-analysis concluded that [[Combination therapy|adjunctive]] treatment with celecoxib improved depressive symptoms, response, and remission rates compared to placebo.<ref name=":0" />

====Bipolar disorder====
A meta-analysis considering trials of celecoxib as an adjunctive treatment in [[bipolar disorder]] was inconclusive citing low evidence quality.<ref name="repurposed2021"/>

===Familial adenomatous polyposis===
It has been used to reduce colon and rectal polyps in people with familial adenomatous polyposis, but it is not known if it decreases rates of [[cancer]],<ref name=AHFS2019/> so it is not a good choice for this reason.<ref name=AHFS2019/>

===Cancer prevention===
The use of celecoxib to reduce the risk of [[colorectal cancer]] has been investigated, but neither celecoxib nor any other drug is indicated for this use.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rial NS, Zell JA, Cohen AM, Gerner EW | title = Clinical end points for developing pharmaceuticals to manage patients with a sporadic or genetic risk of colorectal cancer | journal = [[Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology]] | volume = 6 | issue = 4 | pages = 507–17 | date = August 2012 | pmid = 22928902 | pmc = 3587976 | doi = 10.1586/egh.12.23 }}</ref> Small-scale clinical trials in very high-risk people (belonging to [[Familial adenomatous polyposis|FAP]] families) showed celecoxib can prevent polyp growth. Hence, large-scale randomized clinical trials were undertaken.<ref name="Bertagnolli">{{cite journal | vauthors = Bertagnolli MM, Eagle CJ, Zauber AG, Redston M, Solomon SD, Kim K, Tang J, Rosenstein RB, Wittes J, Corle D, Hess TM, Woloj GM, Boisserie F, Anderson WF, Viner JL, Bagheri D, Burn J, Chung DC, Dewar T, Foley TR, Hoffman N, Macrae F, Pruitt RE, Saltzman JR, Salzberg B, Sylwestrowicz T, Gordon GB, Hawk ET | title = Celecoxib for the prevention of sporadic colorectal adenomas | journal = The New England Journal of Medicine | volume = 355 | issue = 9 | pages = 873–84 | date = August 2006 | pmid = 16943400 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMoa061355 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Results show a 33 to 45% polyp recurrence reduction in people treated with celecoxib each day. However, serious cardiovascular events were significantly more frequent in the celecoxib-treated groups. Aspirin shows a similar (and possibly larger) protective effect,<ref name="Baron">{{cite journal | vauthors = Baron JA, Cole BF, Sandler RS, Haile RW, Ahnen D, Bresalier R, McKeown-Eyssen G, Summers RW, Rothstein R, Burke CA, Snover DC, Church TR, Allen JI, Beach M, Beck GJ, Bond JH, Byers T, Greenberg ER, Mandel JS, Marcon N, Mott LA, Pearson L, Saibil F, van Stolk RU | title = A randomized trial of aspirin to prevent colorectal adenomas | journal = The New England Journal of Medicine | volume = 348 | issue = 10 | pages = 891–9 | date = March 2003 | pmid = 12621133 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMoa021735 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="Sandler">{{cite journal | vauthors = Sandler RS, Halabi S, Baron JA, Budinger S, Paskett E, Keresztes R, Petrelli N, [[James Pipas|Pipas JM]], Karp DD, Loprinzi CL, Steinbach G, Schilsky R | title = A randomized trial of aspirin to prevent colorectal adenomas in patients with previous colorectal cancer | journal = The New England Journal of Medicine | volume = 348 | issue = 10 | pages = 883–90 | date = March 2003 | pmid = 12621132 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMoa021633 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="Bosetti">{{cite journal | vauthors = Bosetti C, Talamini R, Franceschi S, Negri E, Garavello W, La Vecchia C | title = Aspirin use and cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract | journal = British Journal of Cancer | volume = 88 | issue = 5 | pages = 672–4 | date = March 2003 | pmid = 12618872 | pmc = 2376339 | doi = 10.1038/sj.bjc.6600820 }}</ref> has demonstrated cardioprotective effects and is significantly cheaper, but no head-to-head clinical trials have compared the two drugs.

===Cancer treatment===
Different from cancer prevention, cancer treatment is focused on the therapy of tumors that have already formed and have established themselves inside the patient. Many studies are going on to determine whether celecoxib might be useful for this latter condition.<ref name="Dannenberg">{{cite journal | vauthors = Dannenberg AJ, Subbaramaiah K | title = Targeting cyclooxygenase-2 in human neoplasia: rationale and promise | journal = Cancer Cell | volume = 4 | issue = 6 | pages = 431–6 | date = December 2003 | pmid = 14706335 | doi = 10.1016/S1535-6108(03)00310-6 | doi-access = free }}</ref> However, during molecular studies in the laboratory, it became apparent that celecoxib could interact with other intracellular components besides its most famous target, COX-2. The discovery of these additional targets has generated much controversy, and the initial assumption that celecoxib reduces tumor growth primarily by the inhibition of COX-2 became contentious.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Schönthal AH | title = Direct non-cyclooxygenase-2 targets of celecoxib and their potential relevance for cancer therapy | journal = British Journal of Cancer | volume = 97 | issue = 11 | pages = 1465–8 | date = December 2007 | pmid = 17955049 | pmc = 2360267 | doi = 10.1038/sj.bjc.6604049 }}</ref>

