Arthritis Information -VA in NE Ohio cuts Celebrex to cut budget

I'm always at a loss for words when I hear of the type of treatment our Veterians get.

It seems like such a slap in the face!!

Celebrex had always been difficult to obtain from the VA due to its cost. Now, Louis Stokes has found a way to cut their budget via this phony concern over safety issues. One wonders if the suddenly safety conscious VA will stop off-label uses of medications like Neurontin next? Since Neurontin is not as expensive as Celebrex, the answer to that question would be a "no".

The letter sent to veterans advised that patients "may want to contact your VA doctor to discuss other medications or treatment options." Currently, veterans seeking to see their VA physicians wait an average of 4-6 weeks, while vets seeking appointments with specialists, like a Rheumetologist, will wait 3-4 months.

Apparently, the VA has little concern for the quality of life death sentence they have handed down.

I don't deal with the VA, my brother-in-law does, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear a general announcement from them stating that they will no longer offer Celebrex. You're absolutely right that this is a way for them to cut costs.