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drug_recall bextraRecent information on Bextra has shown that there may be serious health risks associated with taking this pain medication. Bextra, produced by Pfizer, was approved for use in treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and severe menstrual cramps by the Federal Drug Administration in November 2001. Over 23 million Americans suffer from the joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness associated with arthritis.
Original non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat this type of severe pain, such as naproxen and ibuprofen, have been shown to cause ulcers and other stomach problems in patients. In light of this evidence, a new type of NSAID was developed in the 1990s to treat the pain of arthritis without harmful gastrointestinal side effects. Information on Bextra, and other “second-round” NSAIDs, show that COX-1 is the enzyme responsible for protecting the lining of the stomach. COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes are inhibited by original NSAIDs, so the newer types of NSAIDs were developed only to inhibit COX-2 enzymes. The result was a powerful pain reliever without the harmful gastrointestinal effects.
In November 2004 the NSAID Vioxx was pulled from the market when scientists discovered that taking this drug increases the risk of developing serious cardiovascular and cerebrovascular side effects. Like Bextra, Vioxx is a COX-2 selective NSAID. Information on Bextra shows that Vioxx and Bextra (along with the other drugs in this class) are similar in form and function. Because of the dangers of Vioxx, all drugs of this type are now being evaluated for safety. Pfizer and the FDA have plans underway to find out more information on Bextra and the potential risks involved in taking this medication.
On November 10, 2004 the New York Times published an article stating that information on Bextra presented at the annual American Heart Association meeting shows that this medication is associated with an increased risk in harmful side effects such as heart problems or stroke. Pfizer issued a press statement claiming that these allegations are unsubstantiated reports that have not been scientifically proven.
Current information on Bextra shows that there are some serious side effects associated with taking Bextra that have been substantiated by scientific reports. Common side effects of taking Bextra include indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain and headache. Some patients have also reported severe allergic reactions to Bextra, including anaphylactic reactions and severe skin diseases. The FDA''s information on Bextra at the time of its approval showed at least twenty cases of patients who developed serious and potentially life threatening skin conditions (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis) as a result of taking Bextra.
More information on Bextra long term effects is still being researched. If you are taking Bextra and experience any strange skin, heart or stroke symptoms it is important to seek medical attention. If you feel you have been injured as a result of taking Bextra, you may wish to contact an attorney who can evaluate your case, and advise you of your legal rights and options in a claim to seek compensation for your losses associated with Bextra.
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