What is Celebrex?
Celebrex, also known as Celecoxib, is an oral drug developed by the Pfizer for treatment of temporary relief of the pain associated with inflammation, and stiffness of osteoarthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis. Celebrex is also used to relieve pain from menstrual cramping ( primary dysmenorrhea ). Where other medications often fall short, Celebrex is powerful enough to treat acne that can leave the patient permanently disfigured. However, because Celebrex can also have dramatic side effects, certain strict precautions have been laid out for its use.

Like Vioxx Celebrex is a class of drug called a COX-2 inhibitor (Celebrex, Vioxx, & Bextra are all COX-2 inhibitors). Celebrex along with other COX-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx (Merck) and Celebrex (Pfizer) work by blocking an enzyme called COX-2 which is produced by the body. COX-2 is known to play a major role in causing arthritis pain and inflammation. By targeting the COX-2 enzyme Celebrex (along with Vioxx and Celebrex) can relieve the pain, stiffness, and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Although Celebrex side effects have not been studied as intensively as those associated with Vioxx and Bextra, many experts believe they are identical to those associated with Vioxx and Bextra, since all three drugs are classified as Cox-2 inhibitors. There are 3 drugs on the market that are classified as Cox-2 inhibitors: Celebrex, Vioxx, and Bextra. In addition to Celebrex side effects relating to heart attack and stroke ( as reported among users of Vioxx ), there are some other risks specifically reported early in the drug’s arrival on the market.

When Celebrex was first released, Celebrex side effects were the subject of a Wall Street Journal article that linked ten deaths to Celebrex within the first three months of approval. Of the ten deaths related to harmful effects of Celebrex, half were due to gastrointestinal hemorrhage. There were another eleven reported non-lethal cases specifically mentioning gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The other deaths that were potentially a result of Celebrex side effects included heart attacks, kidney problems, and drug interaction. Although the FDA never declared that Celebrex side effects were directly responsible for these deaths, the FDA is now considering a requirement to mention Celebrex side effects specifically related to cardiovascular problems on a Celebrex warning label. There are experts that believe a Celebrex warning label is not enough and that a Celebrex recall should be issued. See Celebrex package insert.

If you or a loved one have taken Celebrex and experienced serious Celebrex side effects or are concerned about the Celebrex Recall contact the Florida Celebrex lawyers of Ennis & Ennis, P.A. today and find out about the possibility of a Celebrex Lawsuit. Free Case Evaluation.