Celebrex History - Development through Celebrex Recall Debate
Although there has been no Celebrex Recall, Celebrex is still a dangerous
drug. Follow the Celebrex History from its beginnings through the current debate
over the possibility of a Celebrex Recall.
If you feel you have been
injured by using Celebrex, please out this simple form
below.
Celebrex, manufactured by the Searle division of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, is a
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID approved by the FDA in
1998.
The discovery of two forms of cyclooxygenase in 1991 opened the
possibility of creating an alternative painkiller that would decrease adverse
gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with chronic use of
non-selective NSAIDs (i.e. ibuprofen).
Celebrex, or celecoxib, is believed by Pfizer-Pharmacia to specifically block
an enzyme made by the body known as cyclooxygenase-2, or COX-2, hence, it is
known as a COX-2 selective inhibitor.
COX-2 enzymes catalyze prostanoids
that cause pain, swelling and discomfort normally associated with the
symptoms of arthritis and primary dysmenorrhea.
A COX-2 inhibitor such as
Celebrex is believed to minimize the effects of the COX-2 enzyme, while not
interfering with the moderating enzyme, cyclooxygenase-1 or COX-1, which helps
to protect the stomach's lining, gastrointestinal tract and kidney
functions.
Celebrex efficacy and safety were originally demonstrated in the company
sponsored clinical trial, CLASS involving 8,059 patients over 12
months.
Since its introduction to the market, Celebrex has been
prescribed for people suffering from osteoarthritis, adult rheumatoid arthritis,
and menstrual cramping.
While Celebrex is still on the market, there is mounting evidence that it linked to adverse cardiovascular side effects similar to those of Vioxx, another COX 2 selective NSAID that was pulled from the market after showing an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients taking it for longer than 18 months.
On November 4, 2004 a class action suit was filed in Canada where the group alleges the arthritis drug caused cardiovascular-related side-effects in patients and on November 28, 2004, Canada Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program, the federal health department of Canada confirmed 14 Celebrex related deaths.
- 1998: Celebrex Approved and Marketed
- 1999: In December changes were made in the product labeling to include the anticoagulant durg Warfarin
- 2000: On April 6th, the FDA issues a warning letter to Pfizer for misrepresentation of Celebrex.
- 2001: Sakai et al from the Molecular Human Reproduction Journal in the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology determined Celebrex constricts the ductus arteriosus.
- 2002: FDA determined Celebrex should include the CLASS clinical trial data in the drug's product insert.
Weitz & Luxenberg is no longer accepting Celebrex cases.
see also:
Side Effects
Celebrex Side Effects - Learn about Dangerous Side Effects of CelebrexCelebrex Side Effects: Heart Attack, Stroke, Heart Disease and More
Market Names for Bextra, Vioxx & Celebrex
Bextra, Vioxx, Celebrex - Brand NamesMarket Names for Bextra, Vioxx, & Celebrex
Learn More
Read more about heart problems due to CelebrexCelebrex can lead to serious heart problems - Learn about them here
