Trends in Celecoxib Prescribing: A Single Institution 16-Month Review

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Celecoxib, a COX-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is widely prescribed for pain management due to its efficacy and improved gastrointestinal safety profile compared to traditional NSAIDs. Understanding prescription trends and their comparison to other NSAIDs provides valuable insight into prescribing behaviors in clinical settings. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed celecoxib prescriptions written by three pain management physicians in a single institution over a 16-month period from 1 January 2023 to 30 April 2024. Prescription data were collected and grouped into four 4-month intervals to assess temporal trends. Additionally, we compared celecoxib prescriptions to other commonly prescribed NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, meloxicam, naproxen, and diclofenac. Results: A total of 143 celecoxib prescriptions were identified during the study period, with a steady increase observed across consecutive intervals: 8 prescriptions from January-April 2023, 22 from May-August 2023, 46 from September-December 2023, and 67 from January-April 2024. In comparison, a total of 165 prescriptions were written for other NSAIDs over the same period, with 26 prescriptions from January-April 2023, 41 from May-August 2023, 45 from September-December 2023, and 53 from January-April 2024. While prescriptions for both celecoxib and other NSAIDs increased over time, the rate of celecoxib prescriptions showed a steeper rise. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate a notable increase in celecoxib prescriptions in this pain management clinic, outpacing the growth of other NSAIDs. This trend may reflect increasing provider preference for COX-2 selective inhibitors due to their favorable safety profile and efficacy. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying factors driving these prescribing patterns.

Keywords: COX-2 inhibitors; celecoxib; chronic pain; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; pain management.

Figure 1

This bar graph illustrates the total number of celecoxib (red) and other NSAIDs (blue) prescriptions issued in a pain management clinic over four consecutive 4-month intervals from January 2023 to April 2024. The data demonstrate a steady increase in the number of prescriptions for both celecoxib and other NSAIDs, with celecoxib prescriptions showing a more pronounced rise over time. By the final interval (January–April 2024), celecoxib prescriptions surpassed those of other NSAIDs.

Figure 2

This line graph illustrates the percentage distribution of celecoxib (red) and other NSAIDs (blue) as a proportion of total NSAID prescriptions across four time periods. The data reveal a progressive increase in the percentage of celecoxib prescriptions with each interval. From September–December 2023, celecoxib use nearly equaled the combined prescriptions of all other NSAIDs. In the final period (January–April 2024), celecoxib prescriptions surpassed those of all other NSAIDs combined, suggesting that it became the preferred NSAID within the pain management clinic.