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drug_recall celebrexClinical studies have found a substantial correlation between the use of Celebrex and heart disease risks. Celebrex and heart disease risks were discovered in clinical studies designed to measure the effects of this prescription drug on other parts of the body. One study that found a link between Celebrex and heart disease was conducted to test the gastrointestinal safety of Celebrex, while another was designed to measure the effects of Celebrex in colon polyp prevention. Regardless of the intended purpose of the study, these two major clinical trials produced substantial information about Celebrex and heart disease risks.
The first study to find a link between Celebrex and heart disease was published in 2000, about a year after Celebrex was first approved for use in the United States. The CLASS study was designed to measure the gastrointestinal effects of Celebrex compared to two other traditional NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). This study found an increased risk of heart problems in the Celebrex population, though further investigation of Celebrex and heart disease was not pursued at this time.
Concern about Celebrex and heart disease began to mount after a similar drug was pulled off the shelves because it doubled a patient’s cardiovascular risks. Vioxx, a COX-2 selective NSAID, was voluntarily pulled off the market in late September 2004. Following the Vioxx recall, the cardiovascular safety of all COX-2 NSAIDs was called into question. Pfizer, the makers of two top selling COX-2 drugs, Celebrex and Bextra, consistently maintained that cardiovascular risks were unique to Vioxx. Pfizer expressly stated that there was no significant link between Celebrex and heart disease. Less than two months later a study demonstrated a significant link between Celebrex and heart disease.
The National Cancer Institute designed a three year study to measure the effectiveness of Celebrex in preventing colon polyps. The study had to be cut short after researchers found an alarmingly unfavorable link between Celebrex and heart disease. The study found that patients taking 400 milligrams of Celebrex were 2.5 times more likely to suffer an adverse cardiovascular event, while those taking 800 milligrams were at a 3.4 times greater risk. These Celebrex and heart disease findings were announced in December 2004.
As a response to Celebrex and heart disease risks, Pfizer has made no indication that they plan to recall their defective drug. In spite of Celebrex and heart disease risks, the FDA has urged doctors to prescribe alternative treatments. The FDA also ordered Pfizer to halt all Celebrex advertisements, stating that the company overstated the benefits and understated the risks associated with their product. Since this Celebrex and heart disease information was announced, Bextra has also been taken off the market for its heart risks. Though the risks are similar, Celebrex remains on the market.
If you or a loved one is concerned about Celebrex and heart disease or has suffered a Celebrex injury, you may wish to contact a qualified attorney who can determine your legal rights and options.
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