Celebrex
Celebrex
is a prescription drug belonging to a new class of non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) called COX-2 inhibitors. Traditional
NSAIDs (ibuprofen and aspirin) block both COX-2 and COX-1 enzymes.
However, COX-1 enzyme protects the lining of the stomach and blocking
it can lead to stomach irritation. Celebrex works by blocking only
COX-2 enzymes in the body that cause inflammation characteristic
to arthritis. It is prescribed to relieve symptoms associated with
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The FDA approved Celebrex
in December 1998. Celebrex is jointly marketed by Pharmacia and
Pfizer Inc.
Arthritis
Approximately
40 million Americans suffer from arthritis. The two types treated
by Celebrex are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
·
Osteoarthritis
- a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage covering
the end of the bone in the joints begins to deteriorate, causing
loss of movement and pain.
·
Rheumatoid arthritis
- an autoimmune disease that occurs when the joint lining becomes
inflamed, causing destruction of the joint, loss of movement, and
pain.
Side
Effects and Risks
In
February 2000, the FDA denied a
request by the makers of Celebrex to remove label warnings about
serious stomach ulcers. Medical reviewers did not find any evidence
to suggest that Celebrex was associated with a lower rate of stomach
ulcers than traditional NSAIDs. Instead, they found that taking
low-dose aspirin (to prevent heart attack) in combination with Celebrex
increased the risk of developing ulcers.
In
addition, Celebrex has been linked to 10 deaths and 11 cases of
gastrointestinal bleeding that required hospitalization. Symptoms
of stomach ulcers and bleeding include:
· Burning stomach pain
· Vomiting
· Black stools
There
is also some evidence to suggest that taking Celebrex can increase
the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. In a review of
several studies involving approximately 48,000 patients, researchers
discovered that patients taking Celebrex were twice as likely to
suffer from cardiovascular problems such as blood clots, heart attack,
and stroke.
This
information is intended to provide a brief overview of the arthritis
drug Celebrex. Contact a physician for more information specific
to your case.
If
you or someone you know has suffered injuries as a result of Celebrex,
contact an attorney to discuss your
legal rights.
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