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Problems here. Could use some help

I was told today by my awesome insurance company that they will not cover Celebrex. I have been on meloxicam for many years. I'm on day 25 norco free and working with my pain management doctor on non narcotic relief. I thought this maybe a good choice but the insurance company disagreed. Any opinions on arthritis relief options. I have liver issues and I'm tested every 6 months. I also have stenosis, 2 bulging discs and one that has been detached. I do commercial refrigeration and the arthritis is in my back, knees and hands. I don't want to get back to the norco because I am almost free from depression which I believe was caused by long term norco use. 10+ years with the depression starting 16 months ago. All suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks
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Avatar universal
I've tried Celebrix, but it hasn't gave me any relief for my arthritic knees.  I just started on Melodicam 7.5, I only took 1 this morning, but also took a Norco tonight.  My orthopedic Dr wants to do a knee replacement, but I am trying everything I can first to avoid the surgery.  It is a really painful surgery, and the people I have seen with a replacement still can't kneel.  I'm only 59 & they say the replacement is only good for 10 years.  I would like feed back from all of you.
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Avatar universal
You can try the prescription Naproxen, this is a prescription to Aleve. I've used it for years. I am now using Meloxicam, because I've been on it too long, long means like off and on for over 20 years, and it just wasn't doing anything for me. I have a lumbar back sprain.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for the clear-up.  :)  I hope you get some relief.
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Avatar universal
Great information. I've done the OTC meds and that's what took me to Mobic/Meloxicam. My doctor did the preauthorization and that's what was denied. I don't even know if Celebrex is going to bet miracle. I will go to their website and see if I can get some discount coupons. Just for general information to anyone that cares..... I have seen a top gastroantonologist (spelling) who killed the myth about Tylenol and liver function. His words were " Tylenol is the better OTC  for people with liver problems. Just DO NOT take more that 2000 mg a day."   For normal people the max per day is 4000 mg. Just thought I'd put that out there.
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1801781 tn?1461629469
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Health Questions > Celebrex > Is there an equally effective, cheaper alternative to Celebrex?
Is there an equally effective, cheaper alternative to Celebrex?

    Q: Is there another medication that I can take that is equally as good as Celebrex. It's very good but so expensive!
    A: Celebrex (there is no generic but the active ingredient is celecoxib) is an expensive NSAID (non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drug), and there are no alternatives exactly like it, but you may be able to try something similar. Most NSAIDS follow two pathways in the body, COX-1 inhibition and COX-2 inhibition. The second one is desirable, as it decreases the inflammation. The first pathway can slowly destroy the stomach lining and over time, cause ulcers or GI bleeding. Celebrex is the only medication that does not go down the COX-1 pathway very much. Others were developed (Vioxx and Bextra), but then recalled due to issues with people having heart problems. So, if you do not have GI bleeding or an ulcer, you may want to ask your doctor about other NSAIDS. Mobic (the generic name is meloxicam) is a great alternative, because it is generic and has less GI/ulcer problems than most of the NSAIDS. Ultimately, you should see what your doctor thinks is best for you. If your doctor insists on Celebrex, you may want to contact the company and see if they have any discount coupons that your pharmacy can process. Many companies do this. The company to contact is Pfizer. For more information on pain management, please visit our link at: http://www.everydayhealth.com/pain-management/index.aspx Patti Brown, PharmD Brown, PharmD
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1801781 tn?1461629469
https://www.celebrex.com/offers.aspx
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Avatar universal
Agree with above post about the doctor telling your insurance it's medically necessary most of the times the insurance will then cover it, worth a shot, don't give up!
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Avatar universal
Aleve*, not Alever.  lol  Sorry!
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Avatar universal
Meloxicam is just a glorified Ibuprofen/Aleve med, so you could always try those OTC.  You can take up to 800 mg Ibuprofen every 8 hours or 500mg of Aleve twice a day in it's place.  Celebrex is a name brand drug and insurance companies hate those namebrands.  lol  Your doc can sometimes do a prior authorization, though, to get them to pay for it, which is basically paperwork explaining that you' ve tried other things and this is the only drug that works for you.  If not, maybe go to Celebrex's website and see if they have a coupon or drug program to help with the cost.

Otherwise, besides Alever or Ibuprofen, I'm not sure.  I would stay away from Tylenol based meds with your liver issues.

Hope this helps.  :)
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