Bextra, the COX-2 inhibitor painkiller, manufactured by Pfizer was pulled from the market last Thursday due to FDA concerns over increased risk of heart attack and stroke, along with a rare but possibly life threatening skin condition. The FDA and it's European counterpart requested that Pfizer stop all sales in US and Europe. The FDA also ordered that 19 other popular prescription competitors, from Celebrex to high-dose naproxen are to be labeled with tough new warnings of elevated risk of heart attack and stoke.

The announcement caused immediate concern in millions of patients who have been taking the class of painkillers known as NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Many patients are now worried about taking any NSAID, including over the counter options such as Ibuprofen. The FDA has recommended that patients take a pain medication that is well suited for the risk situation and then only at the lowest dose possible.

This new announcement should serve as a wake up call to all Americans that there is no perfect drug out there. While many drugs are thought to safe and effective for most people taking them, there will always be a select few people who will have adverse reactions or conflicting conditions, which could be exaggerated by taking medications. Everyone that is considering starting a new medicine regimen needs to make sure that they fully understand the possible side effects and health implications by discussing all options with their doctor. Often, conditions such as chronic joint pain can be treated with alternative means such as exercise and heat, but Americans tend to want to take the easy way out and take a pill to fix everything.