New York City Bextra Lawyer (Valdecoxib)
Bextra is a COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) approved by the FDA in November 2001. This drug, along with Vioxx and Celebrex, was developed to treat the pain associated with arthritis, menstrual cramps, and other chronic pain conditions. The original intention of Bextra was to effectively treat pain without causing the gastrointestinal side effects that are usually associated with traditional NSAIDs like naproxen and ibuprofen.
Have you been affected by the unknown dangers of Bextra? Contact us for a free consultation on your potential case.
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Soon after being approved from the FDA, the presence of the dangerous side effects began emerging in people who were currently taking the drug. Along with the gastrointestinal side effects that Pfizer was originally trying to avoid, The side effects also included a fatal adverse skin reaction commonly known as Stevens Johnson syndrome. Stevens Johnson syndrome is a skin condition that manifests by attacking the skin and mucous membranes, which essentially burns the skin from the inside out. This condition is very painful and can lead to death if not promptly and adequately treated.
If you or a loved one was prescribed and suffered any of the adverse side effects, it is very important to contact an experienced lawyer. An experienced lawyer is familiar with the medication and all side effects associated with taking the medication. An experienced lawyer also has the knowledge that will help you process your claim and obtain the compensation you deserve.
In 2002, the FDA asked Pfizer to add a black box warning to all product patient information informing patients about the risks. A black box is the strongest warning the FDA can request, short of a drug recall. Despite government pressure, Pfizer failed to comply with this request and responsibly to inform consumers about the danger of Bextra use.
In 2004, more information about the danger of Bextra was discovered. A study, sponsored by Pfizer, was designed to assess the risks when used for pain management on patients who recently underwent heart surgery. The participants who were taking the drug were twice as likely to suffer serious health conditions.
Some of the health conditions included:
- stroke
- heart attack
- blood clot
- renal failure
Though the evidence had severe adverse side effects was evident, Pfizer still maintained that their product was safe enough to remain on the market. After a few months of investigation, in early April 2005, the FDA finally announced that the side effects greatly outweighed the drug’s intended benefits and they could no longer allow this drug to remain on the market.
Recently, knowledge about the different dangers of Bextra has been escalating with exponential speed even though it has been known for years. Make sure you speak with an experienced attorney so you can receive the compensation that you deserve.
Have you been affected by the Danger of Bextra? Contact us for a free consultation on your potential case against the Danger of Bextra affecting you today!
