The Arthritis Society responds to suspension of Bextra and new restrictions on Celebrex

Toronto, April 7 /PR Direct/ - Today is another difficult day for people living with arthritis. As a result of recent announcements from Health Canada and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), The Arthritis Society has issued the following statement: People with arthritis who are taking Bextra are encouraged to contact their physician to discuss discontinuing use and alternative treatments. People with arthritis who are taking Celebrex are encouraged to consult their physician to weigh the benefits and risks of this medication for their specific medical condition.

The Arthritis Society recognizes that Health Canada and manufacturers will need to direct more resources and research towards monitoring drugs after they are on the market. According to John Fleming, the President and CEO of The Arthritis Society, "We need to make sure that we strike a balance between giving people access to the best available medications and ensuring that both doctors and patients know about the risk factors when they are making treatment decisions."

The Arthritis Society provides funding for arthritis research, and offers community-based arthritis information, education and self-management programs. More information is available at www.arthritis.ca or by calling the Arthritis Information Line at 1.800.321.1433.

For more information, contact Vicky Henderson at 416- 979-3353 ext.353 or vhenderson@arthritis.ca.

- END PRESS RELEASE - 4/7/2005

/For further information: www.arthritis.ca/

Weitz & Luxenberg is no longer accepting Bextra cases.

see also:

World's Reaction Bextra Lawyers - World Reacts to Bextra Ban
Bextra Recall Bextra Ban World Reaction

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Foundation press release on FDA announcement
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Foundation comments on FDA regulatory actions

About the Bextra Recall Bextra lawyers - about the FDA Bextra recall
Bextra Withdrawal: Letter to clients about the FDA Bextra recall