• Home
• Defective Drug Index
• About A Drug Recall
• Contact A Defective Drug Lawyer

We Can Help.

Celebrex Deaths

Pfizer Inc. disclosed December 17, 2004 that its best selling arthritis treatment was linked to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and death among some patients in a study. The increased risk of suffering Celebrex deaths was immediately controversial. Just 11 weeks prior to the Celebrex deaths and cardiovascular risks announcement, Merck & Co. recalled its popular arthritis rival Vioxx because a study showed the drug caused double the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients taking the drug for 18 months or longer.

The Vioxx recall was the largest prescription drug recall and Merck's liability because of it has been estimated at up to $18 billion. Since then, the Vioxx recall has put the entire class of COX-2 drugs, which included Vioxx and Pfizer's Celebrex and Bextra, in question, as well as accusations that the FDA is not protecting the public from dangerous and potentially deadly drugs.

Pfizer immediately defended Celebrex after the Vioxx recall, saying the same cardiovascular risks associated to Vioxx were not present in Celebrex. The increased risks of cardiovascular Celebrex deaths were unknown, so Vioxx patients believing Celebrex was a safer alternative after the recall announcement made the switch. Sales of Celebrex jumped after the Vioxx recall, with sales topping $260 million in October, the first full month of data after the Vioxx recall.

The FDA has warned doctors since Pfizer's announcement that risk of Celebrex deaths have increased because of double the risk of heart attack and stroke that was found. The agency urged doctors to consider prescribing alternative medications in light of the new Celebrex death and cardiovascular dangers. After requesting Pfizer immediately discontinue its drug advertising for Celebrex, the FDA said it was contemplating tougher action against Celebrex, including more stringent warnings or banning the drug.

The National Cancer Institute suspended the Celebrex trial because of the risks, but Pfizer says it will not remove the drug from the market, noting other studies had shown the risk presented by Celebrex was less than other treatment options. Lawsuits have been filed against Merck because of allegations that Vioxx caused heart attacks, strokes and death and that the company suppressed information indicating safety concerns were present.

At a time when the drug industry and drug regulation is under intense scrutiny, Pfizer's reputation is at risk, as well as their potential liability if accusations of Celebrex deaths and other cardiovascular effects are made.

If you have taken Celebrex arthritis drug and have suffered adverse reactions because of it, please contact us to speak with a Celebrex lawyer for more information on celebrex deaths.

More Celebrex Resources

MedLine Plus Drug Information - Guide to prescription and over-the-counter medications provided by the United States Pharmacopeia.

Celebrex - A source of information about relief from arthritis pain including Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

• Reglan
• Raptiva
• Yaz Birth Control
• Nuvaring
• Duragesic Patch
• Heparin