Why were selective COX-2 inhibitors developed in the first place?
A. COX-2 inhibitors were originally developed to reduce the risk of GI complications associated with traditional NSAIDs, including serious bleeding and even death. NSAIDs block two different forms of COX enzymes — the COX-2 enzymes which are responsible for pain and inflammation as well as COX-1 enzymes which act to protect the stomach. The development of drugs that selectively block the COX-2 enzymes relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis, but have little or no effect on the gastroprotective COX-1 enzymes. A number of clinical studies have clearly shown that selective COX-2 inhibitors are associated with significantly fewer GI side effects as compared to conventional NSAIDs. Q. Can I return my unused Bextra for a refund? A. You may take your unused Bextra tablets to your local pharmacy and request a refund. Or you may contact the National Notification Center (NNC) at 1-866-608-3935 to receive a patient product return kit by mail. NNC will process your refund on Pfizer’s behal
