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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 three years after this drug was approved it is at the heart of heated controversy and concern.
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.
In September 2004 another cox-2 inhibitor, Merck Vioxx, was pulled from the US market. This followed tests that indicated that this drug increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes quite dramatically in patients taking it. The revelations about Vioxx and its sudden recall from the market instantly gave way to questions, suspicions and concerns about Pfizer Bextra and other cox-2 inhibitors. Many patients are now concerned that Pfizer Bextra could also be linked to these deadly problems since it was so closely related to Vioxx.
Pfizer have responded to such concerns by stating that there is no evidence to link Pfizer Bextra with heart attacks or strokes. However, the company has promised to carry out a long term investigation of the effects of Pfizer Bextra upon the heart in order to ascertain its safety, and to put minds at ease. The FDA will also be conducting further studies into the effects of Pfizer Bextra upon the heart, as well as studying other cox-2 inhibitors.
As with many other potentially dangerous drugs, Pfizer Bextra has become the subject of many lawsuits and is expected to be at the heart of many others. The number of lawsuits filed against giant drug companies for the ill and sometimes fatal effects of their drugs has increased greatly over recent years, and as such the number of specialist lawyers dealing with drugs litigation have also risen.
Those that have suffered from the serious side effects of Pfizer Bextra should seek legal assistance as well a medical advice as soon as possible. Trained and experienced Bextra lawyers are able to offer advice to potential claimants with regards to the likely success of their case, as well as with regards to the best course of actions to take. If you have been affected by Pfizer Bextra it is important to discuss your legal options with an experienced drug lawyer, as this can increase the chances of a successful claim against Pfizer.
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