Celebrex was released by Pfizer Inc. over a decade ago for the treatment of arthritis and menstrual pain. Celebrex, the brand name for celecoxib, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), similar to ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). Since its introduction into the world market, nearly 30 million people have taken the drug thanks to intense marketing direct to consumers and doctors. On August 1, 2005, Celebrex was also approved for the treatment of pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis – a type of arthritis that can be serious and affects the spinal area.

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However, on that same day, as required by the US Food and Drug Administration, the Celebrex warning label was changed to reflect its increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. This is a “black-box” warning – the highest level of caution the FDA expresses before pulling a drug off the market, and it means that the warning will display prominently on all Celebrex containers in a black box. The FDA has requested increased warnings on all NSAIDs, including Advil and Aleve, which state the risks of CV events and also major gastrointestinal (GI) problems such as stomach bleeding.

Still, along with Celebrex, information and warnings about all COX-2 inhibitors – a class of NSAIDs that is prescription-only – are being more heavily studied because they appear to have a higher risk of CV events than just ibuprofen. Vioxx and Bextra, another Pfizer drug, have both already been removed from the market because of their unacceptably high risks for CV events and skin reactions. Celebrex is currently one step away from that. Detailed research and clinical trials are underway to further understand its side effects and those of other COX-2 inhibitors.

Lawsuits, including Celebrex class action lawsuits, will become more common as more people are seriously injured or experience ill health due to its dangerous side effects.

Suffered harm from Celebrex? You may have a lawsuit. Click here, for a top rated law firm to evaluate your legal rights.