December 17, 2004
Merck’s blockbuster drug and number two earner Vioxx was recalled from the market in September after it was linked to double the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients taking the drug for 18 months or longer. Part of a class of drugs called COX-2 inhibitors, the Vioxx recall left just two remaining COX-2 drugs on the market – Pfizer’s Bextra and Celebrex.
Though the Vioxx recall news appeared potentially financially rewarding for Pfizer, experts were concerned that the Vioxx side effects may be a class wide effect. Earlier this month, the FDA said it was adding a warning to the labels of Bextra, saying a risk of potential heart problems was associated with the use of Bextra in people who have recently had heart bypass surgery.
It appeared Celebrex was safe and the problems were only with Vioxx, but now scientists have discovered the drug may be problematic as well. In a National Cancer Institute study that was being performed for Pfizer, an increased risk of heart attacks was discovered in Celebrex patients, causing the study to be halted.
The president of worldwide development for Pfizer noted that the results in the trial finding increased risk of heart attacks were not consistent with either the other cancer prevention trial or with a “large body of data” that the company had collected.
For more information on Celebrex warnings, please contact us to confer with a Celebrex Lawyer and learn your legal rights and options.
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