Celebrex and Bextra ads misleading, FDA tells Pfizer

The FDA has told Pfizer that some of its ads for Celebrex and Bextra were misleading. According to the FDA, some of the side effects were omitted. The FDA also said that some of the claims about effectiveness were unproven.


The FDA asked Pfizer to stop the ads immediately. Pfizer has until January 26th to explain what it will do.


Celebrex and Bextra are used for treating acute pain and inflammation (for arthritis patients). Many people prefer these drugs, known as COX-2 inhibitors, because they do not have unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects. Other painkillers, such as aspirin, can cause intestinal and stomach bleeding.


View drug information on Bextra.