Nizoral, a powerful antifungal treatment, has been associated with serious and life-threatening side effects, including:
- Fatal liver injuries
- Adrenal gland problems
- Dangerous drug interactions
Because of the severity of these Nizoral side effects, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has limited the use of Nizoral oral tablets, warning that the medication should never be used as a front line treatment for ANY type of fungal infection. The agency also ordered the manufacturer of Nizoral tablets to add a “Black Box” warning – the most serious type of safety notice – to the drug’s label regarding its association with liver injuries, adrenal gland problems and dangerous drug interactions. Gilman Law LLP, a leading consumer protection law firm with over 40 years of experience safeguarding the rights of victims, is investigating Nizoral lawsuits on behalf of individuals who experienced any of side effects noted in the FDA’s recent alert. If you or a loved one suffered serious or fatal complications that may be related to the use of Nizoral tablets, we urge you to contact Gilman Law LLP today to learn more about filing a Nizoral lawsuit.
What is Nizoral?
Manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, Nizoral is a broad-spectrum antifungal medication that is used to treat fungal infections of the skin and nails. Nizoral works to weaken and kill fungus by blocking an enzyme that makes up a key component of the fungal cell membrane. While it is sold in both oral tablet and topical formulations, only Nizoral tablets have been restricted by the FDA. According to data from the agency, rough 12% of the 5.2 million prescriptions written for Nizoral in 2012 were for the oral formulation.
Nizoral and Fatal Liver Injury
According to a Drug Safety Alert issued by the FDA in July 2013, the oral tablet form of Nizoral has been associated with severe liver injuries that may necessitate a liver transplant or even lead to death. This Nizoral side effect has been seen in patients who take high doses of the drug for short periods of time, as well as those treated with lower doses over an extended period of time. While the issue was sometimes resolved with the discontinuation of Nizoral treatment, this was not always the case, according to the FDA. The FDA has warned that patients taking Nizoral tablets should contact their doctor right away if they experience any signs or symptoms of Nizoral liver injury, including:
- Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort
- Fever, feeling unwell, or unusual tiredness
- Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Unusual darkening of the urine or lightening of the stools
- Pain or discomfort in the right upper abdomen, where the liver is located
Nizoral and Adrenal Gland Problems
The FDA also warned in July 2013 that Nizoral tablets could decrease the adrenal glands’ production of hormones called corticosteroid. These hormones affect the body’s balance of water, salts and minerals. Symptoms which indicate that Nizoral may be having a negative effect on the adrenal glands include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Nizoral and Dangerous Drug Interactions
According to the FDA, Nizoral tablets may also interact with some other medications, leading to life-threatening side effects, including heart rhythm problems. The FDA has warned that that the use of Nizoral is contraindicated with dofetilide (Tikosyn), quinidine, pimozide (Orap), and cisapride (Propulsid).
Legal Help for Victims of Nizoral Side Effects
Victims of Nizoral side effects and their families may be entitled to significant financial compensation. If you or a loved one took Nizoral tablets and suffered a serious liver injury, adrenal gland problems, or life-threatening drug interactions, it is important to seek legal help immediately. Gilman Law LLP is evaluating Nizoral lawsuits in all 50 states. For a no-obligation evaluation of your potential Nizoral injury claim, please fill out our free consultation form or call us direct to speak with one of our attorneys at (888) 252-0048.
