HEALTH AWARENESS Understanding How Pain Medicines Work (NAPSA)—There are many different types of pain medicines. Some only relieve pain. Some tre both pain and swelling. Here’s a closer look wh you should know about somepopular pain medicines. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) relieves pain and fever, but not swelling. Therefore it is often used to tre headachesor sinus pain. It is unclear exactly how acetaminophen works. It can be bought without a prescription, but th does not meanit’s risk-free. It can cause serious damage to the liver higher than recommendeddoses. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammory drugs or “NSAIDs” are another type of pain medicine. For some NSAIDs you must have a prescription, but others you can buy over-the-counter. NSAIDs tre both pain and swelling. NSAIDs work by blocking an enzymecalled COX. There are two forms of the COX enzyme in the body: COX-1, which is found in the body and is important for protecting the stomach lining COX-2, which is made when joints are damaged and may cause some of the pain and swelling of arthritis Non-selective NSAIDs act on both forms of the COX enzyme. Naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil), and aspirin are all examples of NSAIDs th block both types Finding the right pain reliever is important. Talk to your doctor to find out which pain reliever is right for you. of enzymes. There are other types of NSAIDs called COX-2 specific inhibitors. They target the COX-2 enzyme, but not the COX-1. CELEBREX(celecoxib capsules) is an example of a COX-2 specific inhibitor. Finding the right pain reliever is important. Th’s why people should talk to their doctors to find out the trement th will work best for them. Your doctor is the best source of informion about the benefits and risks of different trement options. Be sure to discussall the medicines you are taking so th your doctor can recommend wh is right for you based on your medical needs. For more informion, call 1- 888-CELEBREX or visit www. CELEBREX.com. Important Informion: CELEBREX,like all prescription NSAIDs, may increase the chance of a heart tack or stroke th can lead to deh. It should not be used right before or after certain heart surgeries. Serious skin reactions or stomach and intestine problems such as bleeding and ulcers can occur without warning and maycause deh. Pients taking aspirin and the elderly are increased risk for stomach bleeding and ulcers. Tell your doctorif you: e Are pregnant e Have a history of ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines e Have high blood pressure or heart failure e Have kidneyor liver problems People with aspirin-sensitive asthma or allergic reactions due to aspirin or other arthritis medicines or certain drugs called sulfonamides should not take CELEBREX. Prescription CELEBREXshould be used exactly as prescribed the lowest dose possible and for the shortest time needed.
