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Bextra Lawsuit Attorney: History of Bextra
Bextra, manufactured by the Searle division of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and
approved in 2001, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or
NSAID.
The discovery of two forms of cyclooxygenase in 1991 opened the
possibility of creating an alternative painkiller that would decrease adverse
gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with chronic use of
non-selective NSAIDs (i.e. ibuprofen).
Bextra, or valdecoxib, is believed by Pfizer-Pharmacia to specifically block
an enzyme made by the body known as cyclooxygenase-2, or COX-2, hence, it is
known as a COX-2 selective inhibitor.
COX-2 enzymes catalyze prostanoids
that cause pain, swelling and discomfort commonly associated with the
symptoms of arthritis and primary dysmenorrhea.
A COX-2 inhibitor such as
Bextra is believed to minimize the effects of the COX-2 enzyme, while not
interfering with the moderating enzyme, cyclooxygenase-1 or COX-1, which helps
to protect the stomach's lining, gastrointestinal tract and kidney
functions.
Bextra's safety was originally demonstrated in clinical trials involving
7,300 arthritis patients over six months.
Since its introduction to the
market, Bextra has been prescribed for people suffering from osteoarthritis,
adult rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual cramping.
On October 15th, 2004, after weeks of affirming Bextra’s safety profile,
Pfizer announced its drug could cause serious complications in persons
recovering from heart surgery. These events would ultimately lead to the Recall
of Bextra.
Weitz & Luxenberg is no longer accepting Bextra cases.
see also:
NSAID
Bextra Attorney - Basic Information on Bextra, from Bextra AttorneysBextra Vioxx Celebrex and other NSAIDs are dangerous - Bextra Attorney
COX-2
Bextra - A COX- 2 Drug that can harm you - Learn MoreBextra Vioxx Celebrex and other NSAIDs are dangerous - Bextra Attorney
Basic Information
Bextra Attorney - Basic Information on Bextra, from Bextra AttorneysBextra Vioxx Celebrex and other NSAIDs are dangerous - Bextra Attorney
