ADVERSE REACTION NEWSLETTER 1999:2
This newsletter contains information reported to
information reported does not necessarily reflect
the official views, decisions or policies of the
International Drug Monitoring; however, the
NATIONALLY CIRCULATED
mainly associated with the dihydropyridine calcium channelblockers (CCBs)
INFORMATION
Brunet L, Miranda J, Farré M, Berini L, Mendieta C. Gingival enlargement induced by drugs. Drug Safety
Australia
Lawrence D, Weart W, Laro JJ, Neville BW. Calciumchannel blocker-induced gingival hyperplasia: case
Depression with inteferon
report and review of this iatrogenic disease. J Fam
Interferon alfa (2a-Roferon-A and 2b-Intron A) is used in a
variety of conditions including leukaemias, some carcinomas,
multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, malignant
overgrowth. Ann Pharmacother 1997; 31: 935.
melanoma and more recently, hepatitis B and C. The mostcommonly reported adverse reactions in association with
A comparison of dicloxacillin with flucloxacillin
interferon alfa are flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue,
Early in 1997 dicloxacillin was introduced onto the
myalgia, joint pain, and headache. Serious effects
Australian market to provide an alternative to flucloxacillin
documented include severe hypersensitivity reactions, and
in the treatment of staphylococcal infections.
haematological, hepatic, cardiovascular and neurological
Table below shows the results after the first two calendar
effects, particularly at high dose. Psychiatric effects have been
described and include depression and suicidal ideation. ADRAC has received 19 reports of depression or suicidal
Dicloxacillin versus Flucloxacillin in 1997-98
ideation associated with interferon alfa therapy. Eleven
patients had depression alone, four had depression and
suicidal ideation or attempt and there were four additional
reports of suicidal attempts. Three of the reports of suicidal
Renault PF, Hoofnagle JH, Park Y et al. Psychiatric
complications of long-term interferon alfa therapy.
The table shows total reports, reports of hepatic reactions
including those of cholestasis, reports of renal reactions andan estimate of community usage.
Drug-induced gingival overgrowth Drugs of Current Interest
Gingival overgrowth or enlargement has been reported in
114 of the 128,000 reports contained in the ADRAC
database. Those 114 cases are dominated by the presence of
five drugs which account for 68% of the reports, as shown
Gelatin succinylated (Gelofusine) Trovaflocaxin(Trovan)
Table 1: Reports of Gingival overgrowth
It has been estimated that gingival overgrowth occurs inabout 50% of patients taking phenytoin, 25-80% of patientstaking cyclosporin, and 15-20% of patients receivingnifedipine, but severe cases with nifedipine occur in less than1%. ADRAC has received only 2 reports each with diltiazemand verapamil so it is possible that gingival overgrowth is
In both cases, symptoms disappeared after bupropiontherapy was stopped.
Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Newsletter, Vol. 9, No 2,April 1999
Bupropion is a new pharmacological alternative for patientswho want to quit smoking. It can be used alone or incombination with transdermal nicotine patches; the
Bupropion (Zyban®), sustained-release tablets):
recommended duration of therapy is 7 to 12 weeks. reported adverse reactions
Bupropion is, however, associated with certain adverse
Bupropion (Zyban®), has been available in Canada since
reactions and precautions, which must be observed before
August 1998. Its use is recommended, in combination with
administering it. According to the product monograph, the
the introduction of behavioural changes, to help people quit
most frequent adverse reactions -- insomnia and dry mouth
occur in 31% and 11% of patients respectively. The adverse
Sustained-release bupropion is also sold under the name
reactions that most often lead to a cessation of bupropion
Wellbutrin SR® for the relief of symptoms of depression.
therapy include central nervous system disturbances
Between Aug. 18 and Dec. 1, 1998, the Canadian Adverse
(especially tremors) and dermatological reactions.
Drug Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP) received
The combined use of Zyban® and Wellbutrin SR® or any
48 reports of suspected adverse reactions to bupropion taken
other drug containing bupropion is contraindicated, since
to quit smoking (patients included 15 men, 31 women and
the occurrence of convulsions is related to the bupropion
2 people sex unknown; average age 36 [range 27 to 81] years).
In the 48 reports, 144 adverse reactions were noted, the mostfrequent of which were pruritus (9), urticaria (7), edema (7),
Tolcapone (TasmarTM)
tremors (6), dizziness (5), insomnia (5) and anxiety (5).
