European Medicines Agency recommends continued suspension of Bextra

By Ramsay Crooks

Published on July 24, 2005

The European Medicines Agency, based in London, England, recently concluded its review of COX-2 inhibitors, a controversial class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The agency also restated warnings about the cardiovascular risks and severe skin reactions that have been associated with this drug class.

Since Vioxx was recalled in September 2004, COX-2 inhibitors have been under review from scientists around the globe. When research showed that Merck & Co.'s popular arthritis drug had been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, many COX-2 inhibitors were reconsidered.

While Pfizer Inc.'s Celebrex® is still on the European market, Bextra has been suspended because of an association with severe skin reactions. These skin reactions can be fatal, and the incidence appears to be higher with the use of Bextra® than with other COX-2 inhibitors.

A definitive answer on the safety of Bextra is yet to arrive, however other drug manufacturers are already developing new COX-2 inhibitors that may eventually replace those currently in use.

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