BEXTRA was a medicine that appeared in the pharmacies as a solution to treat the pain and inflammation of arthritis. It was on the markets for more than 5 years with a growing popularity among the patients; but in 2002 seven plaintiffs against the medicine were set. Five of them claimed they have suffered strokes and heart attacks after taking the prescription pain reliever and the other two plaintiffs were complaints after a family member died of cardiovascular problems associated with BEXTRA.
After the corresponding investigations run by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), BEXTRA was taken off the market due to the numerous cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks. "This is not a drug that saves lives, it's a drug that provides a modest degree of pain relief-no better than Motrin- and the size of the risk, given the benefit provided, did not seem warranted", affirmed Dr. Shannon Levine, a pediatrician in charge of overseeing medication usage. Therefore, on April 07, 2005; the FDA ordered the immediate removal of the medication from the shelves across the United States, Canada and the European Union.
All the controversy that had surrounded the medicament had resulted in many lawsuits and compensations being filed against the manufacturers of the drug. A class action has also been filed, as a civil proceeding, by a group of people who have suffered similar health problems. This is a large scale lawsuit which only purpose is too seeking compensation for all the members of the class action for harm, injuries and expenses experienced because of BEXTRA. They all claim for physical and mental pain and suffering, loss of incomes through lost time at work and medical expenses. If this class action results successful, the settlement received must be split between all members that are part of the suit.