Health Canada warned consumers on Thursday about potential liver-related adverse effects, including hepatitis, linked to the anti-inflammatory medicine Prexige.

The federal agency said that after conducting a review, it will no longer allow the sale of the Cox-2 selective inhibitor drug, which is used to treat osteoarthritis in adults. The drug has been available in Canada since November 2006 and is made by Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis AG.

"As a result of its review, Health Canada has concluded that the risk of serious liver-related adverse events with Prexige cannot be safely and effectively managed at the 100 mg daily dose," the federal agency said in a release.

The drug, known generically as lumiracoxib, was barred from sale in Australia in August 2007 after incidents of serious liver damage were linked to the 200 mg and 400 mg daily doses.

Four incidents of hepatitis, including two Canadian cases, have been linked to use of the drug. 

Patients who take Prexige should call their health care provider to discuss other treatment options. Consumers should also return remaining doses of the drug to their pharmacy for proper disposal.

In September 2004, Vioxx, another Cox-2 inhibitor drug, was recalled because it was linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.