Celebrex

Celebrex : Heart Attacks and Other Side Effects

Pfizer announced that its painkiller Celebrex puts patients at "increased cardiovascular risk" for heart problems, citing a long-term cancer study. Celebrex is in the same class as Bextra and Vioxx, which was pulled from the market in September because of safety concerns.

On the heels of the recall of Vioxx in September 2004, results of a study were issued on December 17, 2004 linking Celebrex to and increased risk for heart attacks.

About Celebrex

Celebrex, also known as celecoxib, was approved by the FDA in December 1998 and is made by Pfizer. Over 20 million people have been prescribed Celebrex.

Celebrex is prescribed for the relief of symptoms of:

• osteoarthritis (also known as "wear and tear" arthritis, a degenerative joint disease common in older people)
• adult rheumatoid arthritis (a severe form of arthritis which affects over 2 million people)
• primary dysmennorhea (severe menstrual cramping)
• acute pain in adults

Celebrex is classified as a COX-2 inhibitor, part of a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). COX-2 inhibitors block one of the enzymes which causes pain and inflammation.

An article published in August, 2001 in the medical journal JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) raised concerns over the possible impact on cardiovascular health. This article can be found at http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/286/8/954.

Note - Do not change medications without first consulting your doctor.

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