Posted by Tony P on April 5, 2004, at 0:51:18
In reply to Serzone warning, posted by psychodad on April 4, 2004, at 21:14:34
> http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-n05.html
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> Important News: Discontinuation of Sales of Nefazodone (Serzone)
> On 10/02/2003 Bristol-Myers Squibb announced: "It has come to the attention of Health Canada that nefazodone (Serzone) has been associated with adverse hepatic events including liver failure requiring transplantation in Canada. Following discussions with Health Canada, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada has decided to discontinue sales of nefazodone, effective November 27, 2003.".
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Very important warning...also applies to chemically similar trazadone, both have been pulled in Canada.It's also important to know that other meds taken in combination with these can strongly affect the potential for liver damage. I have a somewhat compromised liver and never experienced liver trouble with these medications EXCEPT in combination with other meds which are detoxed by the same liver pathway. These other meds unfortunately include the common OTCs Tylenol/acetaminophen and DX/DXM/dextromethorphan.
HOWEVER, I wish they had left it at a warning and not withdrawn these medications, which have NO substitute with a similar profile available. I wish the drug companies would let the Dr. make the decision, based of course on adequate information. I suspect some of these decisions are made less on the basis of consultations with Health Canada or FDA, and more on consultations with lawyers re potential liability. (end of rant!)
Tony P
poster:Tony P
thread:332667
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040402/msgs/332754.html