Lakeland Celebrex (Dangerous Drug) Attorneys

After Vioxx and Bextra have made news about their adverse side effects and their cause of cardiovascular problems, Celebrex remained the only alternative for many patients in need of anti-inflammatories. Pfizer announced in December 2004 that clinical studies have found taking higher doses of Celebrex can double or triple a person’s risk of suffering from a heart attack or stroke and so far Pfizer has made no move to take Celebrex off the market in order to protect consumers.

Celebrex was first approved for use in the United States in 1999 to treat the pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, primary dysmenorrhea, and other chronic pain conditions. Celebrex has been linked to several gastrointestinal disorders and a number of deaths. The most serious risks include suffering a heart attack, stroke or blood clots.

In light of recent clinical trial findings, the FDA has criticized Pfizer for downplaying potential Celebrex side effects while exaggerating the drugs benefits. In January 2005, the FDA wrote a letter to Pfizer requesting that they halt all mass media advertising of Celebrex. Pfizer had already pulled all Celebrex ads the month before in anticipation of this request. The FDA has also suggested that doctors consider prescribing alternatives to Celebrex in order to protect patients from cardiovascular dangers.

Since the FDA’s approval of Celebrex in 1999, Celebrex side effects were reported, accounting for 10 deaths and 11 instances of gastrointestinal hemorrhages. The most serious Celebrex side effect that patients who have been taking the drug have to fear is the increased risk of suffering a heart attack, stroke or blood clots.

Stop taking Celebrex if you experience the following symptoms:

• Allergic reactions, such as breathing difficulties, swelling of the throat, lips and tongue
• Abdominal pain, discomfort
• Bloody, black or tarry stools
• Lethargy
• Skin rashes
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Flu-like symptoms
• Nausea, heartburn
• Abnormal bruising, bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Insomnia

In addition to cardiovascular complications, Celebrex risks also include ulcer development and severe allergic reaction in patients with an allergy to aspirin, other NSAIDs, and sulfa drugs. If you are currently taking Celebrex and are concerned about Celebrex side effects you should speak with your doctor before making any changes to your treatment.

An experienced Celebrex attorney can help those who have suffered injuries as a result of the side effects associated with Celebrex use. If you have taken and have been injured by Celebrex, please contact us at (863) 669-9999.