On Nov. 20, 1998, Health Canada suspended the sale of
Sixteen of the reports described serious events.
tolcapone (TasmarTM), the first approved reversible
There is a risk of convulsions associated with taking
catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitor indicated as an
bupropion to quit smoking. The CADRMP received 3
adjunct to levodopa-decarboxylase inhibitors in the
reports of convulsions in patients taking Zyban®. One of
treatment of Parkinson's disease. This action was based on
the patients had a history of alcohol dependence and was
emerging safety concerns regarding hepatotoxicity and
taking 600 mg of Zyban® daily for 15 days before
potentially fatal fulminant hepatitis associated with
experiencing convulsions. In general, convulsions are
associated with the Zyban® dose, the use of the drug in
Continued availability of tolcapone through the Special
conjunction with other drugs and/or the patient's medical
Access Programme (SAP) was organized on a limited and
exceptional basis for 1) the safe discontinuation of tolcapone
Adverse cardiovascular reactions were also reported. Patients
therapy and 2) extraordinary cases involving patients already
taking Zyban® experienced palpitations (2), tachycardia (2),
receiving tolcapone therapy for whom, in the opinion of
angina (1) and myocardial infarction (1). In the last case, a
their physician, the benefits of continued treatment
52-year-old man died following myocardial infarction. He
outweighed the risks. As of January 1999, SAP has received
had a history of alcohol dependence and serious coronary
artery disease. He had taken 300 mg/d (higher initial dosethan that recommended by the manufacturer) for 2 days
See also reference from Portugal below.
before he died. The patient was not taking other drugs. Finally, extreme caution must be observed beforeadministering Zyban® in conjunction with certain otherdrugs. Two suspected cases of adverse reactions to abupropion-paroxetine combination were reported. Nausea,vomiting, visual hallucinations and dizziness were reported2 days after bupropion therapy was started in a 48-year-oldwoman who had also been taking paroxetine and estrogenreplacement therapy for about a year. In the other case, a27-year-old man experienced tachycardia, anxiety, tremors,mydriasis, blurred vision and photophobia while takingcombination therapy with bupropion and paroxetine(duration of therapy unknown). He was also takingclobazam and trazodone.
syndrome, and multiorgan hypersensitivity with fulminantliver failure resulting in death.
Three published incidence studies have investigated thefrequency and seriousness of cutaneous or haematological
Pulmonary oedema after anaesthesia with
reactions with carbamazepine. Rash was found to occur in
sevoflurane
around 10% of patients. Most occurred in the first 2 weeks
Two cases of lung oedema after anaesthesia with sevo-
of treatment and were mild. In each of 2 studies one patient
flurane have been reported in Denmark. The first case refers
developed a serious reaction - erythema multiforme and
to a 15 years-old boy who was operated and hence put under
anaesthesia with sevoflurane. Approximately 100 minutes
Blood dyscrasias (moderate and severe leucopenia and 1 case
after awakening the patient was short of breath and pale.
of thrombocytopenia) occurred with an incidence of 2% with
Tests showed that he had a pulmonary oedema. He was
mild changes detected in up to 30% of patients. Most cases
treated with furosemide and recovered. The second case was
developed within the first month of therapy.
To reduce the risk of serious adverse effects, a blood screenand physical examination should be conducted during thefirst 4-6 weeks of therapy, and repeated where there areclinical reasons for concern. Carbamazepine should be
New Zealand
withdrawn or the dose reduced if the white cell count falls
Information for Health Professionals, March 1999
below 3000/mm3 or the neutrophil count below1000/mm3. Tamoxifen and venous thromboembolism Evidence now strongly supports the suspicion that tamoxifen increases the risk of venous thromboembolism
(VTE). This observation is consistent with the fact that
Clozapine and Hyperglycaemia
Hyperglycaemia, sometimes leading to ketoacidosis or
One study, based on a sub-population of 10,000 women
glycosuria, has been reported in association with clozapine.
with breast cancer, identified 25 cases of VTE with an
In some cases the condition has been of new onset, and in
adequately confirmed diagnosis, and calculated a relative risk
others exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes mellitus has
of VTE with tamoxifen use of 7.1 (95% CI 1.5-33). Another
occurred. Hyperglycaemia appears to be of early onset (2
study used data from a Scottish trial of tamoxifen in the
weeks to 3 months after initiation of clozapine) and to occur
treatment of breast cancer in 1312 women. In this study the
without predisposing factors. Clozapine-induced
risk of VTE in users compared with non-users was higher
hyperglycaemia may be serious leading to coma, but it is
by a factor of 2.50 (95% CI 1.11-5.56). In addition, the
reversible on discontinuation of clozapine. In some cases
American Breast Cancer Prevention Study involving 13,388
continuation of clozapine is possible by controlling serum
women found the rate of pulmonary embolism among the
glucose levels with the use of hypoglycaemic agents. This
tamoxifen group to be three times that in recipients of
approach may be useful in refractory schizophrenia
placebo (relative risk 3.01; 95% CI 1.15-9.27).
