---------
Pfizer, the manufacturer of cox-2 inhibitor drug, Bextra, could face a fresh round of lawsuits following recent tests that indicate that there could well be a link between Bextra and an increased risk of heart attacks. The studies were carried following the recent recall of a similar drug, Vioxx, from the market due its links with increased heart attacks and strokes.
The New York Times recently reported that preliminary test results indicated that Bextra could have the same problem. The results of the tests were revealed on 9 th November 2004 at a meeting of the American Heart Association in New Orleans. Dr. Garret A. FitzGerald, a cardiologist and pharmacologist at the University of Pennsylvania, said: "The magnitude of the signal with Bextra is even higher than what we saw in Vioxx. This is a time bomb waiting to go off."
The manufacturer of the drug, however, has stated that these test results are unsubstantiated, but has also stated that it will be carrying out investigations to assess whether there are any heart attack or stroke risks attached to Bextra. In addition to this, the FDA is looking into the effects of Bextra as well as other cox-2 inhibitors following the recent recall of Vioxx.
The recent death of a 46-year-old New Jersey man that was taking Bextra for a none-month period has results in another lawsuit for drugs giant Pfizer, which manufactures the drug. It is claimed on the lawsuit that the drug is directly responsible for the death of the patient, and it is thought many similar lawsuit will follow this one.
Two legal firms have been involved in filing the suit, and representatives stated that the basis of the lawsuit is that: "Pfizer has not acted responsibly and has failed to adequately and timely warn consumers about the life-threatening side effects associated with Bextra." The law firms also issued a press release regarding the case, but offered no details as to the general health of the deceased man.
Bextra is currently being investigated by its manufacturer, Pfizer, and the FDA for links to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Although some recent tests indicate that there is a link, Pfizer have stated that the claims are unsubstantiated and that the company will be carrying out its own investigations into these possible effects. A number of lawsuits have already been filed against Pfizer, and should results reveal that there is a link between the drug and these potentially deadly side effects, it is anticipated that the number of lawsuits will increase dramatically.
A drugs expert that had been invited to attend a meeting about the risks of Bextra and similar drugs claims the government withdrew his invitation because he expressed public concerns over these drugs. A member of the FDA’s drug safety committee, Curt Furberg had stated at an American Heart Association meeting that Bextra could double the risks of heart attack and strokes in patients taking the medication.
Mr Furberg claims that senior officials wanted to ‘silence him’ and he was therefore not allowed to attend the meeting as originally planned because he had made his concerns about Bextra and other cox-2s public. The Washington Post reported that Furberg stated: "I think they're trying to control criticism at the committee meeting."
His invitation was rescinded the day after he spoke out at the American Heart Association meeting about his concerns on drugs like Bextra.
Senior FDA officials have confirmed that Mr Furberg has had his invitation rescinded but state that this is due to a possible conflict of interests. No mention was made of Furberg’s claims that he has been banned from the meeting simply for speaking out about the dangers of the Bextra.
If so, you may have a possible legal case against the manufacturer of the potentially dangerous drug or medical product. Simply fill out the short form below and an experienced legal expert will contact you as soon as possible!
