- Client ReviewsCanada Lawyers Represent People Injured by Bextra
Bextra is a popular arthritis drug belonging to a family of pharmaceuticals known as COX-2 Inhibitors. The drugs are designed to prevent inflammation and reduce pain in arthritis sufferers.
Following news of the Vioxx recall in September 2004, medical researchers focused their attention on other drugs in the COX-2 family. Research indicates the significant problems reported in Vioxx users may also be associated with Bextra.
Bextra Recall
Health Canada has asked Pfizer to halt sales of Bextra amid reports that other health agencies (including the FDA in the United States) now are requiring a complete withdrawal.
Clinical studies have shown that Bextra significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition, Bextra is associated with a potentially fatal skin disease known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
Researchers Concerned with Bextra Heart Risk
A report presented at a meeting for the American Heart Association concluded that Bextra patients had more than double the number of heart attacks and strokes as those who were given a placebo. The report analyzed data from 12 separate clinical studies in which patients were given Bextra.
Testifying before the U.S. Congress on November 18, 2004, Dr. David Graham of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said he was concerned with the safety of Bextra. Dr. Graham believes either the drug should be removed from the market or patients should be given greater warnings about the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Bextra Recall News
On April 7, 2005, Health Canada asked Pfizer to immediately suspend sales of its drug after the drug maker had been forced to remove Bextra from the U.S. and European markets. Even in the days leading up to the recall, the manufacturer continued to stand behind the safety of the drug in spite of adding a warning in October 2004 that the drug increased the occurrence of heart problems in high risk patients.
In defending the safety of the drug, Pfizer frequently cited a clinical trial that concluded Bextra was not associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. That study, however, monitored Bextra users only for a short period of time (up to 52 weeks). It is believed that the risk of heart attack and stroke rises with longer use in fact, many of the reports of problems with Vioxx patients occurred after 18 months.
Bextra Lawyers Canada
Greg Monforton and Partners is handling legal claims against Pfizer on behalf of Canadians injured by Bextra.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Bextra, we encourage you to contact us. We are representing clients throughout Canada.
For more information about filing a Bextra lawsuit, please complete our online form.