CELEBREX ELEVATES CARDIOVASCULAR RISKS

December 17, 2004: Pfizer, Inc. announced an increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients using the popular arthritis and pain relief drug, Celebrex: Dosing in long-term cancer studies suspended due to increased cardiovascular risks.

Background:

The prescription, Celebrex, is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation and stiffness caused by arthritis by targeting COX-2 inhibitors. These enzymes play a key role in pain and inflammation. The FDA approved Celebrex in 1999 for joint manufacture by Searle Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. According to the manufacturers, Celebrex has been prescribed millions of times since its approval and is currently the most frequently prescribed arthritis drug.

Study Results:

In a recent long-term cancer-prevention trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, patients taking Celebrex had more than twice the number of major fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events as those taking a placebo. The study, called the Adenoma Prevention with Celecoxib (APC) trial, was stopped when analysis by an independent Data Safety and Monitoring Board (DSMB) showed the study to be unsafe.

The announcement that Celebrex poses an elevated risk of heart attack to patients using the drug, comes only three months after the Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory announced the withdrawal of Vioxx (rofecoxib) from the market by its maker, Merck & Co. Inc. Vioxx was pulled from the market due to similar concerns surrounding the current Celebrex studies.

Where can I find additional information?

What you can do:

If you have experienced serious side effect associated with your use of Celebrex, you are urged to see your doctor. If you or a member of your family suffered severe reactions after the use of Celebrex, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your potential legal claim. If you would like more information, or would just like to talk with a lawyer experienced in drug and device litigation, please call attorney Ron Goldser at 1.800.755.0098 for a free consultation or click here to fill out an online free case review.