Celebrex and Heart Attacks

In September, the drug manufacturer Merck decided to withdraw Vioxx from the marketplace. Vioxx was the number one competitor of Celebrex and Celebrex quickly gobbled up much of the market share Vioxx left behind.

Reports filed with the FDA have linked Vioxx to more than 1,200 deaths. Analysts have projected that Vioxx litigation could cost Merck more than $10 billion.

Upon Vioxx being pulled from the marketplace, Celebrex sales skyrocketed as Pfizer spent more than $70 million advertising Celebrex in the first nine months of 2004.

Pfizer’s CEO Hank McKinnell has said, “for millions of patients, Celebrex is the best option, or, in some cases, the last option.” However, Pfizer did not target these last-option patients. Instead, Pfizer marketed Celebrex as a miracle drug for baby boomers who were beginning to experience the discomfort of minor arthritis.

The New York Times that reports many consumer advocates and scientists accuse Pfizer of encouraging the overuse of Celebrex. Several medical experts believe this has led to Celebrex being too widely prescribed.

Celebrex is administered orally, and its active ingredient, celecoxib, has been shown to help patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, post-dental surgery pain and primary dysmenorrhea.

The labeling of Celebrex states that caution should be used when administering Celebrex with warfarin, an oral anticoagulant that inhibits the formation of blood clots.

A recent study has suggested that Celebrex increases a patient’s risk of heart attacks. This same study indicates Celebrex may cause serious cardiovascular failure and strokes.

Pfizer denies the risks attributed to Celebrex.

Pfizer suggests they will wait until they “fully understand” the results of the testing that suggests negative effects from the use of Celebrex. In the meantime, the drug will remain on the market leaving patients at risk of heart attacks, strokes, and serious cardiovascular events.

We handle Celebrex side effects claims throughout the United States.

Kline & Specter, P.C. has earned a national reputation by representing clients in numerous cases. These lawsuits have led to record-setting jury verdicts and settlements. We know what it takes to win and we will use that knowledge and experience to help you.

If you or a loved one has experienced side effects such as heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular event after taking Celebrex, you may have a claim against the manufacturer. Please call or e-mail our experienced Celebrex side effects lawyers today. We will evaluate your Celebrex claim for free and help you get fair compensation for your damages.