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Bextra COX-2 Drugs

In September 2004, the COX-2 drug Vioxx was pulled from the market with no prior announcement of concern. Shortly following Vioxx's absence from the market, warnings about other COX-2 drugs Celebrex, Aleve and Bextra were brought public. The safety implications of these commonly prescribed COX-2 drugs, as arthritis pain relievers as well as the safety of traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are still in question today.

Vioxx's withdrawal was based on a 3-year trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of this COX-2 drug in preventing the recurrence of colon polyps. People taking Vioxx were compared with those taking a placebo, and findings showed taking Vioxx increased the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke, after 18 months.

While the study was only performed on the COX-2 drug Vioxx, we can assume that all COX-2 drugs will pose some cardiovascular risk. The COX-2 drug Celebrex is still an option to patients, despite the warnings by the FDA, and switching to a traditional NSAID, such as naproxen (Aleve) is also possible. Up until its recall on April 7, 2005, the COX-2 drug Bextra was also an option.

The Food and Drug Administration asked for the recall of the COX-2 drug Bextra from the market for several reasons. First, they found insufficient information on the cardiovascular safety of long-term use of Bextra, along with the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events in short-term coronary artery bypass surgery trials. Also, there were reports of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, which are potentially life-threatening skin reactions, in people using Bextra. Finally, there was an absence of any demonstrated advantages in using Bextra when compared with other NSAIDs.

Celebrex is also a COX-2 drug, like Vioxx and Bextra, however it still remains on the market. COX-2 drugs have the benefit of not causing stomach bleeding and ulcers, traditionally found with NSAIDs. If you're susceptible to gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers, Celebrex may be a safe and appropriate treatment for you. Celebrex also might be an appropriate choice if you take drugs that contain prednisone. Those drugs, like NSAIDs, can cause stomach bleeding. To take traditional NSAIDs on top of those drugs would further increase your risk of bleeding.

Previously taking a COX-2 drug because of your history of stomach bleeding or ulcers doesn't mean that Celebrex is the right choice for you. The COX-2 drug Celebrex can cause kidney problems, hypertension, fluid retention, as well as cardiovascular risk. While the risk of stomach bleeding may be lower if you take Celebrex than if you take a traditional NSAID, you must realize that stomach bleeding can still occur. Elderly patients may be at higher risk for side effects related to COX-2 drugs.

Because of concerns that the COX-2 drug Celebrex, like Vioxx and Bextra, may pose an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, the FDA has requested the drug manufacturer Pfizer Inc. to revise its drug label to include a warning of the medication's cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks. Doctors have also been encouraged to prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible, to minimalize cardiovascular risks.

If you or a loved one has been prescribed a COX-2 drug in the past and suffered a heart attack, stroke, or gastrointestinal distress, you may have a claim. Contact an experienced COX-2 attorney for help with your claim and receive due compensation.

More Bextra Resources

Bextra Consumer Information - Patient FAQ on Bextra, including side effects, warnings and drug information from the FDA.

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