COX-2 Inhibitors
Find out if you have a COX-2 inhibitor lawsuit
Vioxx® and Bextra® Withdrawn Due to Serious Side Effects
COX-2 Inhibitors include the drugs Vioxx® (rofecoxib), Bextra® (valdecoxib) and Celebrex® (celecoxib). COX-2 inhibitors are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, and are prescribed to treat arthritis and muscle pain. Numerous studies have found increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots in patients using COX-2 inhibitors. This class of drugs was intended to treat pain but with decreased gastrointestinal side effects associated with the older NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen. COX-2 inhibitors work by blocking the COX-2 enzyme, whereas the older NSAIDs block both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.
- Vioxx® was withdrawn by Merck and Co. on September 30, 2004 after a study was released demonstrating an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots.
- Bextra® was withdrawn by Pfizer on April 7, 2005 due to the drug’s side effects including heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and skin disorders such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).
- Celebrex® is the only COX-2 inhibitor that remains on the market.
Many doctors and patients have criticized Merck, Pfizer and the FDA for allowing Vioxx®, Bextra® and Celebrex® to remain on the market for years following their approval despite numerous early findings of serious and potentially fatal cardiovascular risks and skin disorders.
If you suspect that any of the COX-2 inhibitors (Vioxx®, Bextra® or Celebrex®) have caused side effects or injured you, you should call our lawyers now at 1-800-THE-EAGLE (1-800-843-3245) or SUBMIT A SHORT AND SIMPLE CASE FORM HERE. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact our COX-2 inhibitor lawyers today.
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