The Dangers of Celebrex and Vioxx

Celebrex and Vioxx are two drugs that have previously been administered for arthritis conditions. In fact, the two – known as Cox-2 inhibitors - were touted as miracle drugs for those suffering from an arthritic disease.

However, researchers have recently linked them to an increase in blood clots, heart attacks, and stroke risk - in humans. The Cleveland Clinic conducted the study, which appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Celebrex is still widely used – to the tune of more than $6 billion this year, despite the rather alarming risks associated with using these types of drugs.

The study showed that out of 48,000 patients, those given a placebo pill had an annual heart attack rate of only 0.52%. Those taking Vioxx suffered heart attacks at a rate of 0.74%. Celebrex patients ran the highest risk – at a whopping 0.80% heart attack rate. That is an increase from 249 deaths to 384 per year, or an additional 135 people - out of just this small sample group! Some research indicates the numbers may even be as high as two to three times the baseline - thats going from 249 to 749, an additional 500 deaths a year just from those 48,000 patients! What most people do not realize is how many millions of people were taking Vioxx and still take Bextra and Celebrex!

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered the makers of Celebrex to carry a warning label on the drug to alert patients that it may result in serious ulcer complications. The two drugs have also been shown to present a danger to the kidneys.

Please discuss these treatments carefully with your doctor if you have a history of heart disease in your family, kidney problems, asthma, hives, allergic reactions to aspirin, liver problems, or are pregnant.

For osteoarthritis sufferers, there are natural alternatives to Celebrex and Vioxx. To safely maximize your joint health, glucosamine carries none of the above side effects and does far more than simply cover up your pain. Best of all, there have been no deaths attributable to glucosamine. As sad as it is, too bad the same can't be said for these Cox 2 drugs.

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