Methods for individualized therapy of arthritic pain using a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (iCOX-2 inhibitor). Said methods comprise basing COX-2 inhibitor dose on each patient's pharmacokinetic response to said COX-2 inhibitor. Provided is a composition for treating pain without inducing edema comprising a COX-2 inhibitor and a diuretic, wherein the composition is administered in a fixed-dose combination.