The Food and Drug Administration is strengthening warnings about the possible risks of a popular arthritis drug.

Bextra, which is made by Pfizer Inc., is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and menstrual pain.

The FDA announced Friday that a "boxed" warning on the drug's label, adding a bolded warning about the use of Bextra in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The warning will also strengthen previous warnings about the risk of life-threatening skin reactions.

The agency will also seek input from the public and from outside experts on the appropriate uses for Bextra and other NSAIDs at meeting scheduled for early 2005.

Additional Resources:

• Bextra Q&A
• FDA Announcement