Celebrex, generically known as celecoxib, and aspirin are both used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Aspirin is an over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has been used for many years to treat fever, inflammation and pain. Celebrex is a newer prescription NSAID that may carry fewer side effects than aspirin but may be more likely to cause liver damage. As with any medication, talk to your doctor about all the medications that you are taking.
About Celebrex
Celebrex is the brand name for the prescription generic drug, celecoxib. It is used to treat inflammation and pain associated with arthritis and dysmenorrhea, or painful menstrual period. It carries side effect warnings including gastrointestinal upset and headache along with more severe warnings about cardiac events and ulcer. It may also cause allergic reactions in patients who are allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDS. It should be used with care in those with liver or renal damage or asthma. It should also not be given after the second trimester in pregnancy and to patients with anemia. It interacts with a long list of drugs including blood pressure medications, diuretics and the antifungal fluconazole. Talk to your doctor about all medical conditions you have and any other medications you are taking before taking Celebrex.
Celebrex and Liver Damage
Celebrex is known to be metabolized by the liver, which is responsible for many of its drug interactions. Its use may result in liver damage in some patients, particularly when taken for long periods of time. According to the prescribing information, the dosage of Celebrex should be reduced by 50 percent in those with known mild to moderated hepatic insufficiency and should not be used at all in those with severe liver damage. It also is not recommended for use in those with severe renal insufficiency or kidney damage.
About Aspirin
In addition to being used for pain and inflammation, aspirin is also used for other medical conditions including fever and prevention of blood clot formation in those with heart valve malfunctions, deep vein thrombosis and for prevention of stroke or heart attack. When given to children with the flu or other viral conditions such as chicken pox, it may cause a life-threatening condition known as Reye's syndrome and may cause liver damage in children when given in high doses. Though it may be used for certain conditions in pregnancy, it should not be used in children or pregnant women without the advice of a physician. Aspirin often causes stomach upset, and it may even lead to allergic reactions and kidney damage in some patients. It interacts with several medications, especially blood thinners, and can increase the risk of bleeding. Talk to your doctor about all of your medical conditions and medicines that you may be taking, including aspirin.
Aspirin and Liver Damage
A 2009 study published by Yale University in "The Journal of Clinical Investigation" found that in addition to possible cardiac protective factors in aspirin, it may also help to prevent liver damage from overdoses of acetaminophen. The researchers extrapolated that aspirin may also help to prevent or reverse liver toxicity caused by other substances such as long-term alcohol use and other liver-damaging medications, though this has not yet been proven. Although aspirin may help prevent liver damage in some cases, it may cause liver damage in some children. Seek medical advice before taking aspirin if you have liver damage or before giving it to a child.
