Bextra Stroke and Heart Attack Litigation

News Reports on Bextra: As reported in the NY Times, Clinical trials showed heart bypass surgery patients taking Bextra, an anti-inflammatory in the same class as the recently withdrawn drug Vioxx, had a higher risk of stroke and heart attack.

What is new about these reports? It was already known that Bextra can cause a rare, but sometimes fatal, skin disorder called Stevens-Johnson syndrome to note that cases of the condition are being seen more often with Bextra than with other drugs in the same class. Warnings about the heart attack risk now are to be updated.

What is Bextra used for? Bextra is approved to treat pain from arthritis and, like Merck & Co.'s Vioxx, is a COX-2 inhibitor. Recently, Pfizer has updated the label which now reflects the risk of Stevens Johnson syndrome, a form of allergic reaction often caused by certain types of drug, and heart attack.

What is SJS? SJS symptoms begin with blistering of the mouth and lips, spreading to the throat, tongue and other parts of the body.

What happens to the blisters as SJS progresses As Steven Johnson progresses, the blisters (with sometimes permanent scars and irreversible damage) become extensive. SJS can eveb be fatal. So act quickly if you suspect this is what Bextra has done to you.

Pfizer has updated the label on several occasions since it was approved in 2001 to reflect increased risks of Bextra.

Do I have a case?