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The Dangers of Using Celebrex

Celebrex, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, reduces inflammation for numerous ailments including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain and cramps from severe menstrual periods. This drug, approved by the Federal Drug Administration in December 1998, is manufactured by Pfizer. Since 1999, more than 20 million individuals have been prescribed Celebrex for pain relief. It is still available through prescription.

  1. Side Effects

    • Possible side effects from Celebrex include upset stomach, mild heart burn, constipation, gas, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, nausea and diarrhea. Using the lowest effective dose for only as long necessary might help lower the risk of those side effects.

    Federal Drug Administration

    • The FDA ordered Pfizer to upgrade its label warnings for Celebrex to state that the drug increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and blood clots. The FDA also ordered Pfizer to alert patients that the drug might cause serious ulcer complications or kidney damage. This dictated warning is now contained in a "black box" on the medical instructions, which is the highest stricture that can be placed on a drug short of taking it off the market.

    Health Studies

    • A study funded by Pfizer and conducted by the National Cancer Institute was designed to test the effects of Celebrex on cancer. The study was suspended after preliminary results showed an increased risk of heart attack and stroke for patients taking this drug. Patients in the clinical trial were 2-1/2 times more likely to suffer an adverse cardiovascular event than patients in the placebo group. Citing the study, Pfizer announced that Celebrex puts patients at "increased cardiovascular risk" for heart problems. This drug is in the same category as Bextra and Vioxx, all three COX-2 inhibitors, which were recalled because of health concerns related to the risk of heart attacks, strokes and blood clots. In 2001, the American Heart Association, the National Stroke Association and the Arthritis Foundation also asked Pfizer to test whether Celebrex increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

    Lack of Information

    • Consumer groups, patients and medical professionals believe they are not getting enough information about pain relief medications to make informed and educated choices. Very often, the public is forced to choose prescribed drugs based on conflicting data. Many individuals also believe that the FDA has gotten too close to drug companies and, as such, the agency is unable to act on behalf of the public.

    Medical Professionals

    • Medical professionals are warned not to prescribe Celebrex after a patient undergoes coronary bypass surgery because of the possibility of stomach bleeding. Doctors will also not prescribe Celebrex if there is a history of heart problems or heart attack, stroke, ulcers or bleeding stomach, liver problems, kidney problems, asthma or blood clotting issues. Patients should be truthful and candid when discussing their health history with a medical professional before being prescribed Celebrex as a pain reliever.

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