As reported in
Los Angeles Times article on 2/19/05 “Suspect painkillers win fda panel ok”, The fda advisory panel “voted Friday, to let Doctors prescribe COX-2 painkillers, including Celebrex and Vioxx, but recommended stronger warnings about risk of heart attacks and strokes.”Even after Merck removed Vioxx from shelves last fall, And even after Celebrex and Bextra have also been proven to increase heart attacks, stroke and death, fda advisory panel now says that it is ok to sell these drugs and other COX-2 inhibitors, and they should only carry "black box" warning.
To say that this is confusing and dangerous to public is an understatement.
Because fact of matter is there are many people who naively think that if fda approves something, it must be safe. They don't question this at all. They blindly follow advice of their doctor and fda. These are people who are most at risk.
To quote article,
“The panel proposed that Celebrex, Vioxx and Bextra, third COX-2 drug cleared by fda, carry “black box” warnings - strongest admonishment fda can give to Doctors.”
Let’s look at word Admonishment.
Admonishment – as defined in The American Heritage Dictionary –
“To reprove mildly or kindly but seriously” and “To counsel against something; caution”
Hardly a strongly worded “warning” to give to Doctors. We’re talking about heart attacks, stroke And death. This is not a “watch your step” precautionary suggestion.
What fda is telling public is that it is ok to take this class of drugs and risk your health or even death. Long term use of COX-2 drugs can also raise your blood pressure.
The article also states – “In case of Vioxx – which was taken off market voluntarily in fall by its maker, Merck, after a company sponsored study confirmed dangers – panel members voted to approve its use by a margin of two votes.”
Does this really seem safe to you?
I’m not sure when you’ll be asking yourself, “Is fda really looking out for my health?”
