NEWS : Celebrex Withdrawal
Auj. à 15:10
Monday 23rd November 2009
The possibility of a Celebrex withdrawal has been a subject of nationwide interest ever since the recall of Vioxx, a similar drug, in September 2004. Both Celebrex and Vioxx are prescription drugs belonging to the class of COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs have been prescribed to millions of people to treat the pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, primary dysmenorrhea, and other chronic pain conditions. Numerous clinical studies have shown that the use of COX-2 selective NSAIDs increase cardiovascular risks.
Vioxx was recalled voluntarily by its maker, Merck, when studies indicated that people taking Vioxx for eighteen months are two times more likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke, compared to the general population. Pfizer, the makers of Celebrex, announced in mid-December 2004 that clinical trials revealed similar risks for Celebrex users. Trial participants who had been taking 400 milligram doses of Celebrex were 2.5 times more likely to suffer cardiovascular effects, and those taking 800 milligrams were 3.4 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
Despite similar findings, Pfizer has made no indication that they plan to issue a Celebrex withdrawal. A Celebrex withdrawal would take this arguably defective drug off the market permanently, mitigating the cardiovascular effects that may be suffered by current Celebrex users. Though a Celebrex withdrawal has not occurred yet, several steps have been taken to potentially reduce the number of people who are taking this prescription painkiller.
FDA officials have suggested that physicians begin prescribing alternatives to Celebrex. By the end of December 2004, new prescription Celebrex sales were down fifty-six percent. In the absence of a voluntary Celebrex withdrawal, the FDA has also ordered Pfizer to halt all mass media marketing of Celebrex. The FDA has stated that Pfizer has overstated the benefits and underestimated the risks associated with Celebrex use through commercial advertisements.
In an effort to further determine the cardiovascular risks associated with Celebrex use, the National Institutes of Health has ordered an official review of forty agency-sponsor Celebrex clinical trials. Clinical researchers nationwide have suspending trials involving Celebrex use in anticipation of a Celebrex withdrawal and because of serious side effect worries. The FDA has also a
nnounced that they will hold a three-day hearing in February 2005 to discuss the risks and benefits of all COX-2 selective prescription painkillers.
Without a Celebrex withdrawal, patients are still at risk of suffering serious cardiovascular side effects because of Celebrex use. A class action lawsuit has already been filed against Pfizer on behalf of all Americans who have taken Celebrex. Experts predict that with or without a Celebrex withdrawal, more product liability tort lawsuits will follow. If you are concerned about a Celebrex withdrawal, you may wish to talk to your doctor about your concerns. If you are interested in learning more about your legal rights and options, please contact us to confer with a qualified and experienced attorney.
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