FDA Asks Pfizer to Take Bextra Off Market

[RedEarth]

WASHINGTON - The government said Thursday it has asked Pfizer Inc. to withdraw the painkiller Bextra from the market because it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Regulators also want all other anti-inflammatory drugs in the same class to carry the strongest safety warning possible.


The Food and Drug Administration has been studying the safety of the so-called Cox-2 inhibiters since Merck & Co. voluntarily pulled Vioxx from the market Sept. 30 after heart problems were reported in some users.


In addition to the prescription drugs, the FDA asked manufacturers of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to revise their labels to include information about the risks of cardiovascular incident and gastrointestinal bleeding.


"Today's actions protect and advance the health of the millions of Americans who rely on these drugs every day," said Dr. Steven K. Galson, acting director of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&e=4&u=/ap/20050407/ap_on_he_me/fda_painkillers&sid=84439559

[Dave Reynolds]

1. Pfizer is planning for it, I think

An article from yesterday:

http://www.mlive.com/news/aanews/index.ssf?/base/news-12/111279850418440.xml

Job cuts are downplayed, but I can't see how else they will do this. Screw the worker, kiss the stockholder.

[shanti]

2. asks??????

they are not demanding??

[concord]

3. Asks?

Are they pals?

Proof positive the FDA is in bed with the drug companies.

Asks.

Ugh