Bextra Lawyer
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If you use Bextra or have used it in the past, there is new information that has been released about the drug and lawsuits that are going on regarding its use. If you are looking to consult with a lawyer regarding your Bextra usage, you should continue reading on, as this information may be pertinent to your case.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sometimes withdraws or recalls medications for a multitude of reasons, all done to keep us safe. In 2005, the FDA requested that Pfizer, the manufacturer of Bextra, withdraw the drug from the United States as well as in Europe, after concerns regarding its testing and side effects. Bextra posed an increased risk for heart attacks and strokes in patients who took the drug.
What is Bextra?
Bextra is used to treat those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or excessive menstrual pain. Bextra is an anti-inflammatory drug that is used to reduce pain caused by inflammation. This type of new drug was popular, because it seemed to alleviate pain while having fewer side effects of other pain medications. It was introduced after a similar drug, Vioxx, was recalled. While many drugs used to treat these problems often cause painful gastrointestinal problems, patients were told that Bextra did not cause these unnecessary side effects.
Why was Bextra pulled from the shelves?
The concern over Bextra was because of the increase in heart attacks, strokes, and serious skin illnesses in the patients who were taking it. Skin reactions usually appeared within the first two weeks of taking Bextra, but there was also a chance that it could occur at any time while taking Bextra. In order to prevent more risk, the manufacturer, Pfizer, pulled it off the shelf until further information could be determined. Those who were taking Bextra were asked to contact their doctor immediately for further advice.
Symptoms of a reaction to Bextra
Symptoms depended on the individual and included abdominal pain, unusual discomfort in the stomach, nausea, vomiting blood, water retention, black tarry stools, fatigue, yellowing of the skin and eyes, symptoms resembling the flu, and bruising of the skin. A more severe and deadly rash known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome was also experienced by some patients.
What someone should do if they were taking Bextra
Because of the serious skin reactions that were possible, it was not recommended that you take Bextra if you had asthma, hives, or an allergic reaction to another medication that contained an anti-inflammatory. If you were taking Bextra, it could have caused liver damage. Symptoms of liver damage are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, decreased appetite, and yellow skin and eyes. It may also cause water retention. When any of these warning signs are noticed, call your doctor immediately. People who took Bextra also had an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots, especially those who have had heart surgery. Because of the increased risk, doctors can provide another safe alternative for treatment.
Anytime a medication is pulled from the market, it is usually due to a side effect that could be life-threatening. If you have taken a recalled medication, you should understand your options, especially if you suffer from the side effects that caused the drug to be pulled. After consulting with your doctor regarding your symptoms, the next step you should take is contacting a lawyer who is experienced in drug lawsuits and personal injury. When you speak with your lawyer or attorney, it is imperative that you tell him or her your complete medical history, especially that surrounding your Bextra usage. Your lawyer will be able to advise you on whether or not your case is viable, and how much you can expect to receive in damages and compensation if your case is successful.
Your lawyer or attorney may also enter you into a class action lawsuit if there are currently many other people suing the manufacturer as well. With a class action suit, you are more likely to win the case and receive damages, rather than fighting the company yourself. Your best chance at getting this compensation is by hiring a lawyer to fight for you. If you're serious about your Bextra lawsuit, hire an experienced Bextra lawyer today.