responsive to clozapine. In those with diabetes mellitus,
These results do not greatly affect the benefit-risk assessment
glucose monitoring should be conducted in conjunction
for tamoxifen in the treatment of breast cancer. However,
with the obligatory haematological monitoring. All patients
women with an elevated risk of breast cancer should not be
should be advised to report altered consciousness, polyuria
treated with tamoxifen as a preventive measure (an
unapproved indication) without an assessment of thepersonal risk factors for VTE. Potentially serious adverse effects of carbamazepine: Blood dyscrasias and skin rash The Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring recently received 3 reports of serious adverse reactions with carbamazepine: severe cholestatic jaundice, Stevens Johnson
between echocardiographic valvular abnormalities of the
Adverse respiratory reactions to long-acting beta-
aortic and mitral valves and treatment with dexfenfluramine
agonists
There have been occasional reports of deterioration in
Evidence now favours a causal connection between
asthma control, and even respiratory arrest, following the
dexfenfluramine (Adifax) and fenfluramine (Ponderax)
commencement of a long-acting beta-agonist (Serevent,
when used alone and the development of heart valve
Foradil, Oxis). Several mechanisms need to be considered to
abnormalities on echocardiography. Both medicines were
explain such reactions including paradoxical bronchospasm,
withdrawn in 1997. The incidence, severity and likelihood of
increased bronchial responsiveness and tolerance, but none
progression of the valve abnormalities is poorly defined.
of these has been identified in prospective studies.
The risk appears to be minimal with use < 3 months; most
Practitioners using long-acting beta-agonists need to be
abnormalities were reported as mild. The risk is presently
aware of the possibility of such sporadic adverse reactions.
not quantifiable, but appears to increase with duration of
Careful monitoring of patients is advised, particularly during
use. The major consequence of concern is the development
of endocarditis in the damaged valve. As a large number ofpatients have been exposed to these medications sincePonderax first became available in 1966, and the
Adverse reactions of current concern
development of endocarditis is preventable, guidelines have
A list of adverse reactions of current concern was first
been drawn up in consultation with the Cardiac Society of
There are two reasons for this list.
Patients who took dexfenfluramine or fenfluramine
To raise the level of awareness of these adverse
for < 3 months need not be examined.
Those who took either or both agents for 3 months
To evoke reports so that more information may be
should be examined by a GP for evidence of a heart
murmur or other abnormal cardiac signs.
If a murmur or other abnormality is found, or the
MedicineAdverse reactions Date ofaddition
heart cannot be examined due to obesity, refer the
patient to a cardiologist for echocardiography.
Carbamazepine skin and haematological December 1998
Until a cardiologist is able to advise on the risk of
endocarditis, appropriate prophylactic antibiotics
should be given to patients requiring dental or other
surgical procedures that put them at risk of
Practitioners should send an adverse reaction report for
valve abnormalities requiring antibiotic prophylaxis in
patients exposed to these medicines to the Centre for
The medicines currently being monitored are: MedicineIndications/Action
contraceptives venous thromboembolism February 1996
Eformoterol Potent long-acting b2-agonist
Levonorgestrelintrauterine system Progestogen-releasing intrauterine
Valvular abnormalities with dexfenfluramine and fenfluramine
Montelukast Antiasthmatic/leukotriene inhibitor
In September 1997 dexfenfluramine (Adifax ®) andfenfluramine (Ponderax ®) were withdrawn from the marketworld-wide because of a series of cases of valvularabnormalities in individuals who had taken one of theseagents in combination with phentermine. More recently,studies have been published demonstrating an association
in August 1997 for the adjuvant treatment of Parkinson’s
disease, in combination with levodopa/ benserazide or
levodopa/carbidopa, especially in patients with motor
fluctuations (end-of-dose phenome-non) who cannot be
In October 1998, a total of 9 cases of severe hepatic
dysfunction (two of which were fatal) had been reported in100.000 patients treated until then. The EMEA consideredthat tolcapone could no longer be safely used in clinical
Portugal
practice, given the inability to prevent the development of
Boletim de FarmacoVigiláncia Vol 2, No 2, 1998
severe (and even fatal) adverse hepatic reactions by frequentliver function monitoring, and the possible occurrence ofneuroleptic malignant-like syndrome and rhabdomiolysis,
Minocycline – risk of hepatotoxicity and
which had meanwhile also been reported. The risk-benefit
lupus
ratio of Tolcapone was therefore considered to be
Minocycline is a broad-spectrum semi-synthetic tetracycline,
unfavourable for the authorised indication. It has not been
widely used as a first line antibiotic in the treatment of acne.
