Bextra Litigation
By Aaron Larson
Law Offices of Aaron Larson
September, 2004
A Product Liability Case Study
Bextra (Valdecoxib) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) produced by Pfizer, Inc. Bextra is prescribed for treatment of adult rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and painful menstruation.
Some patients who take NSAIDs experience significant side-effects, including stomach ulcers, bleeding ulcers, and liver damage. Subsequent to the recall of Vioxx from the market, concerns were raised about Bextra. Bextra, like Vioxx, is a COX-2 NSAID, and many felt that the same cost and safety issues presented by Vioxx were as significant for patients taking Bextra.
There are two primary areas of concern for patients who take Bextra:
1. Allergic Reaction - Bextra is alleged to cause severe allergic reactions in some patients, including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), erythema multiforme (EM), and Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).
Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) results in extremely painful and severe blistering of the mucous membranes, which may be associated with skin lesions or a rash.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is a form of SJS. TEN involves similar severe blistering which causes the patient's skin to peel off in sheets. The effect of the blistering caused by SJS and TEN is similar in nature to a severe burn, and carries similar risk of both loss of fluids and infection.
Erythema Multiforme (EM) involves a serious, inflammatory skin rash.
2. Heart Disease - Following the results of a study of blood clotting and heart attacks in coronary bypass surgery patients, in December, 2004 the FDA required Pfizer to warn patients of heart disease associated with the use of Bextra. Some consumer advocates believe that the risk of heart attack posed by Bextra is similar to, and may in fact be greater than, the risk posed by other COX-2 inhibitors.
A number of law firms are recruiting clients in anticipation of product liability lawsuits involving Bextra. On April 7, 2005, followign a determination by the FDA that the risks of Bextra use exceed its benefits, Pfizer announced that it was withdrawing of Bextra from the market.
Due to the significant variation in the law governing liability over defective products, when selecting a lawyer, it is usually a good idea to seek representation from a lawyer with experience handling this type of case.
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