Heart Attack Victim Files Suit against Drug Manufacturer

By Ashley Van Leuven

Published on April 11, 2007

Rita Fohne claims that Bextra didn’t come with adequate warnings about its possible risks and side effects, which include heart attack and stroke. She also alleges that Pfizer manufactured and distributed the product, approved by the FDA in 2001 and later recalled in 2005, knowing that its side effects were life-threatening.

Like other Cox-2 inhibitor drugs such as Vioxx and Celebrex, Bextra is known to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Some consumer groups argue that over-the-counter arthritis pain medications are much safer and work just as well.

Fohne, represented by Robert Rowland and Aaron Dickey of the Goldenberg firm in Edwardsville, says Bextra was the direct cause of the heart attack and cardiovascular injuries she suffered.

Fohne is seeking over $250,000 in damages. Her case will be tried before Circuit Judge Andy Matoesian.

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