Celebrex Heart Attack and Stroke Lawsuits

Celebrex (celecoxib) reduces substances in the body that cause inflammation, pain, and fever, and is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis. Recent clinical studies of Celebrex however, indicate a significant increase in heart attack and sudden cardiac deaths with Celebrex users. Celebrex is a COX-2 inhibitors similar to Vioxx and Bextra.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Celebrex is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is also a COX-2 inhibitor like Vioxx and Bextra. To date, a Celebrex recall has not been initiated by Pfizer or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but rather an additional Celebrex warning has been issued by the manufacturer. Vioxx however, has been recalled due to excessive heart attack, stroke and sudden cardiac related deaths to Vioxx users. The Celebrex, Bextra and Vioxx medications work by reducing substances in the body that cause inflammation, pain, and fever, and is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis. Recent clinical studies of Celebrex indicate a significant increase in heart attack and sudden cardiac deaths with Celebrex users. Ask your doctor or health care provider for more detailed Celebrex information if you feel you or a loved one are at risk.

COX-2 Inhibitor Drugs and Medications

COX-2 inhibitor drugs are widely prescribed medications for inflammation and other pain connected with cases of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. According to medical experts, while conventional over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be used to quell such pain, the COX-2 drugs are often preferred by patients because they don't cause the stomach upset associated with some of the over-the-counter medications. The COX-2 inhibitors Bextra, Vioxx, and Celebrex are all coming under fire by medical researchers and the FDA as posing significant health risks to their users. Vioxx was recalled on September 30, 2004.

Celebrex Side Effects

Celebrex side effects are serious and life threatening; with reports of death, cardiovascular problems, kidney and liver damages, and ulcers. In fact, within months of its entry on the U.S. market, Celebrex side effects were reported - accounting for 10 deaths and 11 instances of gastrointestinal hemorrhages. Now years later on December 17, 2004, Pfizer announced that a government sponsored study on Celebrex's ability to lower cancer risks was stopped after researchers learned that Celebrex's risk of causing a major heart attack was two-and-a-half times greater than the risk for patients taking a placebo.

Celebrex Recall Not Planned by Pfizer

(December 20, 2004) According to Pfizer's chief executive Dr. Henry A. McKinnell Jr., "We're leaving Celebrex on the market because it is an appropriate option for many, many patients." In fact, he affirmed the position Pfizer took on Friday, when it disclosed the new data about risks gleaned from a long-term study by the National Cancer Institute to gauge Celebrex's usefulness in preventing colon polyps and colorectal cancer. Pfizer said that the trial had found that patients taking 800 milligrams a day of Celebrex had 3.4 times the risk of heart disease as those given a placebo, while those taking 400 milligrams had 2.5 times the risk. However, a second study, sponsored by Pfizer, found no increased risk of heart disease in a similar patient group given 400 milligrams a day. "This one study did show significant cardiovascular risk," Dr. McKinnell said today." But another similarly large, well-controlled study shows just the opposite. So I'm not sure we really understand yet the relevance of this new data."

Pfizer has said it has no plans to withdraw or recall Celebrex, which had annual sales of nearly $2 billion last year. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, urged doctors to consider prescribing alternatives to Celebrex. Several analysts also believe Celebrex is mostly safe when used at the typical levels of 100 milligrams or 200 milligrams. The trial of patients with tumors known as adenomas took either 400 milligrams or 800 milligrams of the drug. Previous trials of Celebrex in arthritis and Alzheimer's have not shown an increase in heart risk.