Just wondering if there is a generic version of Physer's Celebrex available here in LOS??

The exact same thing (celecoxib) no, but plenty of drugs in the same general class (NSAID) are available in very cheap generic equivalents.

Difference between Celebrex and other NSAIDs is that it is something called a "COX II" inhibitor, that is its action is more narrowly focussed on blocking chemicals responsible for inflammation and pain than older NSAIDs (Ibuprofen and the like).. they were introduced with a lot of enthusiasm but have proven controversial.

They were originally promoted because of a lower incidence of gastric irritation/ulcer compared to broader range NSAIDs, but incidence of adverse effects on kidneys the same, and some studies have shown a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. In fact two of the 3 products in this class, VIOXX and Bextra were taken of the US market because of this, and the US FDA has issued a warning against extended use of Celebrex as well.

http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety/postmarketdrugsafetyinformationforpatientsandproviders/ucm103420.htm

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm103420.htm#COX2

Of course one has to consider the specifics of the individual patient, in someone with a history of ulcer disease/GI bleeding who requires an NSAID, it may be worth the other risks to use a COX-II. But I find that in Thailand many doctors (especially non-specialists and those upcountry) are not really up to date on all this and often reach for the "newest" NSAID in the belief it must be better. (Drug company reps contribute to this tendency by aggressive sales pitches).

Maybe it's my age showing but I personally have a strong preference for drugs that have been around a long time (which also means they will be off patent and have cheaper versions) over newer products unless there is a clear and compelling reason why newer formulations are better for the particular patient, or no older drug with the same/similar action exists. Seen too many "new" versions of things come in with fanfare and go out in a flurry of lawsuits.

The longer a drug has been around, the better known are all its potential adverse effects. When new drugs are developed they are tested on perhaps a thousand or so people (sometimes less) and usually ones who are otherwise healthy. There are good reasons for that in terms of establishing effects directly linked to that drug, but once a drug is approved it gets used by millions of people many of whom -- perhaos even most of whom - have other health problems and are on other potent medications which may interact with it in unexpected ways. In addition, initial testing iks limited ion the length of time it follows patients, and some problems may occur only after extended periods of use.

As a result "post marketing surveillance" of new drugs often uncovers problems not identified in the initial testing, and sometimes, as has been the case with the COX-II inhibitors, significant ones.

The exact same thing (celecoxib) no, but plenty of drugs in the same general class (NSAID) are available in very cheap generic equivalents.

Difference between Celebrex and other NSAIDs is that it is something called a "COX II" inhibitor, that is its action is more narrowly focussed on blocking chemicals responsible for inflammation and pain than older NSAIDs (Ibuprofen and the like).. they were introduced with a lot of enthusiasm but have proven controversial.

They were originally promoted because of a lower incidence of gastric irritation/ulcer compared to broader range NSAIDs, but incidence of adverse effects on kidneys the same, and some studies have shown a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. In fact two of the 3 products in this class, VIOXX and Bextra were taken of the US market because of this, and the US FDA has issued a warning against extended use of Celebrex as well.

http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety/postmarketdrugsafetyinformationforpatientsandproviders/ucm103420.htm

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm103420.htm#COX2

Of course one has to consider the specifics of the individual patient, in someone with a history of ulcer disease/GI bleeding who requires an NSAID, it may be worth the other risks to use a COX-II. But I find that in Thailand many doctors (especially non-specialists and those upcountry) are not really up to date on all this and often reach for the "newest" NSAID in the belief it must be better. (Drug company reps contribute to this tendency by aggressive sales pitches).

Maybe it's my age showing but I personally have a strong preference for drugs that have been around a long time (which also means they will be off patent and have cheaper versions) over newer products unless there is a clear and compelling reason why newer formulations are better for the particular patient, or no older drug with the same/similar action exists. Seen too many "new" versions of things come in with fanfare and go out in a flurry of lawsuits.

The longer a drug has been around, the better known are all its potential adverse effects. When new drugs are developed they are tested on perhaps a thousand or so people (sometimes less) and usually ones who are otherwise healthy. There are good reasons for that in terms of establishing effects directly linked to that drug, but once a drug is approved it gets used by millions of people many of whom -- perhaos even most of whom - have other health problems and are on other potent medications which may interact with it in unexpected ways. In addition, initial testing iks limited ion the length of time it follows patients, and some problems may occur only after extended periods of use.

As a result "post marketing surveillance" of new drugs often uncovers problems not identified in the initial testing, and sometimes, as has been the case with the COX-II inhibitors, significant ones.

Thanks Sheryl.....I agree with you re: tried and proven drugs, but also believe in personal testing.

Pop had a sore lower back, most likely another hairline fracture of a verterbre and with dr's rx of celebrex and no effect with ibuprophen, I decided to go for celebrex again andhe responded positively from it. That was a week ormore ago and I developed a slight pain in my back from overstressing and would havenormally let it go,but decided to 'test' the celebrexon myself and was amazed that in an hour, I had zero pain.

As you know, pop is 91 and the risks of long term usage at his age are minimal.....I often joke to him that he could start taking morphine and not have to worry about longterm effects.....that's what i would do if I was cursed with a long and painful age.

I have a friend who is currently taking Celebrex which is costly here in Thailand.

Are there now any generic versions available and if so could some kind soul let me know the details please.

Any helpful replies are much appreciated.

No, no locally made generic equivalent. Info in post #2 is still applicable.

On 6/13/2012 at 4:13 PM, Sheryl said:

No, no locally made generic equivalent. Info in post #2 is still applicable.

Found this old post. Any changes is this now posible to find in Thailand?

No.