Bye, Bextra…

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.