At Health Canada’s request, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. (Novartis) is ceasing sales and marketing of Prexige* (lumiracoxib) tablets immediately.
 

Prexige* is a selective COX-2 inhibitor in the class of drugs called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) indicated for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis at a dose of 100 mg once daily.
 

Consistent with this decision to cease sales and marketing of Prexige*, Novartis is asking Canadian pharmacists and distributors to return the product to the company. Patients taking Prexige* should discontinue treatment, return any remaining product to their pharmacist, and contact their physician to seek advice on other treatment options.