IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OUR PATIENTS
WHO HAVE BEEN ON VIOXX:
On Sept 30, 2004, MERCK recalled the drug VIOXX from the market. If you have been taking this medication, we suggest immediately stopping use of this medicine, and calling our office or whichever doctor has prescribed this medication to discuss alternatives. Thank You.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OUR PATIENTS
WHO HAVE BEEN ON BEXTRA:
On April 7, 2005, PFIZER SUSPENDED SALES OF bextra AT THE REQUEST OF THE fda. If you have been taking this medication, we suggest immediately stopping use of this medicine, and calling our office or whichever doctor has prescribed this medication to discuss alternatives. Thank You.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OUR PATIENTS
WHO HAVE BEEN ON CELEBREX:
On Dec. 17th, 2004, Pfizer announced some problems in 1 of 3 studies with high doses 400-800 mg of celebrex, showing an increased risk of cardiovascular events. the fda has examined another study with 400mg dosing as recently as december 10th, with no problems noted. also the third study has patients on 400mg with no increased risk. this is on the same types of patients as the one with increased risk.
because of this we suggest using only the 200mg dose of celebrex for now, or if you can tolerate using alleve (over the counter), that is also a good idea. if you wish to see the information from pfizer please click HERE. Thank You.
FDA Statement On Celebrex (Dec 20, 2004)
FDA Statement on Alleve (Naproxyn) (Dec 20, 2004)
WHAT TO DO???
The information that we are obtaining regarding these medications is confusing, and it is likely that we are finding out that all NSAID's have some cardiac risks. It would be fair to say that patients with known cardiac disease, or at high risk of cardiac disease should use any of these medications with caution. Clearly using lower doses and perhaps limiting the duration is a good idea, but at this time, there is no definitive word as to what to do.
In light of these most recent developments, we suggest stopping use of BEXTRA, as well as VIOXX (if you are still taking it).
CELEBREX is not being taken off the market, but has been given a warning along with all other NSAIDS.
Please click below to see the FDA Statement as of April 7, 2005
FDA STATEMENT ON ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES