Pfizer warns on arthritis drug Bextra

PFIZER Inc. on Friday said two clinical trials showed patients taking its anti-inflammatory drug Bextra, had a higher risk of cardio-vascular events during high-risk coronary bypass surgery.

Pfizer did not say what the cardio-vascular events were, but often, this term refers to heart attack, blood clots and stroke. Bextra—an arthritis drug—is not approved for use in asurgical settings in the United States.

Pfizer said, in the two trials of patients undergoing the surgery, an increase in cardiovascular events was seen in patients taking Bextra.

Pfizer also said that it is changing the label on Bextra, in order to strengthen a warning about a rare but serious skin reaction that can occur mainly within the first two weeks of therapy.

—Reuters