Clearing Up The Confusion About Celebrex

A recent study has revealed an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in people taking high doses of Celebrex, a cox-2 inhibitor manufactured by Pfizer Inc. Celebrex is a popular NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) painkiller used in the treatment of arthritis and has been prescribed by many doctors not only America alone, but the world over. This is because Celebrex lessens the inflammation caused by arthritis in the joints, without damaging the lining of the stomach muscles.

The National Cancer Institute in conjunction with Pfizer Inc., was conducting a study of Celebrex in the treatment of cancerous colorectal polyps, when this discovery was made. In their clinical trials the NCI found that patients taking 800 milligrams of Celebrex had a 3.4 times greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, than compared to those taking a placebo. In those patients taking 400 milligrams of Celebrex a 2.5 time’s greater risk was discovered. Of the 2000 patients studied, 15 of them taking 400 mgs and 20 of them taking 800 mgs of Celebrex suffered some type of cardiovascular-related death, in the form of a heart attack or stoke.

Now with these recent revelations and Pfizer’s refusal to pull Celebrex off the shelves, many people are confused about what to do. Many long term users are worried, while many others are wondering how the FDA approved this drug. And after the Vioxx fiasco, people are essentially scared. To clear up the confusion once and for all, below are some answers given by experts.

Firstly, the reason why Pfizer has not pulled this drug from the market is that although the NCI study has shown an increased risk of developing heart attacks and strokes in patients taking Celebrex, in a similar study conducted by the company itself, no such link was and has been found. An informed decision can only be made with the help of a doctor.

People taking Celebrex need to talk to their physicians about the potential health risks. Instead of worrying, they need to speak to their health care professional about what needs to be done. At the moment the FDA is closely reviewing Celebrex and has advised all doctors to use the lowest possible effective dosage of this drug. Studies are now being conducted to look into the potential risks of taking Celebrex. Doctors have also been advised to evaluate alternative therapies in light of this discovery, so as to protect their patients.

There are other drugs in the market that can ease the inflammation and pain caused by arthritis. They include aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen. And to protect patients who are especially sensitive to stomach irritation, painkillers with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Nexium, Prevacid or Prilosec can be prescribed. Tylenol can also provide some pain relief.

Doctors also advise lifestyle changes that can bring about pain relief from arthritis. By losing even just 10 pounds overweight patients can experience relief from arthritic pain. Extra body weight increases stress on the joints of the body and speeds up the damage caused by arthritis.