Bextra was created to combat the effects of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the most prevalent chronic illnesses and leading causes of disability in the United States. The enzymes responsible for these two illnesses are named COX-1 and COX-2, and have been the target of arthritis therapy using nonselective NSAIDs. An understanding of the COX enzymes has allowed for the development of agents that specifically inhibit COX-2. COX-2-selective inhibitors work similar to NSAIDS, but have a lower potential for upper gastrointestinal injury, a serious side effect of nonselective NSAIDs. COX-2-selective inhibitors represent a significant advance in the treatment of arthritis and other related inflammatory conditions. Science has found that the ability to inhibit COX-2 while sparing COX-1 should provide therapeutic benefits in the management of pain and inflammation, without deleterious effects on the integrity of upper gastrointestinal tract. Bextra is one such COX-2 inhibitor.

The chemical make-up of Bextra allows for therapeutic benefits with less upper gastrointestinal injury, but it has been found to cause an increase in the chance of a heart attack or stroke along with other potentially fatal side effects. For these reasons, Bextra has recently been pulled from the market. If you are a currently using Bextra, or have used Bextra in the past, be sure to speak with a Bextra attorney about a possible Bextra claim. Call 877-DRUG-INJURY for a free Bextra consultation with an experienced Bextra attorney. Experienced Bextra attorneys stand ready to help you through any Bextra problems you may have suffered and will give you the personalized attention you need with your Bextra claim.