Bextra® Heart Attack
(800) 889-9248
Bextra® heart attack risks are just one of many serious risks that prompted the FDA to order a recall of this popular prescription drug. On April 7, 2005 Pfizer announced that they will indefinitely suspend Bextra® sales in the United States. The FDA prompted this Bextra® recall because the potential risks of a Bextra® heart attack and other serious side effects far exceeds the intended benefits of this drug.
Bextra® heart attack concerns began to mount after the recall of a similar drug in late September of 2004. Vioxx, a COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug similar to Bextra® and Celebrex (both manufactured by Pfizer), was voluntarily pulled from the shelves by its maker, Merck and Co. The Vioxx recall was prompted by the results of a Merck-sponsored clinical trial. This study indicated that patients taking Vioxx for eighteen months were two times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke as compared to the general population.
After the Vioxx recall, concerns began to mount about Celebrex and Bextra® heart attack risks. Pfizer assured consumers, regulators, and doctors that cardiovascular side effects were unique to Vioxx. Pfizer insisted that Bextra® heart attack risks did not pose any additional threat to patients. Less than two months after the Vioxx recall, Pfizer announced the results of a study that implicated Bextra® for the same cardiovascular crimes as Vioxx.
In November 2004 Pfizer announced that clinical studies found an increased risk of Bextra® heart attack complications in some patient populations. The post-CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) clinical study was designed to measure the effects of Bextra® on pain management in patients recovering from heart surgery. Patients in the experimental group were two times more likely to suffer a Bextra® heart attack, stoke, blood clot, renal failure, or heart failure compared to those in the control group.
Despite these Bextra® heart attack findings, Pfizer made no indication that they planned to strengthen Bextra® warnings, much less withdrawal their product from the market. After Bextra® heart attack risks were discovered, the FDA issued an agency talk paper in December 2004 urging doctors to limit their use of Bextra® in treating patient's chronic pain conditions. The federal government also asked Pfizer to issue stronger warnings about Bextra® heart attack and skin risks. The FDA stated that they would be investigating the extent of Bextra® heart attack risks to determine if further action should be taken.
Based on in-depth investigations of Bextra® heart attack and other risks, the FDA determined that Bextra®'s potential risks outweigh any potential benefits provided by this dangerous painkiller. If you or a loved one has suffered a Bextra® heart attack or any other Bextra® injury, you may wish to speak with a trained and experienced legal expert who can evaluate your case to assess and protect your legal interests. You may be eligible to file a claim to seek compensation for your losses and suffering.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of a Bextra® heart attack, please contact a Bextra® Recall Lawyer.
