Bextra Side Effects Prompt Recall

Bextra (known generically as Valdecoxib) is an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug, like aspirin) that was prescribed by doctors to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in arthritis patients. It has also been prescribed for women to relieve symptoms of PMS and painful menstrual cycles. Bextra is classified as a Cox-2 inhibitor.

On April 7, 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that Pfizer, the makers of Bextra, recall the drug from stores because of the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients taking Bextra. Because of these side effects, the drug is no longer available on the U.S. market. Bextra has also been recalled in Canada and the European Union.

These recalls followed a 2004 FDA "black box" warning on Bextra labels that patients with cardiac problems should not take Bextra, and a clinical trial showing that patients on Bextra had more than double the risks of heart attacks and strokes than non-users.

In addition to the increased risks of heart attacks and strokes, Bextra has also been linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a rare inflammatory skin disorder that can cause death in patients. SJS can also cause permanent skin damage, scarring, eye damage, and vision loss. As SJS develops, lesions can grow on internal organs such as the lungs, heart, and kidneys which can result in death.

Bextra in the News

[ BEXTRA: Madison St. Clair Record ] Aug-09-07: Lawsuit claims Pfizer improperly profited from pain killers Celebrex and Bextra. Pfizer pulled Bextra from the market April 7, 2005.

[ BEXTRA: Patriot News ] Mar-27-07: Couple sues Pfizer claiming they did not warn Bextra users of increased risk of cardiovascular injury or death, and allege the drug contributed to husband's heart attack.

[ BEXTRA: Therapeutics Daily ] Feb-13-07: Research finds that COX inhibitors such as Bextra and Celebrex may impair the ability of human blood cells to rid themselves of cholesterol, which could increase the risk of heart attack.

By submitting this form, you are asking a lawyer to contact you. Lawyers are usually paid out of the proceeds of a successful settlement or verdict.
Fields marked * are required.

First Name: *

Last Name: *

Email Address: *

Phone Number: *

Cell Phone Number:

City: *

State: *

Title of Complaint: *

Description of Case: *