Bextra And Heart Attacks / Strokes
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As a prescription drug consumer, you have the right to expect the most up-to-date and scientifically sound safety information from the drug manufacturer. If this is not being provided, you have the right to seek compensation for your suffering. On October 18, 2004, Pfizer, the manufacturer of the pain-reliever Bextra, admitted that two small clinical trials showed that heart bypass surgery patients taking Bextra had a higher risk of stroke and heart attack. That same month, a Bextra lawsuit was filed in U.S. District court in East St. Louis on behalf of seven plaintiffs. Five plaintiffs allegedly suffered strokes and heart attacks after taking the pain reliever, and two plaintiffs filed complaints after their family member died due to cardiovascular problems associated with the medication. The lawsuit sought damages against Pfizer, Pharmacia, Monsanto, and Searle, with claims that the companies did not disclose proper warnings regarding Bextra's side effects and failed to adequately test Bextra prior to distributing to patients.
In November 2004, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania told the American Heart Association that a recent clinical trial revealed that patients taking Bextra had more than twice the risk of heart attack and stroke than non-users. Then, in December 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) increased the warnings on Bextra labels to include cautioning against using the medication for patients with cardiac problems. Finally, in April 2005, the FDA asked the manufacturer to recall the pain medication from shelves across the U.S. due to increased risks of heart attacks and strokes in patients. In addition, the FDA also requested Pfizer to withdraw the drug from Europe as well something the drug company reluctantly agreed to.
Bextra was prescribed to arthritis sufferers to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This medication has also been prescribed to women in hopes of relieving painful menstrual symptoms. Bextra is classified as a Cox-2 inhibitor, a newly developed drug in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) family. Like similar medications such as Vioxx and Celebrex, Bextra is designed to reduce pain, swelling, and fever without irritating the stomach and lower digestive tract like aspirin and other NSAIDs. To date, several of these types of prescribed medications have been prohibited due to the increased risk of stroke, heart attack, stomach ulcers, liver damage, and severe skin reactions. It is interesting to note that Bextra was introduced and prescribed as an alternative to Vioxx, which also caused severe side effects and was subsequently recalled.
Tragically, significant and irreversible damage has already been done to patients. If you've suffered from these kinds of dangerous and potentially fatal side effects, you have a right to seek compensation for your physical and emotional anguish. If you are one of the millions of people who took Bextra, consult your doctor immediately to assess any damage to your health. Another important step is to seek the guidance of a dedicated lawyer to help you get the answers and compensation you deserve.
Don't let huge pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer get away with insensitivity and negligence towards consumer safety. Only extensive litigation will force the industry to be more vigilant in researching potentially harmful side effects and in warning consumers about these risks in a timely and perhaps life-saving manner.
If you've suffered from your Bextra usage, contact a lawyer today. The guidance of an experienced Bextra attorney can help you through the difficult process of a lawsuit. When your prescribed medication causes dangerous side effects that threaten your health, you deserve answers. There is financial compensation for the physical and mental suffering caused by the drug, and it's important that you stand up for your health and contact a lawyer today for a free case review. Be sure to find a lawyer who will review your claim at no cost or obligation. Take the first step towards getting your life back on track contact a lawyer or attorney today.
