With the recent investigations about Celebrex and Bextra, I don’t know whether to stop or keep taking it?

Cox -2 inhibitors, such as Celebrex and Bextra as well as traditional NSAIDs, are being studied for their cardiovascular side effects. While the inhibition of Cox-2 enzymes can prevent pain and inflammation, it can also decrease the protection it can offer to blood vessel lining. Therefore, blocking a large amount of the Cox-2 enzymes may in fact decrease their benefit of cardiac protection. To be on the safe side, if you have a history of stroke, heart attack, angina or uncontrolled hypertension, you should stop taking Cox-2 inhibitors and switch to traditional NSAIDs such as Voltaren or Motrin. However, if you do not have a history of heart problems, you can continue taking the Cox 2 inhibitor in low doses such as Celebrex 200 mg or Bextra 10 mg once a day.

I had angioplasty three years ago and a gastric ulcer last year. What can I take for my arthritis?

Traditional NSAIDs, such as Motrin, Voltaren and Naprosyn, can cause gastric irritation while Cox-2 inhibitors have less GI side effects. However, because of your cardiac history, Cox-2 inhibitors are not recommended.

Therefore, the safest medications to take for your arthritis may be Arthrotec, a traditional NSAID such as Voltaren and an agent that protects the lining of the stomach wall or Cytotec that is a combination of these three medications in one. Another combination medication is NapraPAC which includes Naproxen, a traditional NSAID and Prevacid, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

I have chronic renal problems, but no heart or stomach problems. Which medication should I take, Naprosyn or Celebrex?

Neither medication is suitable because traditional NSAIDs and Cox 2 inhibitors can both affect the kidney function and possibly make your renal condition even worse.

I take Coumadin. What’s available for me?