About Celebrex®, Its Side Effects, and When to Contact an Attorney

Celebrex®

Available only by prescription, Celebrex® is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) designed to treat the symptoms of arthritis, a painful, debilitating disease affecting the joints and surrounding cartilage. Most NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, curb pain by inhibiting the release of the COX-2 enzyme, which causes the discomfort - and the COX-1 enzyme, which protects and lines the stomach. The problem is that when the COX-1 enzyme is inhibited, stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding are known to occur. This is precisely why a new class of drugs called COX-2 inhibitors - a class to which Celebrex® belongs - was invented.

COX-2 inhibitors (including Celebrex®) are considered safer than traditional NSAIDs because they don't affect the lining of the stomach. But medical reviewers have found no evidence that Celebrex® is less likely to cause gastrointestinal problems than traditional NSAIDs, nor have they been able to prove that Celebrex® is less likely to cause side effects. Instead, they have found that taking low-dose aspirin (to prevent heart attack) in combination with Celebrex® does just the opposite - it can increase a patient's risk of developing stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or other problems. A Celebrex® attorney can explain this to you in greater detail should you decide you want to learn more.

FDA Action Regarding Celebrex®

In February 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) denied a request from Pfizer to remove from Celebrex® labels all warnings about how it can cause stomach ulcers; labels remain on the Celebrex® to this day. Pfizer made this request even though Celebrex® has been linked to serious side effects as well as at least 10 deaths and 11 cases of intestinal bleeding that required hospitalization. If you have been harmed by Celebrex®, it is in your best interest to consult an attorney.

Celebrex® is believed to cause the following side effects

• Headache
• Indigestion
• Gastrointestinal problems (signaled by burning stomach pain, vomiting, and black stools)
• Upper respiratory infection
• Diarrhea
• Sinus inflammation
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Allergic reactions (causing swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat as well as sneezing and breathing difficulties)

Furthermore, some evidence suggests that Celebrex® can increase patients' risk of some additional side effects, including blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. In a review of several studies involving roughly 48,000 participants, it was deduced that patients taking Celebrex® are at least twice as likely to suffer cardiovascular problems, including blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.

If you have experienced any of the following Celebrex® - related side effects, you should avoid taking Celebrex® and speak to an attorney:

• NSAID-induced hives or asthma
• Allergies to any ingredients found in Celebrex®

Also, consult a doctor before taking Celebrex® if any of the following are applicable to you:

• you are pregnant
• you are trying to become pregnant
• you are breastfeeding
• you have kidney or liver problems
• you are at risk for heart failure
• you have high blood pressure
• you retain fluids easily
• you are allergic to NSAIDs, such as aspirin
• you have had serious stomach problems in the past
• you have or have had serious medical problems or allergies in the past

To learn more about Celebrex® or another arthritis drug, consult your medical provider or speak with a Celebrex® attorney.

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