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What can be learned from the Celebrex controversy?

March 29, 2005

The September 2004 withdrawal of popular blockbuster arthritis drug Vioxx from the market was confusing to both doctors and patients alike. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration held a meeting to discuss the safety questions that resulted after the Vioxx recall, including if the events were a class wide effect affecting Pfizer Inc.'s Celebrex and Bextra.

What was supposed to clear up the confusion only seemed to provide more. The FDA's advisory panel recommended that Celebrex and Bextra remain on the market despite any increased risk of heart attacks and stroke. The committee also recommended Vioxx could return to the market with strong warnings that it may increase the risks of heart attacks and strokes.

Doctors and patients, in response to the recommendations, are still wondering if they should prescribe and take Celebrex and Bextra. There are lessons that can be learned from the Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra safety questions, according to many critics.

First, though patients should understand what benefits and risks are associated to any drug they are thinking about taking or are taking, the increasing use of both over-the-counter and prescription drugs has taken away the focus from safety. The increasing number of prescriptions is, in part, attributed to aggressive marketing campaigns. Makers of both Vioxx and Celebrex were criticized in taking part in high budget direct-to-consumer advertising campaigns, which resulted in unnecessary prescriptions and patients to change from other drugs that may have been safer and more effective.

Experts advise only patients with inflammatory conditions to consider the use of Vioxx, Celebrex or Bextra in light of safety risks. Other conditions can be successfully treated using pain relievers like acetaminophen. Patients with no risks for bleeding or history of stomach problems are being advised by some experts to first try older drugs. Should the patient have a history of stomach or bleeding problems, individual doctors, alongside their patient, must decide after evaluating and understanding full risks and benefits if Celebrex or Bextra will be beneficial.

As with any medical condition, all patients are advised to carefully discuss their individual treatment plans with their doctors.

For more information on the Celebrex controversy, please contact us to confer with a Celebrex Lawyer and learn your legal rights and options.

 

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