Bextra pulled - FDA cites it can cause toxic epidermal necrolysis...

[Cooley Hurd]

http://www.fightingforyou.com/skin-conditions-sc-228-146.html

Increased Risk of Serious Skin Conditions
The manufacturers of Bextra and the FDA have issued advisories to doctors about Bextra's potential skin-related side effects since 2002. In November of 2002, the FDA reported that it had received about 20 reports of such skin conditions, including reports of Stevens Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Recently, more serious warnings have been issued, leading to Bextra receiving a "black box" label for risk factor for causing these severe skin conditions.
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Jesus... anyone know if nostamj was taking this for the pains he complained of in his last post???

More form the link above:

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In the wake of Vioxx's removal from the marketplace in September 2004, Bextra came under increased scrutiny. Pfizer issued a warning to doctors on October 15, 2004, stating that not only did Bextra cause severe skin-related side effects such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, but it did so more often than any other COX-2 inhibitor. In addition, Pfizer warned that the risk of developing these conditions was greatest within the first two weeks of using Bextra.

On December 9, the FDA announced that Bextra would carry a "black box" label to warn consumers and doctors of the risk of potentially fatal skin reactions. A "black box" label is the strongest warning the FDA can give without actually recalling a drug from the marketplace. WebMD has stated that, "As of November 2004, the FDA had received reports of 87 cases in the U.S. of severe skin reactions in association with Bextra…of these 87 cases, four died."
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[CO Liberal]

1. I Was On Bextra for a Few Weeks Last Year

The pain management specialist I went to for ongoing pain after my 2000 and 2002 accidents prescribed it for me in mid-February. Then, I was in ANOTHER accident a few weeks latert. The doctor I went to for THAT accident put me on Mobic, and told me to stop taking the Bextra, because they interacted.

Now I'm glad he did.

[Cooley Hurd]

2. Kicking this - didn't nostamj die from "toxic epidermal necrolysis???"

If not, my apologies, but the timing of this drug's removal, and the reason for its removal (as cited in the article above), are highly questionable.

[SmokingJacket]

4. I believe it was necrotizing fasciitis...

which doesn't look like the same thing to me. But any medical people might know more...

[Cooley Hurd]

6. But what if he was misdiagnosed?

http://www.umm.edu/dermatology-info/toxic.htm

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
What is toxic epidermal necrolysis?
Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a life-threatening skin disorder characterized by a blistering and peeling of the top layer of skin. This disorder can be caused by a drug reaction -- most often penicillin -- or another disease. About one-third of all diagnosed cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis are a result of unknown causes.

What are the symptoms of toxic epidermal necrolysis?
Toxic epidermal necrolysis can cause the skin to peel off in sheets, leaving large areas that look scalded. The loss of skin causes fluids and salts to ooze from the raw, damaged areas which can easily become infected. The following are the most common symptoms of toxic epidermal necrolysis. However, each person may experience symptoms differently:

a painful, red area that spreads quickly
the top layer of skin may peel without blistering
scalded-looking raw areas of flesh
discomfort
fever
condition spread to eyes, mouth, and genitals
The symptoms of toxic epidermal necrolysis may resemble other dermatologic conditions. Consult a physician for diagnosis.

Treatment for toxic epidermal necrolysis:
The progression of the disease happens fast, usually within three days. Treatment usually includes hospitalization, often in the burn unit. If a medication is causing the skin reaction, the patient is immediately taken off the medication. Specific treatment for toxic epidermal necrolysis will be determined by your physician based on:

your overall health, age, and medical history
severity of the condition
your tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or therapies
your opinion or preference
Treatment may include one, or several, of the following:

isolation to prevent infection
protective bandages
intravenous fluid and electrolytes
antibiotics
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Looking for more info on both conditions...

[Stockholm]

3. Bextra pulled in Sweden today as well n/t

[Horse with no Name]

5. I read he died

from flesh-eating staph.
This is a little different but still horrible.

[LynneSin]

7. HAHAHA, I just got a prescription for it today

Seriously, I just got back from my ob/gyn and I always get a prescription for, well, um, menstrual cramps. I originally would take Vioxx for cramps about 2-3 times a year (only when I had to work and I was in severe pain), but last year she switched me to Bextra. Well I had another appointment for my yearly check-up and she said the only thing she could write for me was Bextra.

And I come home from my appointment and find out it's been pulled

[Technowitch]

8. Yeesh... I'll stick with Darvocets for migraine management.

Why can nobody see that these COX-2 inhibitors are frickin' DANGEROUS?! How many more will need to be found unsafe before somebody sees the pattern?