Georgia Patients Beware: Celebrex Can Possibly be Life Threatening
Celebrex is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID. It is used in the treatment of inflammation or pain caused by such medical conditions as ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis, and menstrual discomfort. Celebrex is also used in the treatment of hereditary polyps in the colon as well as for reasons that are not listed in the medication guide.
At present, Celebrex is the only remaining anti-inflammatory drug available to patients since the discontinuation of Vioxx and Bextra. However, since gaining approval from the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"), Celebrex has been tied to various gastrointestinal problems and numerous deaths. Consequently, legal action has been taken against Pfizer and Searle Pharmaceuticals who jointly manufacture Celebrex.
Use of Celebrex, particularly long term use, can cause life - threatening heart or circulation complications. Celebrex should not be used prior to or following heart bypass surgery. And patients should discontinue its use and seek immediate medical attention if balance and vision problems, chest pain, shortness of breath, or slurred speech are experienced.
Other symptoms include:
abnormal bruising and/or bleeding
bloody, blackish, tar like fecal matter
diarrhea
dizziness
flu - like symptoms
insomnia
lethargy
nausea and psyrosis (heartburn)
skin rashes
swelling of the lips, throat, and tongue
ventral (abdominal) pain
yellowish discoloration of the eyes or skin
Furthermore, patients should not use Celebrex if they are allergic to celecoxib, or have experienced allergic reactions to aspirin, sulfa drugs, or other NSAIDs. Doctors who prescribe Celebrex should be aware of their patients preexisting conditions such as asthma, bleeding or blood clotting disorders, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, nose polyps, stomach ulcers, or strokes.
Celebrex became the most prescribed anti-inflammatory drug when dangerous side-effects and cardiovascular problems associated with Vioxx and Bextra came to light. Unfortunately, millions of patients have been prescribed Celebrex and like the users of Vioxx and Bextra, a great many of these patients have experienced the same harmful side-effects. If a patient is concerned about the risks associated with Celebrex, it is advisable for him/her to consult their doctor.
