The FDA announced
that effective April 7, 2005, Pfizer Inc. was voluntarily withdrawing Bextra at
the request of the Food and Drug Administration.
Pfizer
stated that, “For now, patients should stop taking Bextra and contact their
physicians about appropriate treatment options.”
The FDA has also asked Pfizer to include
a boxed warning in the Celebrex label. Until this boxed warning appears
however, pharmacists should advise cardholders of the potential for increased
risk of cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal bleeding associated with the
use of prescription NSAIDs.
Cardholders
should also be encouraged to read the Patient Information Sheet included with
their medication.
Providers
are advised that the Program anticipates placing increased restrictions on the
dispensing of Celebrex.
Providers
wishing more information about Bextra or Celebrex should access Pfizer Inc.’s
website at:
PPB-05-009