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As the population of the United States continues to age, the market for pharmaceuticals used to combat the affects of aging continues to expand. One negative consequence of the rise in the life expectancy is the occurrence of painful and often-crippling arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of the tissues and cushions surrounding the joints of bones caused by “wear and tear” over the period of a lifetime. It is an extremely common condition, which is speculated to affect almost a third of Americans.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage and cushions within bone joints degrades causing bones to rub directly together. This condition is characterized by pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility, and is sometimes aggravated by humid weather. It most commonly affects the knees and the hips, for these joints suffer the most wear and tear throughout a lifetime. Other times, fingers and wrists bear the brunt of the worst pain, and often cause crippling disfigurements which greatly reduce dexterity.
The only recourse doctors had until a few years ago was to prescribe high doses of Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) or evasive and expensive joint replacement. Then, in1996, the Food and Drug Administration approved a radical new class of drugs called “COX-2 Inhibitors,” which were theorized to relieve the inflammation caused by osteoarthritis without the traditional side effects of NSAIDs. Bextra and drugs like it quickly became the preferred treatment for this debilitating condition.
Unfortunately, long range studies revealed that COX-2 inhibitors caused increases in heart attacks and strokes, and Bextra in particular caused allergic reactions in the skin of some patients. This led to the FDA to ask Pfizer, the company responsible for Bextra, to remove it from the market in April 2005. Pfizer reluctantly agreed, and prohibited sales of Bextra in the United States and Europe. Significant damage had already been done, however.
If you took Bextra for your osteoarthritis and suffered any negative side effects during your treatment, then you have a right to seek compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact an experienced Bextra without hesitation, for the law limits the amount of time you have to collect your restitution.
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