Bextra
Generic Name:
Valdecoxib
Brand Names:
Bextra
Bextra Description:
Bextra is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is part of the group of drugs known as COX-2 inhibitors. The drug is used to treat symptoms of joint pain, swelling, and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. At times, it may also be used to treat pain caused by menstrual periods. The drug is distributed by Pfizer Ltd.
It should be noted that Bextra was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2005 and is no longer available. The withdrawal was prompted by safety concerns that the medication increased the risk of cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) and rare but serious skin reactions.
Bextra Uses:
Bextra is used in adults to treat the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. Bextra can treat inflammation, knee pain, and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The drug may also be used to treat osteoarthritis, a common joint disorder involving a breakdown of cartilage and joint pain. It is important to note that the drug does not cure arthritis but only provides relief to the symptoms caused by arthritis.
Bextra may also treat primary dysmenorrhea, the mild or severe pain that often occurs during menstruation in women.
Bextra Interactions:
Use of any of the following drugs along with Bextra may cause interactions:
- Benazepril
- Delapril
- Diazepam
- Citalopram
- Captopril
- Bumetanide
- Enalaprilat
- Duloxetin
- Fosinopril
- Fluvomaxine
- Femoxetine
- Dextromethorphan
- Warfarin
- Glyburide
- Fluconazole
- Omeprazole
- Furosemide
- Phenytoin
In particular, the use of Bextra along with aspirin can cause ulcers and other complications.
Bextra Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
Bextra is available in tablets of either 10 mg or 20 mg strength. For the treatment of arthritis symptoms, the usual dosage is 10 mg per day. For primary dysmenorrhea, the dosage is 20 mg, taken twice per day as needed.
Missing a Dose:
If you miss a dose of Bextra, try to take it as early as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule.
Overdosing:
An overdosage of Bextra can cause nausea, lethargy, drowsiness, vomiting, and gastric pain. Gastrointestinal bleeding may also occur in some cases.
Some uncommon indications of over dosage are hypertension, respiratory depression, and acute renal failure.
Bextra FDA Approval:
November 16, 2001
Bextra Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
The FDA demanded that Pfizer, the distributor of Bextra, remove the drug from the U.S. market on April 7, 2005. This decision was based on various reports of serious skin reactions such as rashes, mucosal lesions, and hypersensitivity that occurred with Bextra use. Death also occurred in some patients using Bextra.
Currently the FDA has asked the marketers of all NSAIDs including Bextra to include a box warning stating the potential cardiovascular risks and gastrointestinal bleeding associated with NSAIDs.
Other Warnings
Additionally for Bextra, the FDA has strengthened the warnings about possible skin reactions such as Steven-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. It has also strengthened a warning about blood clotting problems in patients who have had coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Patients have also experienced stroke, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism due to the use of this drug.
Bextra should be used carefully in patients suffering from dehydration and kidney diseases, as well as those with liver dysfunction and heart disease.
Extended use of NSAIDs has been reported to cause renal injury.
Patients who suffer from allergy to sulfa products should not use Bextra.
In certain cases, patients using Bextra can experience anemia. Certain post marketing reports have established that Bextra can cause toxic epidermal necrolysis and exfoliative dermatitis.
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July 30, 2010, 2:23 pm
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July 30, 2010, 2:13 pm
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July 29, 2010, 12:33 pm
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July 28, 2010, 3:58 pm
