Celebrex vs mobic... what do the rest of you oldies but goodies think

[townshend]

Originally Posted by djplourd

Last year my doctor took me off Mobic for several months because some levels in my latest blood test were high. He put me on Tylenol instead, and I could definitely feel the difference in my pain (worse on Tylenol). After several months he let me go back to Mobic since my blood levels had improved.

Mobic is an anti-inflammatory (AKA NSAID -- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug); Tylenol is not -- that fact may explain why Mobic worked better for you. Nonetheless, doctors do recommend Tylenol for osteoarthritic pain in the elderly because of a more favorable side effect profile (Tylenol doesn't cause gastric ulcers).

For at least some, if not most patients, OTC (= over the counter) anti-inflammatories are adequate and far more affordable. The two most important families are as follows:
1) ibuprofen (Brand names: Advil, Motrin, etc.): the standard OTC dosage is 200mg. However, prescription Motrin comes in 400, 600, and 800mg dosages. Ibuprofen products are dosed every six to eight hours. Manufacturer's recommendation: do not exceed 3,200mg per day.

2) naproxen sodium (Brand name: Naprosyn): the standard OTC dosage is 220mg. As a prescription the standard dose is 500mg. Naproxen sodium is dosed every 12 hours. Manufacturer's recommendation: do not exceed 1,500mg per day. Note: if one were to take two 220mg tabs at once, the combined total of 440mg would approximate the prescription dose of 500mg.

The primary side effect to be wary of is gastrointestinal (ulcers). Elderly are generally more prone to this side effect presumably because of decreased prostaglandins in the gastric mucosa.

I recommend you discuss your anti-inflammatory options with your primary care doctor -- prescription vs. OTC, doses, how many times per day you take them, how long you take them, and possible side effects. Be careful -- all medications have side effects -- recommendations are general advice -- as a patient, your benefits and risks may differ from someone else.

[movingvanmorrison]

Try CBD or marijuana. Both help a lot with inflammatory illnesses.
I had severe shoulder and neck pain from 2 rear end collisions. Had trouble sleeping for an entire year. I took high-cbd marijuana (not even a lot) and it helped me immensely. The key is "high cbd". There are non-THC CBD oils that won't get you high and are legal in every state.
However many say the cbd that is part of the marijuana plant (accompanied by THC) work better. I'd say that was my experience.
I tried CBD later and it helped me but a) it's very expensive and b) it works better with the THC even if LOW THC which is what I prefer.

[matisse12]

I find acetaminophen (Tylenol) useless and very ineffective for osteoarthritis, and Ibuprofen very helpful, realizing of course that Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory medication and acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not an anti-inflammatory.....

and it is the inflammatories which are usually most helpful for osteoarthritis.

I found Celebrex ineffective (but that was a long time ago) and never tried it again due its possible cardiovascular side effects.

I would like to use CBD with a high level of THC, but I do not live in a state where is it is legal or a state where it can be legally purchased. (without a medical prescription)

Originally Posted by djplourd

Last year my doctor took me off Mobic for several months because some levels in my latest blood test were high. He put me on Tylenol instead, and I could definitely feel the difference in my pain (worse on Tylenol). After several months he let me go back to Mobic since my blood levels had improved.

Your blood test and blood levels were high in what?

[djplourd]

Originally Posted by matisse12

Your blood test and blood levels were high in what?

Urea Nitrogen - 27 (normal range 6-20) and Potassium - 5.4 (normal range 3.5 - 5.1). the most recent test they were down to 15 and 4.6 respectively.

[fluffythewondercat]

Originally Posted by matisse12

I find acetaminophen (Tylenol) useless and very ineffective for osteoarthritis, and Ibuprofen very helpful, realizing of course that Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory medication and acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not an anti-inflammatory.....

and it is the inflammatories which are usually most helpful for osteoarthritis.

Acetaminophen works better when you take it with ibuprofen. Some pain isn’t caused by inflammation. The structure that supports your knees has a thin covering called fascia, which can lose its suppleness and pull on connecting tissue.

Both work even better when combined with rest and myofascial release, as well as exercises to strengthen supporting muscle.