Pfizer’s Bextra, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) works by reducing substances from the body that cause inflammation, pain, and fever. This drug is taken to alleviate these irritations from conditions such as osteoarthritis, adult rheumatoid arthritis, and painful menstruation. It sounds like a pretty typical painkiller, but there’s a problem… or two.
Bextra has been known to be a risk factor for the diseases Stevens – Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). SJS is a very painful, life-threatening disease which causes skin peeling rashes and blistering of the mucous membranes, such as the mouth, eyes, and vagina. TEN is a variation of this disease; the variation being that the skin can peel off in much larger scores. These conditions are very painful, and can prove fatal. Only recently has Pfizer been ordered to add a black box warning, the strongest warning possible, to Bextra packaging that details risks carried by the drug in relation to SJS and TEN.
On top of all this, Bextra is being investigated for a possible link to heart attacks.
Problems with Bextra? Contact an SJS Lawyer today!
