Despite risks, Pfizer seeks Celebrex use for kids

Drugmaker Pfizer is seeking permission to sell painkiller Celebrex to children as young as two years old with arthritis. According to the FDA, about 1 in 1,000 children have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Some physicians already prescribe Celebrex, given that other drugs make them sick to their stomach. Still, Pfizer's move is controversial, particularly given that critics are already calling for the drug's removal from the market. Celebrex is the last cox-2 inhibitor to remain on the market, and its continued use is drawing tremendous criticism given the well-documented cardiac complications generated by sister cox-2 inhibitor Vioxx. Notably, when a pediatric form of Vioxx was tested, the FDA received thousands of reports of serious side effects, particularly heart problems. Still, the FDA will meet this week to consider Pfizer's request.

Get more information on the application:
- read this Boston Globe article

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