"Why are COX-2 drugs like Celebrex still prescription only ?" Why? Because Celebrex (celecoxib) is a dangerous drug which can cause irreparable harm (heart att

"Why are COX-2 drugs like Celebrex still prescription only ?" Why? Because Celebrex (celecoxib) is a dangerous drug which can cause irreparable harm (heart attacks and related) if taken for long periods. In fact, its sister drug Vioxx (rofecoxib) was banned and Merck had to pay billions in damages. There's more here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47835635#47862704 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47835635#47862704 Whilst Celebrex is safer than Vioxx it still has the same side effects profile as the latter. I'd also recommended you watch the YouTube video in the link on Vioxx, it demonstrates the dangers of COX-2 drugs shouldn't be underestimated.