Today, arthritis and its related conditions affect about one in every three Americans, and is the leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Rheumatoid arthritis, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages healthy joint tissue, affects more than 2.1 million Americans, roughly three-fourths of who are women.  In addition, osteoarthritis, in which the cartilage in the joints of the hands, hips, knees or spine deteriorates from normal use, affects most people over 60.

Celebrex, the brand name of the generic drug celecoxib, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 31, 1998, for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and, on December 23, 1999, as a drug treatment aimed at reducing the number of intestinal polyps in patients with a rare genetic disorder called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), an inherited disorder that, if left untreated, always develops into colon cancer.  Celebrex is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and is in a class of drugs commonly referred to as "Cox-2 inhibitors."

Although steroids are considered safe for brief use to reduce inflammation, when taken for longer periods, they can cause serious side effects like weight gain, fluid retention often visible in the face, sudden mood swings, muscle weakness, blurry vision, increased body hair, osteoporosis (bone weakening), high blood pressure, stomach irritation, and/or glaucoma.  Consequently, NSAIDs are preferred for the reduction of inflammation if steroids can be avoided.

Celebrex works by preventing the formation of "inflammatory" prostaglandins. These compounds are produced by the enzyme "cyclooxygenase 2," commonly referred to as "Cox-2," and are believed to cause pain and inflammation, as well as prevent blood cells from sticking together.  Unlike other NSAIDs, Celebrex does not also block a second enzyme, commonly called "Cox-1," which monitors and maintains stomach tissue.  Since this enzyme protects the stomach lining, Celebrex has been promoted as being able to reduce pain and inflammation without also causing ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.