Certainly, the inhibition of COX-2 is paramount for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic function of celecoxib. However, whether inhibition of COX-2 also plays a dominant role in this drug's anticancer effects is unclear. For example, a recent study with [[malignant tumor]] cells showed celecoxib could inhibit the growth of these cells ''[[in vitro]]'', but COX-2 played no role in this outcome; even more strikingly, the anticancer effects of celecoxib were also obtained with the use of cancer cell types that do not even contain COX-2.<ref name="Chuang">{{cite journal | vauthors = Chuang HC, Kardosh A, Gaffney KJ, Petasis NA, Schönthal AH | title = COX-2 inhibition is neither necessary nor sufficient for celecoxib to suppress tumor cell proliferation and focus formation in vitro | journal = Molecular Cancer | volume = 7 | issue = 1 | article-number = 38 | date = May 2008 | pmid = 18485224 | pmc = 2396175 | doi = 10.1186/1476-4598-7-38 | doi-access = free }}</ref> [[Karen Seibert]] and colleagues have published research showing antiangiogenic and antitumor activity of celecoxib in animal models.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Masferrer JL, Leahy KM, Koki AT, Zweifel BS, Settle SL, Woerner BM, Edwards DA, Flickinger AG, Moore RJ, Seibert K | title = Antiangiogenic and antitumor activities of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors | journal = Cancer Research | volume = 60 | issue = 5 | pages = 1306–1311 | date = March 2000 | pmid = 10728691 | url = https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/60/5/1306/507043/Antiangiogenic-and-Antitumor-Activities-of }}</ref>

Additional support for the idea that other targets besides COX-2 are important for celecoxib's anticancer effects has come from studies with chemically modified versions of celecoxib. Several dozen [[Analog (chemistry)|analog]]s of celecoxib were generated with small alterations in their [[chemical structure]]s.<ref name="zhu">{{cite journal | vauthors = Zhu J, Song X, Lin HP, Young DC, Yan S, Marquez VE, Chen CS | title = Using cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors as molecular platforms to develop a new class of apoptosis-inducing agents | journal = Journal of the National Cancer Institute | volume = 94 | issue = 23 | pages = 1745–57 | date = December 2002 | pmid = 12464646 | doi = 10.1093/jnci/94.23.1745 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Some of these analogs retained COX-2 inhibitory activity, whereas many others did not. However, when the ability of all these compounds to kill tumor cells in [[cell culture]] was investigated, the antitumor potency did not at all depend on whether or not the respective compound could inhibit COX-2, showing the inhibition of COX-2 was not required for the anticancer effects.<ref name="zhu"/><ref name="Schönthal-analogs">{{cite journal | vauthors = Schönthal AH, Chen TC, Hofman FM, Louie SG, Petasis NA | title = Celecoxib analogs that lack COX-2 inhibitory function: preclinical development of novel anticancer drugs | journal = Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs | volume = 17 | issue = 2 | pages = 197–208 | date = February 2008 | pmid = 18230053 | doi = 10.1517/13543784.17.2.197 | s2cid = 21093404 }}</ref> One of these compounds, [[2,5-dimethyl-celecoxib]], which entirely lacks the ability to inhibit COX-2, actually displayed stronger anticancer activity than celecoxib.<ref name="Schönthal-antitumor">{{cite journal | vauthors = Schönthal AH | title = Antitumor properties of dimethyl-celecoxib, a derivative of celecoxib that does not inhibit cyclooxygenase-2: implications for glioma therapy | journal = Neurosurgical Focus | volume = 20 | issue = 4 | pages = E21 | date = April 2006 | pmid = 16709027 | doi = 10.3171/foc.2006.20.4.14 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book | title=Medical Genetics Summaries | chapter=Celecoxib Therapy and CYP2C9 Genotype | chapter-url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK379478/ | veditors=Pratt VM, McLeod HL, Rubinstein WS, Scott SA, Dean LC, Kattman BL, Malheiro AJ | display-editors=3 | publisher=[[National Center for Biotechnology Information]] (NCBI) | year=2016 | pmid=28520369 | id=Bookshelf ID: NBK379478 | vauthors=Dean L | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK61999/ }}
* {{cite journal |vauthors=Zhang J, Ding EL, Song Y |title=Adverse effects of cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors on renal and arrhythmia events: meta-analysis of randomized trials |journal=JAMA |volume=296 |issue=13 |pages=1619–32 |date=October 2006 |pmid=16968832 |doi=10.1001/jama.296.13.jrv60015 }}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
* {{cite web | title=COX-2 Selective (includes Bextra, Celebrex, and Vioxx) and Non-Selective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) | website=U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) | date=15 July 2005 | url=https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/cox-2-selective-includes-bextra-celebrex-and-vioxx-and-non-selective-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928144031/https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/cox-2-selective-includes-bextra-celebrex-and-vioxx-and-non-selective-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory | archive-date=28 September 2019 }}
* {{cite web | title=FDA Approves Labeling Supplement for Celebrex (celecoxib) | website=U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) | date=28 June 2018 | url=https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/cder-statement-fda-approves-labeling-supplement-celebrex-celecoxib }}

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