What is the problem with Bextra?
Preliminary studies have indicated that Bextra (valdecoxib), an arthritis drug manufactured by Pfizer, Inc., could potentially be one of the leading causes of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and erythema multiforme (EM) due to drug allergy reactions. These studies also indicate that Bextra, like Vioxx (another COX-2 inhibitor that was recently pulled from the shelves by its manufacturer, Merck & Co. Inc.), may be linked with greatly increased risks of cardiovascular (CV) events such as heart attacks and strokes.
Other Bextra FAQs
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Q:
What is Bextra?
A: Bextra (Valdecoxib) is similar to Celebrex (Celecoxib) in the respect that it is a prescription COX-2 selective inhibitor nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) … More -
Q:
What is the COX enzyme?
A: The cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme has two forms: COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is found in a lot of cells all the time, notably the lining of the stomach where it regulates … More -
Q:
What are NSAIDs?
A: NSAIDs are a large group of drugs that have pain-relieving (analgesic) and fever-reducing (antipyretic) effects, as well as the effect of reducing inflammation when … More -
Q:
Is Bextra right for me?
A: You should not take Bextra if you: • Had asthma, hives or allergic reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or … More -
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What should I tell my health care provider?
A: Tell your health care provider if you: • have heart problems or high blood pressure; • have liver or kidney problems; • have or had … More -
Q:
What is toxic epidermal necrolysis?
A: Toxic epidermal necrolysis (a form of SJS) is a life-threatening skin disorder characterized by blistering of the mucous membranes (similar to Stevens Johnson … More -
Q:
Did the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) know about these allergic reactions?
A: Yes. The FDA announced on November 15, 2002, that it had received about 20 reports of serious reactions, including skin diseases [Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), … More -
Q:
What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?
A: Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is an immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity disorder that may be caused by a reaction to drugs (including Bextra), viral infections, … More -
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What is exfoliative dermatitis?
A: Exfoliative dermatitis, also known as erythroderma, is an uncommon but serious skin disorder. Generalized exfoliative dermatitis is a severe inflammation of the … More -
Q:
What is erythema multiforme?
A: Erythema multiforme (EM) is a serious inflammatory skin eruption (rash) caused by allergic reactions to many different things, including prescription and … More
