Dr. Mercola January 26 2005 1,358 views
Ads for Pfizer's arthritis drug Celebrex are not only misleading and not supported by evidence, but also they overstate the drug's benefits while understating its risks, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This finding prompted the FDA to call for "an immediate halt" to all ads (TV, print, infomercials and direct-mail) for Celebrex, which was also found in December 2004 to increase the risk of heart attacks. The government called the ads' claims, which also included claims made for related drug Bextra, "serious violations of federal law."
The FDA is considering ordering warning labels or a market withdrawal for Celebrex due to the heart risk findings. Vioxx, a related drug made by Merck & Co., was pulled from the market in the fall of 2004 due to findings that it increased risks of heart problems and stroke.
Though Pfizer, which spent over $70 million advertising Celebrex to Americans in the first nine months of 2004 alone, voluntarily pulled its ads in December 2004, they say they plan to continue marketing the drug to doctors. Sales from Celebrex and Bextra were projected to reach more than $4 billion in 2004--nearly 10 percent of Pfizer's revenue.
Five ads for Celebrex and/or Bextra were found to be in violation of federal law. Violations included:
The FDA mentioned specific ads in a letter to Pfizer, which included:
Seattle Post-Intelligencer January 13, 2005
The FDA recently "slapped" AstraZeneca's hands for false and misleading advertising of its controversial statin Crestor. Now, it looks like it's Pfizer's turn.
The "new math" the mega-billion drug companies use to make profits explains why Pfizer would be reluctant to stop marketing Celebrex to doctors. Even though Pfizer spent $70 million domestically advertising Celebrex to consumers during the first nine of months of 2004, the combined sales of Celebrex and Bextra alone will likely make up 10 percent of the company's 2004 revenues.
The drug companies stand to lose billions of dollars--Merck & Co. already lost $30 billion over Vioxx. But you stand to lose much more than that--your own health--if you continue to rely on these risky pills to cover up your symptoms.
The truth is, probably the most important way to reduce inflammation, and then chronic pain, is to eliminate sugar from your diet (and for most of us this also includes all grains). Just this simple strategy may provide you with absolutely amazing relief.
Another option? By merely changing the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fats--essential to human health--you already have a natural alternative to taking drugs at your fingertips. In short, you need to increase omega-3 found in fish and cod liver oils while decreasing omega-6 from nearly all vegetable seed and nut oils.
One reason for this is that the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA found in fish oil have been found, by many animal and clinical studies, to have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce joint inflammation and promote joint lubrication.
Those of you who read the newsletter regularly know that I'm a fan of Carlson's brand fish oil and cod liver oil as I have seen clear and often substantial improvements in my patients who use it. It has shown particularly positive benefits in those with rheumatoid arthritis.
You can find the Carlson's fish oil/cod liver oil at your local health food store or, for your convenience, in my Recommended Products section; Your local health food store may also be very helpful in recommending any other trustworthy mercury free brands.
Meanwhile, I strongly urge you to read my recent article about the seven ways to protect your heart using anti-inflammatory alternatives for some other tips you can start trying out today.
Related Articles:
Drug Company Lies About Celebrex in JAMA How Vioxx and Celebrex Increase Your Risk of Heart Attack Celebrex and Vioxx Increase Heart Disease Risk Celebrex Not Shown to Lower Ulcer Risk Further Evidence That Celebrex Is Not All It Is Cracked Up to Be In Light of Vioxx, Bextra Getting A Closer Look
Drug Company Lies About Celebrex in JAMA
How Vioxx and Celebrex Increase Your Risk of Heart Attack
Celebrex and Vioxx Increase Heart Disease Risk
Celebrex Not Shown to Lower Ulcer Risk
Further Evidence That Celebrex Is Not All It Is Cracked Up to Be
In Light of Vioxx, Bextra Getting A Closer Look