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Bextra Stroke

A Bextra stroke is a possible side effect of taking this popular prescription painkiller. A Bextra stroke is just one of the many serious and potentially deadly side effects that prompted the FDA to request a recall of this drug. On April 7, 2005, Pfizer took its blockbuster painkiller, Bextra, off the market because the risks associated with Bextra far outweigh the drug's intended benefits.

Bextra stroke, heart attack, and fatal skin condition risks were among the most serious side effects which prompted the Bextra recall. Bextra enjoyed about a three year stay on the market before being pulled from the shelves, yet knowledge of its serious side effects began surfacing soon after its 2001 FDA approval. As early as 2002, the FDA requested that Pfizer add stronger warnings to its Bextra labeling about serious skin side effects. Bextra use has been associated with Stevens Johnson syndrome, a deadly drug reaction that devastates the skin and mucous membranes and can lead to death if not properly treated.

Concern about Bextra stroke and heart attack risks first came to the fore of social concern after a similar drug was recalled because of its cardiovascular risks. Vioxx, also a COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was voluntarily pulled from the shelves by its maker in September 2004. The Vioxx recall was prompted by clinical studies which found that patients taking Vioxx for eighteen months doubled their risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.

After the Vioxx recall, Pfizer made several public announcements indicating that these risks were unique to Vioxx. Bextra stroke and heart attack risks, Pfizer claimed, were no greater than the cardiovascular risks posed to the general population. Less than two months later, however, Pfizer was forced to contradict this statement. In December 2004, researchers concluded that patients who took Bextra following heart surgery were two times more likely to suffer a Bextra stroke, heart attack, blood clot, or other significant cardiac event as compared to those trial participants not taking Bextra.

Despite this evidence of Bextra stroke and heart attack risks, Pfizer made no indication of any plans to recall their defective drug or strengthen warning labels. In response to Bextra stroke and heart attack risks, the FDA urged doctors to limit their use of Bextra and look to alternatives for prescription pain relief. The FDA and other regulatory agencies ordered a review of all Bextra clinical trials to further evaluate Bextra stroke and heart attack risks. After comprehensive investigation, the FDA determined that Bextra stroke, heart attack, and skin risks were too great to allow this drug to remain on the market.

Many Bextra users have suffered serious side effects like Bextra stroke, heart attack, or skin conditions because Pfizer failed to adequately inform and protect consumers.

If you or a loved one has suffered a Bextra stroke or any other adverse side effect of this drug, please contact a Bextra Recall Lawyer in your area.

Contact a Bextra Recall Lawyer

More Bextra Resources

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