Fibroid drug Fibristal linked to serious liver problems, Health Canada warns
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Digital Subscription
One year of digital access for only $205*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/01/2019 (2811 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
TORONTO – Health Canada says a safety review of a drug to treat uterine fibroids in women of childbearing age has found a possible link between its use and the risk of a rare but serious liver injury.
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumours that develop within the muscle tissue of the uterus; many women with fibroids have no symptoms, but in others the growths can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and cramping.
The federal department initiated its review of Fibristal after receiving four international reports of liver injury leading to liver transplants; it has been working with manufacturer Allergan to update safety information for the drug, including new restrictions for its use.
Fibristal should not be used in women who currently have, or have previously had liver problems, and intermittent use should be restricted to women of childbearing age who are not eligible for fibroid-removal surgery.
Patients taking Fibristal who develop symptoms such as fatigue, yellowing of the skin, darkening of the urine, or nausea and vomiting should stop taking the medication and contact their physician immediately.
Health Canada says doctors should not prescribe Fibristal to women with current or previous liver problems and they should advise patients of the need for monitoring their liver function before, during and after treatment.
