Parker Waichman LLP

Pfizer Negotiating Celebrex, Bextra Settlements

Celebrex and Bextra maker Pfizer Inc. has begun to settle injury claims against the painkillers.  It is estimated that between 7,000 and 9,000 Celebrex and Bextra cases have been filed by people who claim the defective painkillers caused heart attacks and strokes. According to a report in Friday’s Wall Street Journal, lawyers representing Pfizer have […]

<"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/celebrex">Celebrex and <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/bextra">Bextra maker Pfizer Inc. has begun to settle injury claims against the painkillers.  It is estimated that between 7,000 and 9,000 Celebrex and Bextra cases have been filed by people who claim the defective painkillers caused heart attacks and strokes. According to a report in Friday’s Wall Street Journal, lawyers representing Pfizer have indicated the company is willing to pay as much as $500 million to resolve all outstanding cases.

Celebrex and Bextra are COX-2 inhibitors, a class of drugs that also includes Merck’s recalled Vioxx.  Such medications are linked to an increased risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. Pfizer withdrew Bextra from the market in 2005, and  Celebrex is the only COX-2 inhibitor still on the market in the United States.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Pfizer has reached settlements with three law firms representing more than 200 of the thousands who sued over the drugs. Firms have been offered $40,000 to $50,000 a client to resolve Celebrex cases and as much as $200,000 a client for Bextra.  The Wall Street Journal reported that unlike Merck’s recent mass settlement of litigation involving Vioxx, Pfizer is attempting to resolve its Bextra and Celebrex lawsuits on a firm-by-firm basis.

Celebrex carries the Food and Drug Administration’s strictest “black-box” warning on its drug label, stating that it may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.  Despite its apparent risk, Celebrex continued to generate $2.3 billion in sales in 2007, a 12 percent increase from the previous year.

Last month, the National Cancer Institute released an analysis of six Celebrex studies that included 7,950 patients.  According to The Wall Street Journal, the analysis showed Celebrex was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, stroke, heart failure or thromboembolic event, or events related to blood clots, compared to patients not taking the drug.  The researchers found that patients receiving the highest dose of Celebrex of 400 milligrams twice daily had a nearly three times higher risk of heart attacks and strokes than patients not taking the drug. Patients taking a lower dose of Celebrex, 400 milligrams once daily, had a 10% higher risk of a cardiovascular event. The study did not look at patients taking  a once-daily, 200-milligram dose of Celebrex, which represents the way the drug is most commonly prescribed.

The first Bextra trial was due to begin today in federal court in San Francisco. But a lawyer involved in the case told The Wall Street Journal that the parties agreed to adjourn the case so Pfizer could attempt to settle Celebrex and Bextra cases across the country.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I would like to thank David Aminov, Denny Tang, and Craig Snyder. From the beginning I was assured that everything was going to be ok. Even though it has been a bumpy ride for me. I am extremely happy with the out come as well as all of the hard work everyone has put into my case. I am grateful an I truly do appreciate everything thanks for all the help guys. Stay blessed an stay safe
Carlos Mejias
a month ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Thank you Parker you are the best in town. I’m super happy with your services.I will recommend my friends and family. Jorge thank you for everything you did for me
Edgar Fortiz
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I highly recommend Parker Waichman. Their staff Ashley, Jorge and Gina are very professional. I was really happy with their service.
Tonia Bailey
4 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038