Final answer:
Celecoxib (Celebrex) is a COX-2 selective inhibitor used in treating rheumatoid arthritis and may cause side effects like cardiovascular events and stomach issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Celecoxib (Celebrex) is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the synovial joints. It is a COX-2 selective inhibitor, a type of medicine that blocks the COX-2 enzyme more than the COX-1 enzyme, which helps in reducing inflammation and pain in the affected joints. Celecoxib can cause some adverse reactions due to its mechanism of action.
While COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib were initially thought to cause fewer stomach problems than older nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), they still carry the risk of stomach issues and other side effects such as an increased risk of cardiovascular events. RA itself is a chronic condition with symptoms of joint swelling, stiffness, and pain. It is more common in women, especially post-menopausal, and typically has an onset between the ages of 40 to 50.
When treating rheumatoid arthritis, it's important to monitor the patient for potential adverse effects of medications like celecoxib, including effects on the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract.