Bextra

13 April 2005

More help through the Cox-2 maze…

If you’re still trying to sort through the Cox-2 maze, you’re not alone. What’s safe to take and what isn’t? What’s worth the risk? Are there alternatives? What should I take for what?

There’s a good overview of the current situation in the USA by Dr Eric Matteson, a Mayo Clinic specialist. Even if you don’t live in the USA, most of the information is still relevant. Dr Matteson gives information in Question and Answer format, and answers such questions as: Why was Bextra taken off the market?
Is Celebrex safe?
Aleve has also been in the news. Is it safe?
What if Vioxx or Bextra was the only medication that worked for you? What do you do then?

Read the article right at the Mayo Clinic website by following this link. [link no longer available]

7 April 2005

Bye, Bextra…

James Medications, News 0

Today the US Food and Drug Administration announced that Bextra (valdexocib) would be removed from the market, because the health risks outweigh the benefits. Others, such as Canadian and European governments are also asking for Bextra to be taken off the shelves. As I heard on the radio this morning, part of the issue is that there are other drugs that can provide the same benefits with fewer risks. Also, the FDA wants clearer warning labels on Celebrex (celecoxib). Not only that, all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will have to include labels warning about potential cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health issues.

No matter what you may think about this decision, it is a reminder that these drugs are not simply "safe", end of story. In other words, you can’t just keep putting drugs in your body without an impact. The question is, is the benefit better than the risks and side effects? And, is there a better way to get the same results? Don’t be satisfied by the same treatment for 20 years. Stay informed! New dangers may come to light, and new solutions may be discovered.

Read the FDA press release here, or, if you want links to more in depth information, try this page on COX-2s and NSAIDs.

19 February 2005

The world decides the fate of the Cox-2s

James News 0

I hate to bring up the topic of Cox-2 inhibitors one more time, but I did want to let you know in brief what has been happening. In various places in the world, the judgment has been much the same. For example, Europe and the USA seem to be both deciding to allow Cox-2 inhibitors for now (these include brands like Dynastat, Prexige, Bextra, Celebrex and Arcoxia), but with restrictions on their use and labeling. Many other countries, such as India and Australia have done the same thing. In the USA’s FDA proceedings, both Bextra and Celebrex "passed", although the vote was extremely close in the case of Bextra.

And for the surprise twist, Vioxx itself may be reintroduced to the market. It’s not that the risks on these drugs have suddenly vanished. The question is, do the benefits to some patients outweigh the risks. So be reminded again – educate yourself, talk to your doctor, keep track of your medical history and tell her about it, get a second opinion if you feel you need one, and don’t take drugs you don’t have to. What you "have to" take is where the difference of opinion lies – but it’s your responsibility to make an informed decision.

18 January 2005

New Cox-2 studies

James Discoveries & Stats, Medications 0

Yesterday two new studies were released on the Cox-2 class of drugs. Both studies involved Cox-2 drugs taken in combination with other treatments. They found in both cases that there were cardiovascular problems, including a worsening of hardening of the arteries (in mice) and an increased occurrence of heart attack and stroke (in humans).

When these results are combined with the results of previous tests, things look even worse. As countries around the world take another look at this class of drugs and try to decide what to do, things are looking worse and worse for the likes of Bextra and Celebrex.

24 December 2004

FDA Health Advisory – Bextra, Celebrex and Aleve

James Medications, News 0

Yesterday the American FDA issued a health advisory regarding the drugs Cox-2 drugs Bextra and Celebrex, and the NSAID naproxen. Basically, they’re recommending that caution should be exercised with the drugs Bextra and Celebrex. Recent studies seem to indicate that they may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. There is also concern about naproxen (popularly sold as Aleve, Anaprox,Naprosyn and others), which is not a Cox-2 drug like Bextra. Recent studies show that naproxen may also increase risk of heart problems. If you’re taking naproxen in any form for more than 10 days, talk to your doctor. If you’re on any of these drugs and you have any history of heart trouble, talk to your doctor. The FDA is awaiting further reviews on these drugs. You can read yesterday’s health advisory put out by the FDA on their website. WebMD has some excellent information on some of the recent studies involving Bextra.