PFPC Daily - February 9, 2005

Celebrex to carry warning of heart problem risks

ABC News Online, Feb.10, 2005

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has introduced new
restrictions on the anti-arthritis drug, Celebrex.

The drug, which is taken by 300,000 Australians, has been found to
increase the risk of heart problems.

In September last year, the anti-arthritis drug Vioxx was taken off
the market because it was found to increase the risk of heart attack.

A TGA review of Celebrex has resulted in the manufacturers being told
to put warnings on their product information.

Chair of the Australian Drug Evaluation Committee, Professor Martin
Tattersall says people taking high doses of the drug should review
treatment with their doctors.

"The risk is something which now has changed the balance in favour of
reducing the use of this drug by dose and reducing the duration of
drug treatment," he said.

Professor Tattersall says the drug should only be prescribed when
alternative therapies are found to cause serious side-effects.

SOURCE:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200502/s1300305.htm