Drug maker Pfizer officially withdrew popular arthritis painkiller Bextra from the market today. The move stems from concerns raised by the Food and Drug Administration about the safety of the drug.
The FDA has stated that there is inadequate information about heart risks for long-term users, as well as "life-threatening" skin reactions and possible deaths. The agency has also asked that the strongest possible warning be added to the label of Pfizer's other popular arthritis drug, Celebrex.
Regulators in both the European Union and Canada have followed suit, pulling the drug out of their respective markets.
If you are currently taking Bextra, or have any questions relating to the removal of the drug from the market, please contact Pfizer Prescription Medicine at 1-800-879-3477. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.
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