Canada Won't Allow Bextra's Return to Market

OTTAWA, Canada - Health regulators in Canada have issued a statement indicating they will not allow Bextra to return to pharmacy shelves in their country because of concerns related to serious skin reactions and cardiovascular problems reported in patients who took the arthritis drug.

According to a Dec. 16 advisory, Health Canada said its decision to formally bar future sales of Bextra is based on information submitted by the drug's manufacturer Pfizer Inc. and consultation with external experts and the public.

"Health Canada concluded that there is insufficient evidence to establish the safety of the drug for its recommended use," …