WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration has ordered a sweeping review of studies involving prescription painkillers like Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra.

Those drugs are part of a class called Cox-2 inhibitors. Recent studies have highlighted the heart risks from Vioxx and Celebrex and caused a stir among doctors and patients.

Now the FDA says it's going to review dozens of studies of Cox-2 inhibitors that are now under way. The agency plans to convene an advisory panel in February to review all the available information on the drugs.

Meanwhile, the FDA is also warning people to be careful with any other type of pain reliever. The agency stresses that anyone taking Aleve, ibuprofen or aspirin should strictly follow label instructions and see their doctor before they take the drug for more than 10 days in a row.

The warning that the over-the-counter product Aleve could increase a person's risk of heart attack has patients and doctors scratching their heads about pain relief choices.

Some doctors said this week's warning about Aleve, also known as naproxen, caught them by surprise. It's been in use for decades. But they also said people who take it for short-term use shouldn't panic.

FDA: Public Health Advisory