The Ministry of Health has decided to withdraw Bextra, a painkiller used in the treatment of arthritis, from the local market, an Arabic daily has reported.
The ministry's step comes after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked Pfizer, the manufacturing company, to withdraw the drug because it is dangerous, the Al Khaleej daily said.
A circular to this effect will be issued by the ministry today. The announcement was made by Humaid Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Pharmacy Affairs at the ministry.
Al Shamsi said the ministry requested private pharmacies through the Arabic daily to stop the sales of Bextra and return their stocks to the agent or manufacturing company.
Pfizer International Company on Thursday agreed to suspend Bextra sales at the FDA's request. The FDA said besides cardiac concerns, Bextra appears to cause cases of rare but serious and sometimes even fatal skin conditions.
The ministry has decided to allow the sales of Celebrex and Cox-2 inhibitors, which are used as painkillers for arthritis, but a prescription written by a physician has to be produced at the counter.
Speaking to Gulf News, Dr Bassam D, Sharjah-based general practitioner criticised the ministry's decision to circulate the news through a newspaper.
"The ministry should develop an e-system to inform pharmacies. It is not practical to announce news such as this through newspapers."
Dr Mohammad Abu Al Khair, Chairman of Drug and Treatment at the Abu Dhabi General Authority for Health Services, said Bextra is not registered with the authority, but is bought from time to time for a few number of patients.
Gulf News
