Q: Do Bextra users have a right to be compensated for health problems caused by Bextra?
A: If you believe Bextra has caused you or a loved one a stroke, heart attack or serious skin reaction you may be entitled to a large compensatory award. You must protect those legal rights before they lapse by passage of time and are barred by various states' statutes of limitations. You should contact an ldrug injury lawyer to evaluate your rights.
From a legal perspective, there is strong
evidence that Pfizer has not given a full disclosure of the risks
associated with Bextra. Pfizer may have has acted irresponsibly
with regard to informing patients of the health risks associated
with its drug. Through the help of experienced lawyers, you may
be able to acquire financial compensation for your injuries and
treatment.
Click here to contact a Bextra
attorney
Q: Has Bextra Been Recalled?
A: No, not yet. But Bextra was one of five drugs
that FDA reviewer David Graham identified as unsafe at a Nov.
18 U.S. Senate hearing. Additionally in December 2004 the FDA
required the drug maker to add new warnings to cardiac patients.
Many experts believe that Bextra dramatically increases patients
risks for Heart Attack and Stroke. You should speak to your doctor
about alternatives.
Q:
What is Bextra?
A:
Bextra is one of a new class of drugs called COX-2 inhibitors,
used to relieve acute pain in adult patients. It treats the signs
and symptoms of osteoarthritis. It is also used to treat painful
menstrual cycles.
Bextra is made by Pfizer, and has been widely touted as a safe
alternative to Vioxx. The drug was approved by the FDA for the
treatment of acute pain and osteoarthritis the most common form
of arthritis, caused by normal wear and tear of joints that affects
nearly 2o million Americans.
Q:
Are there Risks Associated Bextra Use?
A:
New research indicates that Bextra
may carry an increased risk of heart attack. When compared
to patients who took traditional pain killers, patients taking
Bextra were many more times as likely to suffer from a heart
attack. Researchers are not sure whether this side effect is
specific to Bextra, or whether it is related to all COX-2 inhibitors.
Bextra may also be linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome,
a potentially fatal skin reaction. According to the FDA , Bextra
has been related to 87 SJS cases and other serious skin reactions.
Q: What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?
A: Tell your health care provider if you are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Because certain other medications can interact with bextra, review all medications that you are taking with your health care provider, including those that you take without a prescription.
Your health care provider may have to adjust your dose or monitor you more closely if you take:
certain blood pressure medications called ACE-inhibitors, furosemide, lithium, methotrexate, rifampin, warfarin, aspirin
Avoid taking bextra with antacids that contain calcium carbonate and magnesium/aluminum combination products, because they may reduce the amount of bextra your body absorbs.
Q: What are some possible side effects of Bextra?
A:
Minor side effects can include: Upper respiratory tract infection,
diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, swelling of the lower legs or fee
and high blood pressure. Additionally, Rare reports of serious
ulcers occurring in patients taking bextra.
As indicated above, new research indicates that bextra may carry
an increased risk of heart attack. When compared to patients
who took traditional pain killers, patients taking bextra were
as many as four times as likely to suffer from a heart attack.
Another study found that the drug may cause kidney failure.
If you believe you or someone you know
has been injured by bextra,
Click here to contact an attorney