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Celebrex is a celecoxib COX-2 inhibitor drug that is administrated orally. Celebrex is used to treat the
following conditions:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Acute pain
- Dysmenorrhea
A recent study has indicated that Celebrex increases the risk of heart attacks.
Celebrex is in the same class, COX-2 inhibitor, as Vioxx and Bextra, which have also been linked with heart attacks as
well as other cardiovascular events.
These Celebrex side effects may result in death or serious long-term complications. Look at the Warnings and Side
Effects for more information on Celebrex side effects
Celebrex is a celecoxib COX-2 inhibitor drug that is administrated orally. Celebrex is used to treat the following
conditions:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Acute pain
- Dysmenorrhea
A recent study has indicated that Celebrex increases the risk of heart attacks.
Celebrex is in the same class, COX-2 inhibitor, as Vioxx and Bextra, which have also been linked with heart attacks as
well as other cardiovascular events.
These Celebrex side effects may result in death or serious long-term complications. Look at the Warnings and Side Effects
for more information on Celebrex side effects.
Celebrex Description and Uses
The FDA approved Celebrex in December of 1998.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory illness affecting the joints. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Joint swelling
- Tenderness of the joints
- Joint stiffness in the morningrecord setting
Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with rest and nutrition, exercise, physiotherapy, or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Surgery is necessary, usually only in extreme cases. For a complete overview of rheumatoid arthritis, see our
Online Resources.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is another degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Symptoms
of osteoarthritis include:
- Joint stiffness, usually in the morning
- Joint stiffness
- Joint tenderness.
Osteoarthritis can be treated by rehabilitation, exercise, acetaminophen and other painkilling drugs.
Effectiveness of Celebrex
Celebrex may reduce joint swelling and tenderness in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients. Celebrex has
also been shown to reduce pain after some surgeries and for those suffering from primary dysmenorrhea.
Celebrex and Heart Attacks
In September, the drug manufacturer Merck decided to withdraw Vioxx from the marketplace. Vioxx was the number one
competitor of Celebrex and Celebrex quickly gobbled up much of the market share Vioxx left behind.
Reports filed with the FDA have linked Vioxx to more than 1,200 deaths. Analysts have projected that Vioxx litigation could
cost Merck more than $10 billion.
Upon Vioxx being pulled from the marketplace, Celebrex sales skyrocketed as Pfizer spent more than $70 million advertising
Celebrex in the first nine months of 2004.
Pfizer’s CEO Hank McKinnell has said, “for millions of patients, Celebrex is the best option, or, in some
cases, the last option.” However, Pfizer did not target these last-option patients. Instead, Pfizer marketed Celebrex
as a miracle drug for baby boomers who were beginning to experience the discomfort of minor arthritis.
The New York Times that reports many consumer advocates and scientists accuse Pfizer of encouraging the overuse of
Celebrex. Several medical experts believe this has led to Celebrex being too widely prescribed.
Celebrex is administered orally, and its active ingredient, celecoxib, has been shown to help patients suffering
from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, post-dental surgery pain and primary dysmenorrhea.
The labeling of Celebrex states that caution should be used when administering Celebrex with warfarin, an oral
anticoagulant that inhibits the formation of blood clots.
A recent study has suggested that Celebrex increases a patient’s risk of heart attacks. This same study indicates
Celebrex may cause serious cardiovascular failure and strokes.
Pfizer denies the risks attributed to Celebrex.
Pfizer suggests they will wait until they “fully understand” the results of the testing that suggests
negative effects from the use of Celebrex. In the meantime, the drug will remain on the market leaving patients at risk
of heart attacks, strokes, and serious cardiovascular events.
Celebrex Warnings and Side Effects
Celebrex should not be taken by individuals with hypersensitivity to celecoxib. People who suffer from asthma, urticaria or
aspirin allergies should not take Celebrex.
A recent study showed that patients taking 800 milligrams of Celebrex every day may have more than three times the risk
of heart disease as those who avoid Celebrex. Celebrex has also been shown to put individuals at a greater risk for
heart attacks.
The New York Times reports evidence as early as 2000, that Vioxx could cause heart problems. Celebrex is in the same
class of drugs as Vioxx, and a recent study by the National Cancer Institute indicates the potential dangers of Celebrex
are similar to those of Vioxx. Despite this evidence, Pfizer refuses to pull the drug off the market. Although Pfizer will
stop advertising Celebrex to US consumers, Celebrex will still be marketed to doctors.
If you think you need legal help regarding this issue, pleasecontact us
If you need a lawyer's assistance with a Celebrex
related injury please 
contact us.
Disclaimer: The information on
this site about Celebrex side effects claims and lawsuits is not intended to
be or to replace legal or medical advice. Consult a Celebrex litigation
attorney for individual advice regarding your own legal situation. Confer with
your doctor or other qualified medical professional before taking any drug and
before changing your own personal healthcare regimen.
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