Bextra (Valdecoxib) is a medication used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis and to treat painful menstrual periods. Bextra is in a class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) called COX-2 inhibitors, along with Vioxx and Celebrex.

Bextra was approved by the FDA on November 16, 2001. Unfortuanately, there have been are many safety concerns regarding the use of Bextra. The FDA and Pharmacia are advising health care professionals about reports of serious adverse effects including life-threatening risks related to skin reactions -- including Stevens Johnson Syndrome, and anaphylactoid reactions (serious allergic reactions).

Furthermore, recent studies have revealed that taking Bextra, like Vioxx, will increase the incidence of heart attacks and strokes. Studies have revealed that patients taking Bextra were more than double the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke than those patients given placebos, according to preliminary results of a study presented at the American Heart Association meeting in New Orleans.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious side effect from Bextra please contact us today.