GETTING HELP FOR INJURIES CAUSED BY CELEBREX WHICH , LIKE VIOXX, NOW LINKED TO CARDIAC RISK

In a development long suspected by trial lawyers, evidence has come to light indicating that Celebrex has the same defect as Vioxx - enhanced risk of heart attack or stroke. Persons who have suffered such injuries while taking Celebrex should seek an evaluation by legal counsel for potential claims against the drug's manufacturer, Pfizer, Inc.

Pfizer said on December 19, 2004, that it would stop advertising for its widely prescribed arthritis drug Celebrex after a study linked the medication to an increased heart attack risk. Pfizer reportedly spent $70 million marketing the drug in the first three quarters of 2004. While Pfizer indicated that it plans to continue selling the drug, the FDA said it was considering withdrawal of the drug from the U.S. market.

Celebrex (celecoxib) is from the same class of drugs (known as COX2 enzyme inhibitors) as Vioxx (rofecoxib) which was recently withdrawn from the market by its manufacturer, Merck & Co. Merck is facing an enormous number of claims, due in part to mounting evidence that Merck knew about potential hazards from Vioxx use which were not disclosed to the public in a timely manner.

The Celebrex announcement was prompted when the National Cancer Institute released the results of a long term study of the drug conducted on behalf of Pfizer. The Institute reported that patients taking 800 mg Celebrex had a 3.4 times greater risk of cardiovascular problems, while those taking 400 mg had a 2.5 times greater risk.

In a related development, the National Institute of Health reported today that it was suspending a three year Alzheimer's prevention trial after researchers found more heart attacks and strokes occurring in test subjects taking Aleve (naproxen). Naproxen is an over-the counter non-steroidal inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has been in use for pain relief for 28 years. The study involved some 2500 patients and was designed to test whether Celebrex or Aleve could reduce the incidence of Alzheimer's in healthy patients. Researchers determined that those taking Aleve had a 50% greater risk of heart attack or stroke than those taking placebo. The NIH said that it was influenced by the recent announcement concerning Celebrex, though, curiously, the NIH study did not report a similar finding for those taking Celebrex.

The finding concerning Aleve appears to discredit Merck's previous explanation that naproxen had a protective cardiovascular effect as compared to Vioxx , said to have a neutral effect.

Consumers who suffered heart attack, stroke, deep veinous thrombosis or related conditions while taking Celebrex or Vioxx should promptly contact counsel to evaluate potential claims. The applicable statutes of limitations under state law may bar such claims if not pursued in a timely manner.

Copyright 2004 by David L. Turner, Esq., all rights reserved. For more information contact the undersigned at (404) 688-6803, or write dlt@swtlaw.com.

THIS ARTICLE IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. FOR ADVICE ABOUT A SPECIFIC MATTER CONTACT COUNSEL OF YOUR CHOOSING.