Celebrex is called a COX-2 type drug. There’s much less chance of stomach irritation than with other arthritis drugs.

I doubt seriously that Mobic is the only arthritis medicine your friend’s hospital uses. What if someone is allergic to it?

What it comes down to is that your doctor knows you better than your friend. Ask him/her at your next visit to answer your questions.

About celebrex: It is true that it is slightly better for the stomach (GI tract in general) and it does not have the detrimental side effects (increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality) that vioxx and bextra had.
Mobic is a less specific COX-2 inhibitor and has never been shown to be any better than celebrex.
As mobic is not generic it is as expensive as celebrex.
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to celebrex, I would recommend Etodolac as it is generic and overall better tolerated than ibuprofen or naprosyn.
From a personal standpoint: my mother tolerated celebrex ok but had severe stomach problems with mobic. As always YMMV.
Disclaimer: I am not a paid consultant for any of these companies and have no direct financial interest in them.