Bextra Side Effects

There are a few serious Bextra side effects that people who are considering, or currently taking this drug, should be aware of. Bextra is a COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID). Bextra was approved by the FDA in November 2001 to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and the severe pain associated with menstrual cramping. Even at the time of Bextra's approval, serious Bextra side effects were already being reported.

At the time of approval, the FDA acknowledged at least twenty cases of Bextra side effects that resulted in serious skin problems. Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a severe inflammatory eruption of the skin and mucous membranes, is one of the rare but serious Bextra side effects.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis, a syndrome in which large portions of the skin become red and peels much like a second degree burn, is another of the potentially serious Bextra side effects. Severe anaphylactic shock and allergic reaction are also potential Bextra side effects.

The FDA is currently considering the addition of a black box warning, the agency's strongest alert, on all Bextra labeling warning of serious Bextra side effects. Bextra's manufacturer, Pfizer, disclosed warnings on product labeling in 2002 regarding serious skin Bextra side effects. The black box warning would make information on Bextra side effects more prominent and visible to consumers.

Bextra side effects may also include indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and headache, discolored or bloody stools, unexplained weight gain, jaundice, flu-like symptoms, unusual bruising or bleeding, and water retention. If you experience any of these Bextra side effects, you should notify your doctor immediately.

Bextra side effects have been the topic of significant controversy in late 2004, after the recall of a similar drug called Vioxx. Merck pulled Vioxx from the market in September 2004 when studies indicated that patients taking Vioxx had an increased chance of suffering from a serious heart attack or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). The cardiovascular safety of all COX-2 selective drugs has come into question since this recall.

There is talk that Bextra side effects may also include cardiovascular risks. Pfizer claims that there have been no substantiated reports that indicate heart attack or stroke as potential Bextra side effects. The drug company has announced their plans to conduct long term studies of cardiovascular Bextra side effects.

If you have experienced any Bextra side effects while taking this medication, you may wish to speak to a qualified legal professional such as attorney Casey Flynn who can advise you of your legal rights and options in a civil case.

Bextra Lawyer :: Bextra Attorney

Bextra is a COX 2 drug manufactured by Pfizer. When Bextra was first released in 2001, Bextra packages included a warning about side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhea, heartburn, back pain, headache, nausea, and upper respiratory infection. In November 2002, Pfizer, upon the FDA’s orders, strengthened the Contraindications, Warnings, and Adverse Reactions sections Bextra’s prescribing information.

On April 7, 2005, Pfizer withdrew Bextra from the market at the FDA’s request. The FDA requested the withdrawal because of the incidence among Bextra users of heart attacks, strokes, and a potentially fatal skin condition called Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

On November 9, 2004, a study presented to the American Heart Association indicated that Bextra might carry a higher risk of fatal heart attacks, as much as two times, and cardiac problems than other COX 2 inhibitors. Bextra also appears to increase a patient’s risk of stroke. In light of this evidence, the FDA has strongly urged physicians to limit the number of prescriptions for Bextra and to consider Bextra alternatives when administering care.

Bextra has also been linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and exfoliative dermatitis, as well as assorted allergic reactions. Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are two forms of the skin disease that can cause rash, skin peeling, and sores on the mucous membranes. Both Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis can be life threatening.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an immune-complex–mediated hypersensitivity disorder. Sufferers of Stevens Johnson Syndrome demonstrate a blistering of mucous membranes, typically in the mouth, eyes, and vagina, and patchy areas of rash. Sufferers of toxic epidermal necrolysis also experience a blistering of mucous membranes. In addition, the entire epidermis peels off in sheets from large areas of the body. Both Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis can be life threatening.