Warnings Placed On Painkillers Celebrex and Bextra (NAPSA)—A new FDAdecision may help consumers becomebet- ter informed about the dangers of certain types of painkillers. The agency ruled that clearer warning labels known as black box warnings must be used on packaging for the Cox-2 painkiller Celebrex and convinced the maker of Bextra to stop sales. The decision was made after a panel of experts suggested warnings on the drugs’ labels detailing their heart risks, banning consumer advertising for the drugs and requiring that each prescrip- tion include a guide outlining the risks. These drugs are commonly prescribed for arthritis sufferers. The warnings will clearly indicate possible side effects associated with the drugs. In the case of Bextra, side effects included disfiguring body blisters, plus heart attacks and strokes. The other Cox-2’s, Celebrex and Vioxx (which also was withdrawn from the marketby its manufacturer) have also been linked to heart attack and stroke. It’s thought the black box warnings will encourage people Certain popular painkillers will now have warnings detailing their risks. to thoroughly discuss treatment options with their doctors. Such options can include natural alternatives to painkillers, or simply taking over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin, Acetaminophen and Naproxin. People who have taken Bextra or Vioxx and suffered side effects—a heart attack, stroke or body blistering—should investigate legal remedies at www. painkillerinfo.com.
