Celebrex....I 'm A Walking Talking Advertisment For It,... So Far
Written: Oct 23 '09 (Updated Oct 23 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: For me, this drug is a miracle of modern medicine, with few, tolerable side-effects.
Cons: Read the somewhat frightening list of possible side-effects and drug interactions before taking it.
The Bottom Line: For those with chronic pain, caused by inflammation of joints and tendons, Celebrex has a miraculous affect. I wouldn't recommend it to a friend because a doctor should do that.
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| the_gas_man's Full Review: Celebrex Celecoxib 200mg 60 Capsules |
I want to begin by stating that I do not subscribe to taking drugs for every little thing that happens or hurts. I don't even like taking aspirin. However...
Four or five months ago I began to feel some serious pain in my left foot as I walked around and walking is something I like to do. Actually, it's something I have to do most days. I was told it was probably a bone spur on my heel, it would work itself right and eventually, the pain would go away. It didn't. It hurt so much I began to limp around and people noticed. However, I perservered and hoped it would go away. It's actually amazing how much pain we can take over time and learn to live with it.
About two or three months ago I began to feel a severe pain in my left arm, just below my elbow and running the length of my forearm to my wrist. Tennis elbow, was the official diagnosis, even though I hadn't been playing tennis. The pain was a constant burning feeling even if I extended my arm to pick up a simple cup of coffee. It didn't have to be a bag of groceries or something heavy. It annoyed the heck out of me and even woke me up in the night with a burning sensation.
So there I was, learning to live with a sore foot that made me limp and an arm that felt weak, at best. Although my arm was fully functional the pain made me feel disabled at times because I didn't want to aggravate it and would avoid picking up normally easy loads with that arm.
Finally, I went back to the doctor, and said I was willing to have both my foot and my elbow surgically repaired (or removed) for what I felt was some form of tendon or muscle damage.
The doc seemed to find my desperation amusing, laughing at the symptoms I described in my foot and elbow and promptly prescribed Celebrex. (He has a warped sense of humour, which is something I like about him.) He predicted it would address both problems with some success. I quickly filled the prescription for the 200 mg capsules of Celebrex and then read through the litany of possible side effects. He said it should be taken with food and a full glass of water, once a day and described it as like taking a super dose of Ibuprofen.
There I was with this so-called miracle drug in my hand and a two page list of warnings. I.E. "Rarely, this medication can cause serious (very rarely fatal) stomach/intestinal bleeding." I had to read that opening sentence several times to make sure I had read it correctly. Since when is "fatal" stomach/intestinal bleeding" considered to be a "side-effect"? That was followed by this warning, (I love the way they use words to put your mind at ease.) "Also, this medication and related drugs have rarely caused blood clots to form, resulting in possibly fatal heart attacks and strokes."
So I sat back in my car, still looking at my (expensive) newly filled prescription in a bag beside me, then at the list of so-called, "possible but rare "side-effects. The thought came to me, "Do you feel lucky punk?" I really wish they would put the odds of these rare and possibly fatal "side-effects" on the bottom of the page. I mean, I know the odds of winning the Super Lottery are like 40,000,000 to 1 but I still buy a ticket from time to time, with the thought that I might just be that lucky.
The list of "side effects" goes on to list:
* possible upset stomach or gas, (no problem for The Gas Man)
* severe headache,
* unexplained weight gain,
* swelling of the hands and feet,
* pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf,
* change in amount of urine, difficult/painful swallowing.
They actually stop here to remind you that, "Your doctor has prescibed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. "Many" people using this medication do not have serious side effects. " Gee thanks Doc, you don't mind the risk to me? Hmmm, and there are those nebulous words again, rarely, possibly, many people. I kept thinking, how rare, how possible and how many? What are my odds?
Then they proceed to state, "This drug may rarely cause serious liver disease." Followed by the associated symptoms of liver disease, yellowing of the skin, dark urine, persistent stomach/abdominal pain and unusual fatigue.
Great! I thought, I certainly won't be too concerned about a painful foot and elbow when I'm lying in the emergency ward with internal bleeding, a heart attack and liver disease.
However, having read through the two pages of warnings, side effects, an extensive list of drug interactions and additional warnings to women who are pregnant, (no danger there) children and elderly people with heart conditions, I chose to take a chance and hope I wasn't going to be one of the possibly rare cases they had talked about.
On day two after taking the first dose, the pain in both my foot and my elbow was all but gone and thankfully, after three weeks on this medication (with a few missed doses) I feel 100%. I've been virtually pain free over the past few weeks and have even noticed an improvement in my finger joints, which used to feel stiff and sore from time to time.
I don't know if I will continue with this medication indefinitely, as it seems to hold too many long term risks to my health in other ways, but for the time being, I am enjoying my day to day activities and feel years younger than I felt pre-Celebrex.
The cost may be prohibitive to some, as I was charged $70.00 for 30 little capsules, but fortunately my health plan covers it.
You have to laugh at the subtle humour the people who write the warnings must have. "If you experience any of these side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately." How does one consult their doctor after experiencing one of the "very rarely fatal" side effects?
This prescription medication should only be taken after indepth consultations with your doctor and all other non-medicinal courses of treatment that can help relieve pain have failed. Things such as losing weight (if necessary) strengthening and conditioning exercises. Take time to carefully read all of the warnings, precautions, side effects and drug interactions. At least you will be as informed as possible, if you chose to go ahead with this treatment. It obviously isn't for everyone but it has worked for me, so far.
Now I have to go out and buy a Super Lottery ticket and I think I'll walk to the store today.
Stay healthy.
Regards,
The Gasman
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