Many issues are likely to arise during the litigation of a Bextra lawsuit. The extent of the injuries sustained by the plaintiff and the likelihood that any resulting injuries had alternate causes are key issues addressed before the court in many prescription drug injury cases. The level of Pfizer's knowledge that Bextra was prone to injure will also be of essential importance to determinations of liability.

Fortunately for those injured by this dangerous drug, the plaintiffs in these cases appear to have many of the facts on their side. Reports now indicate that Pfizer, the pharmaceuticals giant responsible for Bextra, knew or should have known that Bextra had potentially dangerous side effects as early as 2001. Additionally, Pfizer was put on notice of potentially life-threatening consequences of Vioxx, a similar anti-inflammatory COX-2 inhibitor medication when Vioxx was removed from the market in September of 2004. Despite this knowledge, Pfizer continued to put patients at an increased risk of cardiovascular and gastro-intestinal problems by continuing to prescribe Bextra to sufferers of arthritis, joint pain, and menstrual symptoms. A further investigation may reveal that the pharmaceuticals giant downplayed, hid, and ignored prior warnings about the dangers of the drug for an extended period of time.

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration has no estimation on how many thousands of patients have suffered heart attacks or have died as a result of their use of Bextra, though Pfizer has claimed that over 7 million patients have been prescribed the drug. If you or a loved one has taken Bextra in any amount for any duration of time, an experienced attorney is essential to making sure that you know your legal rights. Statutes of limitations apply and it is important to act quickly so an effective investigation can occur before the filing of your Bextra lawsuit.