An article published in The New York Times indicates that Pfizer (a research-based, global pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription medicines) is encountering a class action lawsuit against their popularly manufactured drug Celebrex.
New studies indicate that taking drugs like Vioxx/Celebrex more than doubles a person’s chance of developing a heart attack or stroke (F.Y.I. Vioxx was recalled in late 2004). Both drugs play their effect by manipulating the COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme’s activity responsible in the inflammatory response. This information was never revealed to the American public during these drugs distribution. While the drug companies profits soared, the ones losing the battle were the American people.
It is a frustrating experience when this type of information comes to light after years of damage has been done and could have been prevented. Oftentimes, the public and even the medical doctors are unaware of the detrimental side effects from taking these medications. Instead of taking a medication to control these arthritic symptoms, people should really be exploring the cause of why our bodies are giving out these symptoms in the first place. Probably the best piece of advice to give someone who considers taking drugs is…
1) Stay informed: New information is coming out all the time and it is always worth the time to keep yourself current (especially on the medications you or your family might be taking).
2) Find a Doctor you can trust: Choosing a health professional based off your insurance policy should never be your primary criteria for finding a good doctor to give you advice. Although this point seems obvious, its practice should really be applied.
Reference:
Drug Trial Finds Big Health Risks in 2nd painkiller. NY Times. 12/18/04