European Drug Agency Backs Heart Warning
February 17, 2005
LONDON – The European Medicines Agency said Thursday it would require stronger warnings about the cardiovascular risks associated with the Cox-2 class of arthritis painkillers.
It stopped short of calling for the drugs, which are also being scrutinized by the Food and Drug Administration, to be taken off the market.
After meeting this week in London, the agency’s scientific experts said the Cox-2 medicines, used to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, carry “an increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events.”