Compare Celebrex vs. naproxen

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

ADVERTISEMENT

Celebrex (celecoxib)

Prescription only

Aleve (naproxen)

Prescription or OTC
Relieves pain and inflammation.

Celebrex (celecoxib) works well for treating pain, but is not a good option if you have heart problems.

●●●●●
3.4/ 5 average rating with 550 reviewsforCelebrex
Relieves pain, fever, and inflammation.

Aleve (naproxen) works well for treating mild to moderate pain or inflammation, and lasts longer than other NSAIDs.

●●●●●
3.9/ 5 average rating with 978 reviewsfornaproxen
Upsides
  • Celebrex (celecoxib) effectively relieves pain and inflammation for many types of pain conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual cramps.
  • Celebrex (celecoxib) causes less stomach problems compared to other NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen.
  • Celebrex (celecoxib) is available as a cheaper, generic form.
  • Celebrex (celecoxib) has the lowest risk of heart attack compared to other NSAIDs.
  • Aleve (naproxen) is good for relieving pain from common conditions like menstrual cramps, toothaches, and arthritis.
  • It lasts longer than other NSAIDS so you don't have to take it as often.
  • Aleve (naproxen) is generally safe to use, cheap, and available over-the-counter.
  • Aleve (naproxen) causes fewer stomach problems than its alternatives.
Downsides
  • The longer you take Celebrex (celecoxib), the more likely you are to have stomach problems, including inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding.
  • Celebrex (celecoxib) can affect your kidneys or cause permanent kidney damage if taken for a long time.
  • Celebrex (celecoxib) shouldn't be used if you have an allergy to sulfa medications.
  • Aleve (naproxen) needs to be taken with food or millk to lower the chances of upset stomach.
  • Like all NSAIDs, Aleve (naproxen) is as not safe for pregnant women and people who are age 60 or older.
  • It can cause serious complications like stomach bleeding and kidney problems if taken for a long period of time.
  • Like all NSAIDs, Aleve (naproxen) can raise your risk of getting blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.
ADVERTISEMENT
Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Delayed-release pill
  • Extended-release pill
  • Suspension
Price
Lowest price
$15.41
Find instant savings near you
Lowest price
$15.00
Find instant savings near you
Want to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
550 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
38%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Celebrex (celecoxib)?

Leave a review
978 reviews so far
78%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
5%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Aleve (naproxen)?

Leave a review
Side effects
16possible side effects
  • Headache
    16%
  • Indigestion
    9%
  • Upper respiratory infection
    8%
  • Diarrhea
    6%
  • Sinus infection
    5%
  • Stomach pain
    4%
  • Nausea
    4%
  • Back pain
    3%
  • Injury
    3%
  • Gas
    2%
  • Swelling in the limbs
    2%
  • Dizziness
    2%
  • Difficulty sleeping
    2%
  • Sore throat
    2%
  • Stuffy nose
    2%
  • Rash
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Aleve (naproxen) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Heart attack and stroke
    • Long-term use
    • History of heart disease
    • History of heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft/CABG)
  • Stomach bleeding
    • Age 65 or older
    • History of GI bleed or peptic ulcer disease
    • Longer duration of treatment
    • Use of oral corticosteroids, aspirin, anticoagulants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
    • Smoking
    • Alcohol use
  • Increased blood pressure
    • History of high blood pressure
  • Heart failure risk
    • Heart failure
  • Allergic reaction
    • History of sulfa allergy
  • Lowered kidney function
    • History of kidney problems
    • Dehydration
    • Heart failure
    • Liver problems
    • Taking diuretic medications
    • ACE inhibitors
    • Angiotensin II receptor blockers
    • Age 65 or older
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Heart attack and stroke
    • History of heart problems
    • Taking the medicine for a long period of time
  • Stomach bleeding
    • History of stomach bleeding or ulcer
    • Age 60 or older
    • Taking aspirin, other NSAIDs, or blood thinners
    • Drinking more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day
    • Smoking
    • Taking the medicine for a long period of time
  • Severe allergic reaction
    • Asthma
    • Nasal polyps
    • Aspirin allergy
    • NSAID allergy
  • Kidney damage
    • Kidney disease
    • Heart failure
    • Taking certain high blood pressure medications
    • Age 60 or older
    • Taking the medicine for a long period of time
  • Harm to fetus
    • Women who want to or can become pregnant
    • Pregnant women
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Celebrex (celecoxib)
Learn more about Aleve (naproxen)