Bextra

NSAIDs work by blocking a chemical in the body called cycloxgenase. Cylooxgenase-1, or COX-1, shields the stomach from the harsh hydrochloric acid it contains, while COX-2, is found in inflamed tissues and causes the pain of fever, infection and arthritis. The drugs were effective for alleviating this pain, but the relief benefits were limited because the traditional NSAIDs caused stomach irritation. Taking an NSAIDs like aspirin causes pain because it blocks both chemicals (relieving pain) but also disabling the stomach protection of COX-1.

When the development of aspirin and ibuprofen came along, medical science searched for a way to provide a safe, non-addictive pain and fever relief without the risk of serious gastrointestinal damage. This came in the late 1990’s when scientists isolated the protein COX-2 from COX-1 and created drugs to selectively block COX-2 without interfering with COX-1.

When these COX-2 inhibitors like Bextra were introduced, they relieved the pain of inflammation like arthritis without causing significant stomach damage. They soon became biggest selling pain relievers in the world, with sales in the tens of billions of dollars. Unfortunately, clinical trials began to warn patients about potential risks of increased cardiovascular trauma due to the disruption by COX-2 drugs of the way that the kidneys regulate blood pressure after filtering out impurities. These drugs started causing blood clots to form in the arteries causing heart attacks and strokes. Despite the documented accounts of these risks, doctors continued to prescribe Bextra in larger quantities.

Bextra is dangerous because it increases the patient’s chance for heart attacks and strokes as well as endangering patients undergoing post-operative recovery for heart surgery. Patients taking Bextra also face an increased risk of developing potentially fatal skin allergies called Steven-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome. After further review, the FDA re-evaluated the drug and asked Pfizer to remove the drug from the market on April 7 th, 2005.

Bextra FAQ

What’s Bextra?
Bextra is a “COX-2 Inhibitor” used to treat arthritis and associated problems. It is classified as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)

Are there health risks associated w/Bextra?
Yes. The use of Bextra has been shown to produce higher than normal cardiovascular and gastrointestinal events for regular patients. This includes elevated levels of heart attack risk, stroke risk, ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. It can also cause potentially fatal skin conditions.

What’s product liability legislation?
This is the area of law that allows for compensation for physical injuries resulting in defective or unreasonably dangerous products. This includes drugs such as Bextra and many other recalled drugs due to the manufacturer failing to provide adequate warnings to the consumer regarding the danger of the product.

Is there a time limit on filing a claim?
Yes. When filing a pharmaceutical malpractice or product liability claim, time is very important. Due to changing statues of limitations, there is a limited window of opportunity to file a claim against the drug makers.

What steps has Pfizer taken to warn people about the dangers of Bextra?
Pfizer has only taken limited steps in warning the general public about the dangerous side effects of Bextra use. Unfortunately they only pulled the drug off the market after the FDA asked them for a voluntary removal.

Should I contact a lawyer?
If you or a loved one has suffered from the sever side effect of Bextra use, then you absolutely should contact an experienced medical attorney as soon as possible. A highly qualified Bextra lawyer can help you aggressively fight the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry and get you the compensation you deserve.

Bextra Side Effects

Bextra was initially marketed in 2001 as a better way to provide the benefits of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs without causing severe gastrointestinal pain. Although Bextra did relieve pain and inflammation scientists began to discover that the drug increased the number of potentially lethal side effects including:

• Insomnia
• Blood Clots
• Abdominal pain
• Flatulence
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stroke
• Heart Attack
• Steven-Johnson’s Syndrome – a skin condition caused by irritated and infected mucus membranes beneath the skin
• Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis – a potentially fatal skin disorder characterized by skin cells that flake off and die in large sections

These Bextra-related conditions need immediate medical attention. Inform your doctor right away if you notice these side effects happening to you.
If Bextra has caused you or someone you love undue suffering, you need to consult an attorney immediately. Depending on your situation, you could be entitled to restitution and compensation. When you fight against reckless pharmaceutical companies who put their profits ahead of your health you join the millions of other who will no longer be made victims. An experienced, understanding, and dedicated attorney will help you stand up for justice and see that irresponsible drug companies get the retribution they deserve. Contact a lawyer today.

Bextra News

Despite Pfizer Inc.’s desire to the contrary, Bextra has been the subject of numerous negative media reports in recent months. In addition to the large number of pending lawsuits against Pfizer on behalf of people who endured the negative side effects of Bextra, the Security and Exchange Commission is now demanding Pfizer release records regarding Bextra in order to investigate if Pfizer conducted any marketing improprieties.

These articles are few more examples of exactly how Bextra negatively impacted the lives of people all around the United States. If you have any questions about how Bextra litigation can affect you, find an attorney today to help you. Don’t let your health become a casualty on the battlefield of corporate greed.

Contact us today for a free confidential consultation