Valdecoxib

Brand name(s): Bextra®

On April 7, 2005, Pfizer, Inc. announced that valdecoxib (Bextra) will no longer be available in the United States. This action is based on the potential for an increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) and serious skin reactions (e.g., toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme) in patients taking valdecoxib compared to patients taking other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Additionally, Bextra has not been shown to offer any unique advantages compared with the other available NSAIDs. If you are currently taking Bextra, you should call your doctor to discuss switching to another treatment. For more information visit the FDA website: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/COX2/default.htm.Valdecoxib may cause severe skin reactions including erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. These skin reactions may affect large areas of the body and may cause serious illness or death. The skin reactions may develop at any time during your treatment with valdecoxib, but are most likely to develop during the first 2 weeks of your treatment. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to valdecoxib, sulfa drugs, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), or any other medications. Also tell your doctor if you have ever had a severe rash. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking valdecoxib and call your doctor immediately: rash; red skin; sores on the inside of your mouth, nose, eyes, throat, anus, or genital area; fever; chills; flu-like symptoms; hives; itching; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; difficulty breathing or swallowing; or hoarseness.Other medications similar to valdecoxib may also cause severe skin reactions, but the risk appears to be greater with valdecoxib. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking valdecoxib.

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