Ottawa bans arthritis drug

The federal government has banned a popular arthritis drug because it may cause a heart attack or stroke.

Sales of Bextra have been suspended since last April when the federal government approached its maker, Pfizer Inc., after concerns were raised in the United States and Europe about its possible side effects.

The drug, which racked up global sales of $1.3 billion in 2004, has now been banned permanently.

"The decision to stop the sale of Bextra is based on information submitted by the manufacturer, Pfizer Canada Inc.," Ottawa said in an announcement late Friday afternoon. "Health Canada concluded that there is insufficient evidence to establish the safety of the drug for its recommended use."

A Pfizer spokesman was unavailable for comment.

• FROM DEC. 9, 2004: Heart warnings added for painkiller Bextra

Health Canada started a review of Bextra and related drugs following Merck & Co. Inc.'s withdrawal of a similar drug, Vioxx, in September 2004. Bextra was suspended in April across Canada, the United States and Europe after regulators voiced concerns over cardiovascular risks.

Vioxx remains suspended, but the federal government said in July that it would be allowed back on the market if requested.