In November of 2002, the manufacturer of Bextra, an arthritis medicine, issued new warnings about the drug, which were not originally included when it went on the market in March of 2002. The new warnings addressed reports of serious adverse effects involving potentially life-threatening risks related to skin reactions. The new labeling also stated that the drug is not to be used in patients allergic to sulfa containing products.
Pfizer, the drug’s manufacturer, told the FDA that some cases of serious skin and hypersensitivity reactions had been reported. These included cases of Stevens Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, exfoliative dermatitis and erythema multiforme. Although Pfizer reported that the adverse events are rare, some of these patients became very ill and required hospitalization. The new label also indicated that people who start Bextra and experience a rash should discontinue the drug immediately.
If you were taking the drug for four months prior to its removal from the market, your doctor should have know about the potential side effects of these skin rashes and blisters of the mucosal linings of the nose, mouth and eyes. It seems he may have been negligent in not stopping the drug immediately. You probably have a good case against your doctor for malpractice and you should consult an attorney right away.
Pfizer may be held strictly liable for your injuries (for a discussion on strict liability, click here) if you can prove their product was defective either in its manufacture, its design or the warnings it gave about the use of this drug. Your best argument would probably be with the warnings, although it seems from your question that the warning about the skin rashes had already been added to the label by the time you started using the drug. You should definitely consult a lawyer who is well versed in both medical malpractice and product liability cases, especially pharmaceutical products.