Pharmaceutical drug recalls – Vioxx, Bextra, Celebrex

The duragesic patch is not the only pain killer that was FDA approved, that turned out to have dangerous side effects. For example:

Vioxx (rofecoxib), Bextra (valdecoxib) and Celebrex (celecoxib) are all in a class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs called COX-2 inhibitors primarily prescribed for the treatment of pain and tenderness associated with osteoarthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis. Initially, they were marketed with the advantage that they were able to avoid the gastrointestinal problems caused by other arthritis medications. Subsequent formal studies show these medications may be associated with an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke particularly when they are used for long periods of time.

Vioxx was the first to come off the market in 2004 and Bextra and Celebrex soon followed.

Two studies appearing in April 16th issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association are expected to be a catlyst for addressing the issue of drug compaines misrepresenting clinical data trial to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These studies are the latest in the long saga of Vioxx repurcussions. The studies assert that key data linking Vioxx was withheld from FDA regulators. Unfortunately, it appears that this is an indrutry wide issue as it is asserted in the study that Merck, Vioxx’s manufacturerer, is not the only offender.

If you or a loved one expereinced the negative side effects of any of these recalled antiinflammatory medication, an attorney may be able to assist you.