SPECIFIC PRODUCTS
PFIZER CELEBREX
SIDE EFFECTS
Celecoxib is a COX-2 inhibitor and is in the same family of drugs as Merck Vioxx which was withdrawn in September 2004. In December 2004 the manufacturer announced that an increased risk of heart problems had been found with its top-selling arthritis drug and that clinical trials indicated that in certain circumstances Pfizer Celebrex side effects increased the risk of stroke and heart attack. There is now evidence all the COX-2 inhibitors including Vioxx might have similar risks although the manufacturers have not withdrawn either this drug or a similar COX2 inhibitor called Bextra on the basis that the drug has only been shown to cause problems at high dosage.
The US National Cancer Institute tested Celebrex as a cancer treatment but suspended its trials after it was found that patients on the trial had more than double and at very high doses more than treble the normal risk of major heart problems however the dose being tested was up to four times the usual arthritis dose. It is clear that there are valid concerns about this family of drugs in general and on the 21st of December 2004 the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MRHA) gave further guidance to healthcare professionals in regards to all COX-2 inhibitors to the effect that they should see their doctors to have their treatment reviewed. It is unfortunate that Pfizer Celebrex side effects appear to be mimicked in all COX-2 inhibitors to some degree and the MHRA advised doctors that patients with heart disease should be switched to other non COX-2 inhibitors and also recommended that all patients should consider alternatives to COX-2 inhibitors. It is proven that COX–2 inhibitors reduce inflammation however an unwanted side effect is that they cause a narrowing of arteries which can lead to heart attacks or stroke.
Time limits do apply and if you have suffered from Pfizer Celebrex side effects including a heart attack, a stroke or a skin problem or if a member of your family has died as a result of heart problems whilst taking this drug you need urgent advice on how to take matters forward and how to protect your legal position. Our solicitors are personal injury experts and offer free legal advice and the no win no fee scheme.
Claims for injuries caused by any drug can be taken either on an individual basis or by the use of a procedural method known as a "multi party action" which allows a number of people with the same injury caused by the same product to sue as a group. Under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 it is no longer necessary to prove that the manufacturer of a product is at fault and damages must be paid for personal injury even when there is no evidence of negligence.
24/7 HELPLINE 0845 177 0700