Medication Induced Illness

[she2003]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

In 2005, I was diagnosed with Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism) and my endocrinologist prescribed PTU (Propylthiouracil). In 2006 I began experiencing severe joint pain, swelling, and edema. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Subsequently, I was diagnosed with vasculitis.

A PTU warning was issued by the FDA in 2009 (acute liver failure could occur). My endo switched me to Methimazole (Tapezole).

Through my own research, I have learned that PTU may have triggered the other auto-immune diseases to develop. The health issues may be caused by a PTU dosage that was too high. Also, PTU can cause vasculitis.

My medical records include my endo’s notes. He noted that the PTU was suspect in causing joint pain, swelling, and edema. However, he came to the conclusion that was not the case. Looking back it would have been prudent for him to recommend that I discontinue the PTU for a while to see whether the RA symptoms disappear.

After years of medications (including intravenous and self-injections), I am now wondering whether I even have RA. My blood tests do not indicate that I have the RA factor.

Do the drug manufacturer or the doctor have any liability for this horrible medical experience?

Thank you

 

[lealea1005]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

In 2005, I was diagnosed with Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism) and my endocrinologist prescribed PTU (Propylthiouracil). In 2006 I began experiencing severe joint pain, swelling, and edema. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Subsequently, I was diagnosed with vasculitis.

A PTU warning was issued by the FDA in 2009 (acute liver failure could occur). My endo switched me to Methimazole (Tapezole).

Through my own research, I have learned that PTU may have triggered the other auto-immune diseases to develop. The health issues may be caused by a PTU dosage that was too high. Also, PTU can cause vasculitis.

My medical records include my endo’s notes. He noted that the PTU was suspect in causing joint pain, swelling, and edema. However, he came to the conclusion that was not the case. Looking back it would have been prudent for him to recommend that I discontinue the PTU for a while to see whether the RA symptoms disappear.

After years of medications (including intravenous and self-injections), I am now wondering whether I even have RA. My blood tests do not indicate that I have the RA factor.

Do the drug manufacturer or the doctor have any liability for this horrible medical experience?

Thank you

Although the medication could have caused the increased symptoms, it's more likely one autoimmune process triggered another.

It could have been more dangerous to discontinued the PTU without immediately starting Methimazole. Your Endo would have adjusted the dose of PTU after reviewing your thyroid bloodwork (which, I assume, was obtained and monitored on a regular basis).