Bextra® and Heart Attack or Stroke - Florida Bextra® Attorneys
Announcement from our Florida Bextra® attorneys: Bextra® (valdecoxib) works as an acute pain reliever and is often prescribed to those suffering from arthritis or menstrual cramps. Since the withdrawal of Merck’s Vioxx® from the market in September 2004, Pfizer’s Bextra®, which acts similarly to Vioxx®, has been the subject of much scrutiny. A recent clinical study at the University of Pennsylvania showed Bextra® users were more than twice as likely as non-users to experience heart attack or stroke. While Pfizer argues that these studies do not show concrete proof, mounting evidence shows that Bextra® side effects may include heart attack and stroke. Florida users of Bextra® should be aware of the potential for the Bextra® side effects to include cardiovascular problems, and seek emergency medical care immediately if they experience any symptoms of heart attack or stroke. What’s more, the pharmaceutical company may be held liable for any injuries sustained through the use of Bextra®. Our Florida Bextra® attorneys can provide legal counsel if you or a family member has been injured by the side effects of the drug. Simply contact our defective drug attorneys for more information.
Dangerous Bextra® Side Effects
Bextra® ’s side effects have been proven to include an increased risk of liver poisoning, stomach ulcers, and internal bleeding, especially in long-term users of the drug. If you have experienced any of the following Bextra® side effects, discontinue use of the drug and contact your doctor, being sure to ask about ulcers, internal bleeding, or liver poisoning. Symptoms of internal bleeding and stomach ulcer include:
- burning stomach pain
- black bowel movements
- blood or dark colored vomit
Signs of liver damage include:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness
- Yellow skin tone
- Itching
- Flu-like symptoms
Also, those patients who have asthma should avoid using Bextra® unless otherwise instructed by their physician. Bextra® can aggravate asthma and cause constricted breathing.
These Bextra® side effects can cause long term, debilitating illness, and even death. As in the use of any prescription drug, make sure to inform your medical professional of all pre-existing conditions and drug allergies so that they can make an informed decision when choosing your treatment.
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Potential Bextra® Side Effects
There is limited evidence that, like Vioxx®, Bextra® causes increased incidence of heart attack and stroke. We advise Florida residents to be alert to these potentially deadly side effects while using Bextra®. Studies of Bextra®’s safety are currently underway. However, until absolute proof of Bextra®’s safety is offered, users should be aware of any symptoms of heart attack or stroke and seek immediate medical attention, being sure to report symptoms to their prescribing physician. Symptoms of heart attack and stroke include
- Dizziness
- Loss of coordination
- Headaches or nausea
- Chest pain
- Irregular heart beat
Pfizer has issued statements supporting Bextra®’s safety. However, studies have shown increased incidence of heart attack and stroke among Bextra® users who have undergone bypass surgery. A University of Pennsylvania study on Bextra®, recently discussed at a meeting of the American Heart Association, showed that Bextra® users were more than twice as likely to experience cardiovascular side effects than those taking a placebo.
Who is at risk?
People who have a history of ulcers, stomach problems, or chronic liver disease should be very cautious while taking Bextra®. Moreover, those with existing cardiovascular difficulties, or who have undergone heart surgery, should also examine alternative pain-relief treatments. If your physician determines that Bextra® is the best available treatment in spite of existing conditions, you should be aware of signs and symptoms of heart attack, stroke, liver poisoning, or stomach bleeding.
Those with allergies to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or COX-2 inhibitors, like ibuprofen or Celebrex®, should also not use this drug, especially if they have ever had asthma. The combined reaction of an allergy which constricts the breathing passage and an asthma attack could cause asphyxiation.
What Should You Do if you are a Bextra® User
If you have any of the above risk factors, you should inform your doctor as soon as possible. Especially if you find yourself experiencing Bextra® side effects that may indicate cardiovascular problems or liver and stomach problems, inform your doctor or seek emergency medical care. However, you should not stop taking Bextra® unless specifically informed by your physician. If your physician determines that Bextra® puts you at risk for dangerous side effects, they should determine an alternative course of action.
Help After Bextra® Heart Attack or Stroke
If, while using Bextra®, you or a family member has experienced a heart attack or stroke, the drug may be to blame. Our Florida Bextra® attorneys may be able to help. We are currently examining all cases of Bextra® heart attack, stroke, and other side effects. If the FDA determines that these are dangerous drugs, you may be eligible to receive extensive compensation under the law. Contact our Florida Bextra® attorneys today if you think you may have been harmed by the side effects of this dangerous drug.
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Bextra® heart attack,
stroke, or other side effects, contact our Florida Bextra® attorneys today.
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Our Florida Offices
100 East Faith Terrace
P.O. Box 940218
Maitland, Florida 32794
Toll Free: (866) 425-2734
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124 South Florida Ave.
P.O. Box 8229
Lakeland, Florida 33802
Toll Free: (866) 425-2734