Clinical studies have indicated that Bextra is associated with increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Bextra also is known to cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a potentially fatal skin disease.

In April 2005, Pfizer announced it would recall Bextra following a request by the FDA. The FDA declared that the dangers of the drug outweighed the potential benefits.

Following news that Vioxx doubled the risk of heart attacks and strokes, all drugs in the COX-2 family have been under close scrutiny. Pfizer announced just weeks after the Vioxx recall that it was aware of an increased risk of heart attack in so-called "high risk" patients.

Dr. Fitzgerald of the University of Pennsylvania reported at a conference for the American Heart Association that his analysis of various Bextra studies indicated a significant increase in the risk of heart attacks. In fact, Dr. Fitzgerald commented that Bextra may pose an even greater danger than its former competitor, Vioxx.

Testifying before Congress on November 18, 2004, Dr. Graham of the FDA said the sale of Bextra should be limited or stopped due to safety questions. In April 2005, the FDA followed Dr. Graham's recommendation and pressured Pfizer to withdraw Bextra.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome occurs when a person's immune system attempts to rid itself of a drug, effectively burning the patient from the inside out.

This condition leads to severe and painful blistering of the skin. Those suffering from Stevens Johnson Syndrome often are admitted to the burn unit of a medical facility. The condition leads to death in 30 percent of cases.

In October 2004, Pfizer advised doctors that Bextra had been linked to this serious side effect. The company warned that risk of Stevens Johnson Syndrome is greatest in the first two weeks the patient takes the drug.

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