Celecoxib for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common musculoskeletal condition worldwide, affecting up to 20% of adults in various populations (Ryan, 2018; Trouvin and Perrot, 2018). One of the leading causes of disability, osteoarthritis is characterised by inflammation, pain and reduced function in the affected joints (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014). Recommendations for osteoarthritis management centre on the reduction of pain and improving function. Management options include pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical methods, with pharmacological treatments used as an adjunct to non-pharmacological methods (Finney et al, 2019). While there is no consensus on the best pharmacological intervention for osteoarthritis, celecoxib is often considered for treatment.

A Cochrane systematic review indicated that celecoxib offers fewer gastrointestinal side effects than traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (tNSAIDs), such as naproxen or diclofenac, while having a similar level of efficacy (Puljak et al, 2017).