Do I have a Celebrex Case?

Pfizer Says Celebrex Can Cause Strokes

Pfizer Inc. said it found an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes for patients taking high dosages of its top- selling arthritis painkiller Celebrex, the same problem that led to the withdrawal of its one-time competitor Vioxx.

The company said it has no plans to remove Celebrex from the market, but yesterday's disclosure sent Pfizer's shares tumbling because of fears that it could cripple sales of what had been the most-prescribed drug for treating arthritis.

Acting FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford said the government is advising physicians to consider prescribing drugs other than Celebrex to their patients.

"We're leaving open all regulatory decisions as we move forward. But we do not have a decision on the fate of the product," said Crawford, during a news briefing. "We do have great concern about this product (Celebrex) and the class of products,"