Stroke, heart attack and even a pair of potentially fatal skin conditions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have all been linked to the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug Bextra. The attorneys at Carey & Danis have helped people nationwide who have been hurt as a result of taking this drug.

Made by Pfizer, Bextra (known generically as valdecoxib) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2001 and launched onto the market in 2002. It was prescribed to combat the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as to relieve painful menstruation. Sales of Bextra—a member of the COX-2 family of NSAIDs, which also includes Vioxx and Celebrex—soared.

But problems quickly surfaced. Bextra users had higher incidences of stroke and heart attacks. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and a related disease, toxic epidermal necrolysis, also emerged among those prescribed the medicine. Both diseases often begin with flulike symptoms. Signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome also include swelling of the face and tongue; blisters on the tongue, gums or lips; and a red or purple rash. People with toxic epidermal necrolysis often experience shedding of the top layer of skin, after which fluids and salt may ooze from their wounds. The potentially fatal condition can also spread to the eyes, mouth and genitals.

By December 2004, the FDA had approved an upgraded warning label for Bextra. Five months later, in April 2005, the FDA asked Pfizer to withdraw the drug from the market. The FDA concluded that the "overall risk versus benefit profile is unfavorable." Pfizer agreed, but not before pocketing $1.3 billion in Bextra sales in 2004 alone.

If you or a loved one suffered a stroke or heart attack or was found to have Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis after taking Bextra, contact Carey & Danis. We can help. Carey & Danis is a national law firm that represents individuals injured by America's largest corporations.

At Carey & Danis, even though our lawyers have recovered more than $695 million for our clients, including individual settlements of over $10 million and class-wide settlements of more than $90 million, we count our clients as our most important asset.

For more information, fill out our online contact form or call Carey & Danis toll-free at 800-721-2519.

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