On November 10, 2004, a study concerning the safety of Bextra (valdecoxib) linked the pain-relieving drug to an increase in heart attacks and strokes, along with other serious side effects. Bextra is Pfizer, Inc.'s newest cox-2 inhibitor prescribed to treat those suffering from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual cramping.

The release of the study comes after two other cox-2 inhibitor drugs have been found to also increase the risk of heart attack and strokes in users. Merck's pain relieving drug, Vioxx, was withdrawn from the market in September 2004, and Pfizer's other cox-2 inhibitor drug, Celebrex, was found linked to an increase in heart attacks and strokes in December 2004. Doctors are recommending that the FDA evaluate all drugs in the cox-2 family.

The study linked Bextra with increased incidences of heart attack and stroke after analyzing data from 5,930 patients participating in 12 separate clinical trials. Patients taking Bextra reportedly suffered 2.19 times more heart attacks and strokes than those patients who were given a placebo.

For a more detailed explanation of these serious Bextra side effects along with less serious side effects associated with Bextra usage, please look at the "Bextra Side Effects" page on this site.

If you or a loved one has taken Bextra, it is important that you speak with a Bextra attorney about the possibility of a Bextra claim. Call 877-BEXTRA-SUIT to speak with a Bextra attorney to evaluate your Bextra claim absolutely free. You may be entitled to compensation. If Bextra has injured you or a loved one, our Bextra legal team will aggressively fight for your rights.