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Bextra COX-2 Inhibitors

COX-2 inhibitors are a new family of drugs aimed at reducing inflammation. COX stands for cyclooxygenase, which is responsible for the formation of important biological mediators called prostanoids. COX-2 inhibitors achieve inflammation reduction by selectively blocking the COX-2 enzyme, which obstructs the production of the prostaglandins (chemical messengers) that cause the pain and swelling of arthritis inflammation. COX-2 inhibitors are a new class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that have gone from well revered to an almost complete recall.

COX-2 inhibitors selectively block the COX-2 enzyme and not the COX-1 enzyme, making them uniquely different from traditional NSAIDs. NSAIDs are commonly prescribed medications for the inflammation of arthritis and other body tissues, such as in tendonitis and bursitis. Some common examples of NSAIDs include Aspirin, naproxen (Naprosyn), ibuprofen (Motrin), piroxicam (Feldene), and nabumetone (Relafen).

Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) is an enzyme normally present in a variety of areas of the body, including sites of inflammation and the stomach. The COX-1 enzyme of the stomach produces certain chemical messengers (called prostaglandins) that ensure the natural mucus lining which protects the inner stomach. Common anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin block the function of the COX-1 enzyme along with another enzyme, COX-2. Inflammation is reduced when the COX-1 enzyme is blocked, but the protective mucus lining of the stomach is also reduced. This reduction in the stomach lining can cause stomach ulceration and bleeding from the stomach and intestines.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) also produces these chemical messenger molecules, but the COX-2 enzyme is located specifically in areas of the body that are responsible for inflammation, and not in the stomach. A COX-2 inhibitor blocks the enzyme and inflammation is reduced. Since the COX-2 enzyme does not affect the normal function of the stomach or intestinal tract, medications that selectively block COX-2 do not present the same risk of injuring the stomach or intestines. However, they do cause a significant increase in cardiovascular risk such as stroke or heart attack.

COX-2 inhibitors are drugs that selectively block the COX-2 enzyme. Blocking this enzyme impedes the production of the prostaglandins that cause the pain and swelling of arthritis inflammation. The common anti-inflammatory drugs (like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen) all act by blocking the action of both the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.

The COX-2 inhibitors are part of a new family of drugs that do not affect COX-1, but selectively block only COX-2. This selective action provides the benefits of reducing inflammation without irritating the stomach. While these drugs pose an advantage in comparison to previous anti- inflammatory drugs because their mechanism of action carries nowhere near the risk of stomach ulceration and bleeding, the fact that they can cause cardiovascular risks is enough for the FDA to request for the recall for several COX-2 inhibitors, Vioxx and Bextra.

The COX-2 inhibitor Celebrex is currently still on the market and is now taking the place in former prescriptions of Bextra and Vioxx. Although widely expected that COX-2 inhibitors will be of great value to people with arthritis and variety of pain conditions, the increased risk of heart attacks and strokes has caused many to seek alternatives to COX-2 inhibitors.

If you or a loved one has been prescribed a COX-2 inhibitor in the past and suffered a heart attack, stroke, or gastrointestinal distress, you may have a claim. Contact an experienced Bextra 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.