NSAID question | Arthritis Information

Can an NSAID like Celebrex for example, be taken as needed or does it need to be taken daily so that a steady amount stays in the system? I don't really think it does me a whole lot of good anyway as it's been days since I've taken one and I don't feel any difference.

Thanks

Bob

I've wondered the same thing, Bob. I told my doctor that I didn't think the celebrex was doing much. She said that it was and that if I didn't take it, I'd probably be worse. I dunno...Bob, celebrex appears to be 97 percent protein bound so I would guess it takes a while to build so results are not going to come for a while. I was not able to find out how long though. Info on this drug seems hard to find.Also very curious about this. What I have found is that it celebrex is effective with osteoarthritis in 1-2 days, but it takes 2 weeks to reach maximal effects with rheumatoid arthritis. The half-life is 11-12 hrs which means it takes 2.5-3 days to be eliminated after stopping. Hope this helps.

So maybe that's why I don't feel the difference. I've been taking it for years and maybe there is just enough built up that it's going to take a while to clear it. Maybe I shouldn't stop it without my doc knowing either.

I took it and had immediate reactions to it and got off it. The only one that works for me is Aleve.My dr said it takes continuous use for 30 days to rach full therapeutic effectMy doctor doesn't have me on any NSAID. Why do some take it and some do not? Some rd's use them, some don't is the only thing I can come up with. My old one was more of a tylenol arthritis or naproxen sodium type and preferred to use the big guns on RA. Should have stayed there.....but will be fixing that mistake very soon.

I believe it is the continuity that is what protects us 24/7 from discomfort.. IF I am a little late getting my dose for the day... I know it.. like now ;)

I have another question about NSAIDS but I'll post another thread so as not to hitch on this one.

HMMM yes my RD says Tylenol as needed. Since I know it's not good for your liver- I tend to shun taking it. wtbraf, I know what you mean. Mine told me ibuprophen for pain but I take maybe 400mg a month, and usually just for headaches.If I'm having a flare, if I've sustained an injury/sprain/strain, or if Aunt Flo is visiting, I will use naproxen if necessary. Otherwise I don't take any NSAID. If I have a headache, I usually grab a cup of coffee or a Coke, and the caffeine takes care of it.

The main reason I'd like to drop an NSAID if possible is my stomach. As everyone who reads the boards knows I take a lot of pred at the moment. It's hard enough on the stomach without adding the NSAID to the mix.