Arthritis Drug May Cause Severe Reaction
Arthritis Drug May Cause Severe Reaction
Bextra May Cause Rare, Serious Inflammation of Mucous Membranes
Nov. 15, 2002 -- The FDA and the makers of the drug Bextra, are warning about newly reported allergic reactions to a nine-month-old arthritis drug. The label for Bextra is being updated with information about these serious but rare side effects, including life-threatening skin reactions.
Bextra is prescribed to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual pain.
Since Bextra was introduced in March, Pharmacia, Bextra's manufacturer, has reported to the FDA serious and life-threatening skin and hypersensitivity reactions to the drug. These include cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a rare and potentially deadly disorder characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, genitals, intestinal tract, and membrane lining the eyelids, which can lead to lesions and blisters.
Other side effects were toxic epidermal necrolysis -- a condition in which skin dies and peels off much like that of a severe burn victim; erythema multiforme -- a less serious condition similar to Stevens-Johnson syndrome; and scaly skin.
Bextra's label will be changed to warn about these potential side effects and to warn against anyone taking it if they are allergic to sulfa-containing products. The label will state that this drug should not be used by anyone allergic to sulfa containing products.
People who experience a rash while taking the drug should stop taking it immediately and see their doctor.
Arthritis Drug May Cause Severe Reaction
Bextra May Cause Rare, Serious Inflammation of Mucous Membranes
Nov. 15, 2002 -- The FDA and the makers of the drug Bextra, are warning about newly reported allergic reactions to a nine-month-old arthritis drug. The label for Bextra is being updated with information about these serious but rare side effects, including life-threatening skin reactions.
Bextra is prescribed to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual pain.
Since Bextra was introduced in March, Pharmacia, Bextra's manufacturer, has reported to the FDA serious and life-threatening skin and hypersensitivity reactions to the drug. These include cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a rare and potentially deadly disorder characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, genitals, intestinal tract, and membrane lining the eyelids, which can lead to lesions and blisters.
Other side effects were toxic epidermal necrolysis -- a condition in which skin dies and peels off much like that of a severe burn victim; erythema multiforme -- a less serious condition similar to Stevens-Johnson syndrome; and scaly skin.
Bextra's label will be changed to warn about these potential side effects and to warn against anyone taking it if they are allergic to sulfa-containing products. The label will state that this drug should not be used by anyone allergic to sulfa containing products.
People who experience a rash while taking the drug should stop taking it immediately and see their doctor.
Source...