Compare ibuprofen vs. Celebrex

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

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Advil (ibuprofen)

Over-the-counter

Celebrex (celecoxib)

Prescription only
Relieves pain, fever, and swelling.

Advil (ibuprofen) works well for treating fever, inflammation, and a variety of mild to moderate pain conditions, but it doesn't last as long as other NSAIDs.

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4.0/ 5 average rating with 892 reviewsforibuprofen
Relieves pain and inflammation.

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

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3.4/ 5 average rating with 550 reviewsforCelebrex
Upsides
  • Advil (ibuprofen) is effective for treating fever, pain, and inflammation.
  • Good for relieving pain due to common conditions like menstrual cramps, toothaches, backaches, and sports-related injuries.
  • Advil (ibuprofen) is generally safe to use, cheap, and available over-the-counter.
  • Advil (ibuprofen) causes less stomach problems than its alternatives.
  • It comes in different flavored liquid forms that makes it easy for children to take.
  • 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.
Downsides
  • Advil (ibuprofen) doesn't last as long as other NSAIDs, so you need to take it a few times a day to get relief of your symptoms.
  • It needs to be taken with food or millk to avoid getting an upset stomach.
  • Advil (ibuprofen) is not as safe as other alternatives 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, Advil (ibuprofen) can raise your risk of getting blood clots, a heart attack, or stroke.
  • 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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Chewable tablet
  • Suspension
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$4.80
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Lowest price
$9.50
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Reviews
892 reviews so far
88%
saidit'sworth it
52%
saiditworked well
4%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Advil (ibuprofen)?

Leave a review
550 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
38%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Celebrex (celecoxib)?

Leave a review
Side effects
The Advil (ibuprofen) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
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
Risks and risk factors
  • Heart attack and stroke
    • History of heart problems
    • Taking Advil (ibuprofen) for a long period of time
  • Stomach bleeding
    • History of stomach bleeding
    • 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
    • Liver disease
    • Taking certain high blood pressure medications
    • Age 60 or older
    • Taking the medicine for a long period of time
  • Harm to fetus (unborn baby)
    • Women who want to or can become pregnant
    • Pregnant women
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
Learn more about Advil (ibuprofen)
Learn more about Celebrex (celecoxib)