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Rheumatoid arthritis is a disabling condition caused by a genetic disorder that makes the immune system in the body attack the delicate and sensitive tissues and cartilage around many joints. This chronic disease greatly reduces mobility by causing extremely painful inflammation and swelling, which can reduce mobility and sensitivity. It can also affect other unrelated tissues, such as the pulmonary and circulatory systems, muscles and skin. While not fatal, rheumatoid arthritis can significantly reduce a victim's quality of life. It is extremely aggressive, and of the 3 million people it affects, a full third of them are prevented from working after five years of the condition and after ten years half will have some form of disabling handicap.
Relief historically came in the form of Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin or Ibuprofen, but long term use of these drugs usually caused significant gastrointestinal damage, and sometimes fatal ulcers and bleeding. Doctors also used joint replacement on the most severely affected joints, but this procedure was extremely expensive and required months of rehabilitation.
In 1996 the pharmaceutical company Pfizer came out with an NSAID that aimed to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis without causing severe stomach and intestinal discomfort. These drugs were called “COX-2 Inhibitors” and effectively blocked the chemical responsible for causing joint inflammation without disabling the enzyme that protects the stomach from harsh digestive acids. While revolutionary, it was later discovered that Bextra and other COX-2 drugs caused significantly higher rates of heart attack and stroke, and that Bextra specifically caused adverse and potentially fatal skin reactions in many patients. Due to these dangers, Pfizer removed Bextra from American and European markets in April 2005.
Taking Bextra for rheumatoid arthritis is potentially dangerous. After consulting with your doctor to access medical damage, you should consult an attorney who specializes in drug liability litigation. You many have a right to receive compensation for your suffering based on the extent of your injury. Hurry though, for the law limits the amount of time you have to file your claim. Contact a Bextra lawyer today.
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