Dinkes & Schwitzer is currently conducting an investigation into the negative consequences of the prescription drug Celebrex. Celebrex, marketed by Pharmacia Corp. and Pfizer Inc., is prescribed for the treatment and relief of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults and has been linked to at least 10 deaths and an additional 11 cases of gastrointestinal hemorrhages during its first three months on the market.

With the manufacture of Celebrex, a new class of painkillers called "cox-2 inhibitors" was established. Celebrex promised to produce fewer gastrointestinal side effects than most other pain relievers.

Every day, millions of people rely on "non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs" ("NSAID") instead of aspirin or ibuprofen for serious pain relief. However, the prolonged use of NSAID’s can lead to ulcers, stomach bleeding and other gastrointestinal side effects. Scientists discovered in 1990 that NSAID’s target an inflammation-producing enzyme called cyclo-oxegenase that resulted in pain. Later, however, scientists found that there were two enzymes -- Cox-2, which caused the inflammation, and Cox-1, which protected the stomach lining. Regrettably, it was determined that NSAID’s attack both enzymes, relieving the inflammation but causing gastrointestinal side effects.

Studies show that patients using Celebrex had a 5% chance of suffering more bleeding from their ulcers – a symptom that Celebrex was designed against.

Serious side effects from the sustained use of Celebrex can include:

If you suffer from any of these while using Celebrex, contact your health care provider immediately.

Contact us if you or a family member have taken Celebrex and would like more information concerning your legal rights.

Put proven injury lawyers on your side. Contact Dinkes & Schwitzer at 1-800-933-1212 for your free legal consultation.