Celebrex - Medical Alert

12-17-04
Pfizer Inc. reported that it has found an increased risk of heart attacks for patients taking high dosages of its top-selling painkiller Celebrex, the same problem that led to the withdrawal of its one-time competitor Vioxx. The withdrawal of the popular arthritis drug Vioxx from the worldwide market had fueled concerns about the drug Celebrex. Celebrex, like Vioxx, is a medication called a COX-2 inhibitor. COX-2 inhibitors have been linked to an increase in the risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes.

Researchers have stated that since Pfizer Inc.’s Celebrex, often called a “super aspirin,” is in the same class of drugs as Merck & Co.’s Vioxx, it likely carries the same risks.

The FDA sent Pharmacia Corp. a “warning letter” about the company’s promotional campaign for Celebrex, as it did with Vioxx. The letter was sent for the same reasons the FDA had warned Merck & Co, the maker of Vioxx –– the campaign minimized the potentially serious cardiovascular findings that were observed in trials. The FDA charged that Pharmacia Corp. had discounted the fact that patients on Celebrex were observed to have a four to five-fold increase in heart attacks, compared with patients on other painkillers.

In addition to increased risk of heart attack and stroke, patients taking Celebrex are also at heightened risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, ulcers and kidney problems. Other possible side effects:

1. an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
2. abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort
3. bloody, black, or tarry stools
4. nausea or heartburn
5. bloody vomit
6. unexplained weight gain
7. swelling or water retention
8. unusual fatigue or lethargy
9. a skin rash or itching
10. yellowing of your skin or eyes
11. “flu-like" symptoms
12. unusual bruising or bleeding

If you or a loved one are using Celebrex and have experienced any of these symptoms, call the attorneys at Robert J. DeBry and Associates today at 1-866-Try-DeBry (879-3327), 262-8915 (local) or email us. You may have a claim for the physical harm you have suffered.

PLEASE DO NOT DISCONTINUE TAKING ANY MEDICATIONS
WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING YOUR DOCTOR.

Resources:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/celebrex_blockbox.html

http://www.fda.gov/CDER/drug/infopage/celebrex/Celebrex_ptsk.pdf

http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/celebrex/celebrex_hcp.htm

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