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Celebrex, Vioxx not Safe on Stomach

December 2, 2005

A new study published in the British Medical Journal reports that COX-2 selective painkillers are no safer on your stomach than traditional painkillers. When COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were introduced to the market, their makers claimed these drugs were as effective as traditional painkillers, but much safer on the stomach. Older NSAIDs, such as Aleve and Naproxen, have long been linked to gastrointestinal side effects like ulcers and bleeding. New findings suggest COX-2 drugs are just as dangerous as older drugs.

COX-2 drugs have been the center of controversy since the recall of Vioxx in 2004. Vioxx, manufactured by Merck, was pulled off the market after studies determined that Vioxx doubled a patient's risk of heart attack and stroke. In the midst of this recall, the safety of other COX-2 pain killers was also called into question. Celebrex and Bextra were also found to significantly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Bextra was recalled, while Celebrex was allowed to remain on the market.

Prior to the discovery of COX-2 cardiovascular side effects, many doctors favored these newer drugs over older medications because of there apparent gastrointestinal safety. Recent evidence shows that these new drugs may not be safe after all. In the recent British study, researchers at the University of Nottingham reviewed 367 general medical practices for patient cases of upper gastrointestinal events, such as ulcer or bleeding. These cases were then matched with control patients.

Of the 9,407 patients with gastrointestinal problem, 45 percent took a traditional NSAID and 10 percent took a newer COX-2 agent. Of the over 8,000 people in the control group on third received an older medication and six percent took COX-2 pain killer. Researchers found that those taking any NSAID were at a greater risk of suffering a gastrointestinal event. When the data was adjusted, this risk remained significant for patients using naproxen, Voltaren, and Vioxx. According to the researchers, the risk for Celebrex was slightly lower, though still greater compared to those not taking any form of NSAID.

The researchers found no evidence that COX-2 painkillers offered any greater protection against gastrointestinal side effects. Some experts have also concluded this study highlights the risk of taking NSAIDs in combination with aspirin. Taking these two types of medicine together can greatly increase the risk of adverse gastrointestinal side effects. According to professor of internal medicine and health management, Dr. Fendrick of the University of Michigan, "These [COX-2 NSAIDs] were touted as prevention of adverse GI events, which is completely false."

According to another expert, Dr. Eric Matteson, professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, "All NSAIDs increase your risk for stomach problems, including ulcers and bleeding, which can be serious and even fatal. This includes the COX-2 drugs."

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

 

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