In November 2001 the FDA approved a new drug, which was one of a class of wonder drugs known as cox-2 inhibitors. Manufactured by the drugs giant, Pfizer, this drug was called Bextra and it was intended for use on the treatment of osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps, and adult pain management. However, just four years after this drug was approved it is at the heart of heated controversy and concern. Bextra was recalled by the FDA in April of 2005.
Like other Cox-2 inhibitors, Pfizer Bextra worked differently to other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Whereas traditional NSAIDs worked by inhibiting the cox-2 and the cox-1 enzymes within the body, Pfizer Bextra and other drugs in its class were able to selectively affect the cox-2 enzyme only. Why was this good news? Because the cox-1 inhibitor is responsible for protecting the stomach's lining, and because traditional NSAIDs affected this enzyme many patients suffered chronic gastric problems. However, Bextra and other Cox-2s greatly reduced the risk of these stomach problems. What many people were not aware of at the time was that these drugs could increase the risks of far more sinister problems.
Pfizer Bextra is already linked to a number of serious and potentially deadly side effects. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a very serious skin condition, as is Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Both of these skin diseases are potential side effects of Pfizer Bextra, although they are supposed to be rare. The FDA is said to have already received reports of skin problems with Pfizer Bextra before it was even approved, and the manufacturer of the drug is only just getting around to putting a black label warning on the packaging of the drug following discussions with the FDA.
Contact the Montgomery Law Firm for free legal advice if you have suffered from Pfizer's Bextra.
Do I have a Bextra Case?
If you believe that you or a loved one has been adversely affected by Bextra, please fill out the form below. There is no charge for this Bextra case evaluation.