Celebrex Stroke
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In December 2004, Pfizer announced that clinical studies have revealed an increase in Celebrex stroke and heart attack risks for patients taking 400 to 800 milligrams of their top selling prescription painkiller. Celebrex was approved in the U.S. to treat osteoarthritis and other chronic pain conditions at a recommended 100 to 200 milligram daily dosage, and up to 800 milligrams daily for rheumatoid arthritis, primary dysmenorrhea, acute pain treatment, and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
Celebrex stroke and heart attack risks were discovered in a trial conducted by the National Cancer Institute. This clinical trial was designed to study the effectiveness of Celebrex use in preventing colorectal and other forms of cancer. This study was suspended after preliminary evidence indicated that Celebrex stroke and heart attack risks were twice as high for patients taking 400 milligrams, and more than three times as great for those taking 800 milligrams of Celebrex as compared to other trial participants.
This announcement of Celebrex stroke and heart attack risks follows findings from studies involving similar prescription pain killers. Vioxx was voluntarily pulled from the market after clinical trial evidence indicated cardiovascular effects similar to Celebrex stroke and heart attack risks. Despite Celebrex stroke and heart attack risks, Pfizer has made no indication that they plan to recall their blockbuster pain killer.
Sales of Celebrex have taken a huge hit since the announcement of serious cardiovascular risks. In the first weeks following Pfizer's risk warnings, sales of Celebrex fell fifty-six percent. In light of Celebrex stroke and heart attack risks, the FDA has urged doctors to prescribe alternative medications. The FDA has also ordered Pfizer to halt all commercial marketing of Celebrex stating that Pfizer has overstated the benefits and underestimated the risks associated with Celebrex use. Pfizer had pulled all mass media ads one month earlier in anticipation of this request
Celebrex stroke and heart attack risks are still being evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and medical researchers nationwide. The National Institutes of Health has ordered a review of forty agency sponsored Celebrex clinical trials in hopes of uncovering more information about Celebrex stroke and heart attack risks. Because each of the COX-2 selective pain killers have shown to increase cardiovascular risks, the FDA is holding a three day hearing in February 2005 to discuss the risks and benefits of these prescription medications.
The first class action lawsuit was filed in December 2004 against Pfizer on behalf of all people in the United States who have taken Celebrex. People who have not suffered a Celebrex stroke are seeking periodic medical exams to enable early detection and treatment of Celebrex side effects. Those who have suffered a Celebrex stroke or heart attack seek relief for all damages they have suffered. If you are concerned about Celebrex stroke and heart attack risks, you may wish to address these issues with your medical professional. To learn more about your rights and options in a Celebrex lawsuit, please contact us to confer with a qualified and experienced legal expert.
