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Bextra, a cox-2 inhibitor drug manufactured by drugs giant Pfizer, was approved for use in the US in November 2001 by the Food and Drugs Administration. Bextra was one of a number of cox-2 inhibitors that were approved to treat osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps, and adult pain. These drugs were welcomed by many when they were introduced, as they were able offer the benefits of traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but without the associated stomach problems. This was because traditional non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs affected the cox-1 enzyme as well as the cox-2. Since the cox-1 enzyme is required to protect the stomach lining, this often resulted in massive stomach problems in patients. However, Bextra and other cox-2 inhibitors were able to selectively affect the cox-2 inhibitor without affecting the cox-1, which meant a massive reduction of stomach problems. But at what price?
Recent studies revealed that that another cox-2 inhibitor, Vioxx, increased the risks of heart attacks and strokes in patients. The drug was pulled by the US market just weeks ago, in September 2004. However, this has now raised concerns over Bextra side effects, as the drugs are very similar in nature. Some Bextra side effects are already known, and in fact even prior to approval the FDA had received reports on serious skin-related Bextra side effects. However, what is not yet known for sure is whether Bextra side effects include the deadly dangers linked to Vioxx – heart problems and strokes.
One of the more serious and potentially lethal Bextra side effects that is known is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, which is a serious and possibly deadly skin disease. With Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, the skin and mucous membranes become severely inflamed. Another known skin-related side effect that could occur as a result of taking Bextra is Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. This is another serious skin problem, where parts of the skin experience severe reddening and peeling. In addition to these serious skin-related Bextra side effects, other potential risks include allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock , both of which can prove very dangerous.
There are other, more common Bextra side effects in addition to the rarer ones mentioned above. These include:
Pfizer are currently in the process of discussing a black box label for Bextra with regards to the risks of serious skin problems. However, further testing has yet to be carried out with regards to determine whether Bextra side effects extend to heart problems and increased risks of strokes.
Anyone that experiencing ill health through taking Bextra is advised to seek medical attention immediately. In addition to this, patients that are suffering or have suffered Bextra side effects may be eligible for compensation. If you have suffered through taking Bextra, you can contact a drugs litigation lawyer – a legal professional that specializes in drug-related lawsuits such as Bextra claims.
Going through an experienced Bextra lawyer will enable you to determine whether you have grounds to file a claim against Pfizer, the manufacturer of Bextra. Your Bextra lawyer will be familiar with Bextra side effects and implications, and can therefore put together a solid case to increase your chances of success. In addition to this, a lawyer that has already dealt with Bextra cases may be able to offer advice on the likely success of your case and may even be able to give an idea of the amount of compensation you could be looking at.
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!
