December 31, 1998
Web posted at: 5:43 p.m. EST (2243 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug Celebrex on Thursday to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Celebrex is the first of a new kind of painkiller called COX-2 inhibitors to get FDA approval.

Celebrex treats pain as well as other NSAIDS, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin. But unlike other NSAIDS, Celebrex does not cause serious stomach problems or deadly ulcers with long-term use.

Other NSAIDS work by blocking enzymes known as COX-1 and COX-2. Celebrex blocks only COX-2, providing pain relief without stomach trouble. Therefore, it is hoped that Celebrex will be safer than other NSAIDS for long-term use.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 3 million Americans, and osteoarthritis affects about 16 million Americans. Both conditions cause pain and joint deterioration.

The FDA did not approve Celebrex for use in other pain conditions such as headache and menstrual pain.

Celebrex is manufactured by Searle-Monsanto. It will be available only by prescription.