The promise of Bextra

The major common side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (of which Bextra is one) concern the gastrointestinal system. Some 10%-50% of patients cannot tolerate NSAID treatment because of side effects, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, heartburn, and upset stomach. Approximately 15% of patients on long-term NSAID treatment develop ulceration of the stomach and duodenum. Even though many of these patients with ulcers do not have symptoms and are unaware of their ulcers, they are at risk of developing serious ulcer complications such as bleeding or perforation of the stomach.