possible to restrict its indi-cations in such a way as to allow
Several advantages over other tetracyclines are usually ascribed
to minocycline, such as faster absorption; absorption not
The INFARMED, similarly to the authorities from the
other member states, took the necessary measures to
intake frequency due to longer half-life; fewer gastrointestinal
side-effects; possible efficacy in cases of resistence totetracyclines in general. Terfenadine 120 mg and association with
In 1996, given the suspicion of serious adverse reactions
pseudoephedrine
– hepatotoxicity and systemic lupus erythematous (SLE)
Terfenadine is a non-sedative, H1-receptor-specific anti-
with higher frequency than with other tetracyclines, the safety
histamine. It is known since it was first marketed that it has
profile of minocycline was re-evaluated in the UnitedKingdom. Thus, adverse hepatic reactions and lupus-like
an arrhythmogenic potential when used simultaneouslywith certain antifungal agents (imidazoles, such as ketoco-
reactions associated with minocycline are rare but can occur
nazole and itraconazole), or antibiotics (macrolides, like
with higher frequency than with other tetracyclines. On the
erythromycin or clarithromycin), or still in patients with liver
other hand, with tetracyclines in general these reactions occurwithin a period of 6 months from the beginning of therapy
and/or renal failure. These conditions are associated with an inhibition of
(81% in the first 2 weeks), whereas with minocycline only
terfenadine’s main metabolic pathway (isoenzyme CYP3A4
one half of the cases occurred in the first 6 months.
of cytochrome P450) which, under normal conditions,
Based on the evaluation made it was decided to limit the useof minocycline to 6 month treatments. These should only be
allows terfenadine’s levels to remain relatively low. A rise inits plasma concentration may lead to a prolongation of the
continued if a satisfactory response of acne is observed and
QT interval with an attendant risk of dysrhythmia.
if liver function tests remain within normal limits.
Terfenadine’s safety profile was re-assessed in the EU sub-
sequently to the enforcement of article 12 of Directive75/319/CE (see Boletim de Farmacovigilância, vol. 1, nº 2).
Elias E – Minocycline induced autoimmune
Consequently, two decisions were made concerning
hepatitis and systemic lupus erythematosus-like
medicines containing this active substance.
Ferner RE, Moss C – Minocycline for acne. First
On the one hand, marketing authorisations for terfenadinein 120 mg-strength tablets and in any strength in association
line antibacterial treatment of acne should be
with pseudoephedrine have been withdrawn.
tetracycline or oxytetracycline. BMJ 1996; 312: 138.
On the other hand, marketing authorisations are kept validfor 60 mg tablets, as well as for the 6 mg/ml oral suspen-
Tolcapone: Marketing suspended
sions. Their SPCs (Summary of Product Characteristics),
Tolcapone (Tasmar ® ) is a COMT (Cathecol-O-
however, were changed in accordance with the EMEA’s
Methyltransfe rase) inhibitor both at peripheral and central
advice, emphasising the risk of cardiotoxicity in the
levels. It has been authorised by the European Commission
Contraindications and in the Drug Interactions section. Sweden Information from the MPA, Vol 10, No 1, 1999 Nimesulide Adverse Reactions Reported to the CNF Nimesulide is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory (NSAID) Acute renal failure and quinine
sulphonanilide whose mechanism of action is characterised
A 57-year-old woman on naproxen and aceclofenac started
by selective inhibition of cyclo-oxigenase 2 (COX2).
treatment with quinine 100 mg due to nightly akathisia.
This pharmacodynamic profile is compatible with a lower
Two days later she experienced abdominal pain and
incidence of adverse GI reactions in comparison with other
vomiting. The next day she had diarrhoea, yellow eyeballs
NSAIDs, although this has not been clearly demonstrated.
and dark urine. Laboratory tests showed increased level of
Some studies show that the incidence of this type of ADRs
creatinine, decreasing diuresis, trombocytopenia and mild
with nimesulide is similar to that of patients trea-ted with a
anaemia. The doctor suspected NSAID induced renal failure
control NSAID. Furthermore, there may appear
and all drugs were suspended. There was no evidence of
endoscopically visible lesions of the gastric mucosa with
renal necrosis. She underwent dialysis once. One month
nimesulid, and the selectivity of COX2 inhibition may be
later her renal function was normalised. A short time after
she took quinine 100 mg. A couple of hours later she had
The National Pharmacovigilance Centre (CNF) has received,
fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and acute renal failure. Between
since 1993, 17 ADR reports ascribed to nimesulide. The
these two incidences she had had diarrhoea and nausea
most frequent ones were skin (5) and liver (4) ADRs. Others
when drinking Tonic water containing quinine.
were: peripheral oedema (2), stomatitis (2), paresthesia (1),thrombocytopaenic purpura (1), irritability (1), and hea-daches/ reduced visual acuity (1). No adverse GI reactions
Donezepil - possible hepatotoxicity
have been reported. The adverse skin reactions reported
Donezepil is a selective acetylcholine inhibitor used for
included three cases of rash, one case of
treatment of Alzheimers disease. Some of the known
urticaria/angioedema, and one case of necrotising fasciitis
adverse reactions are: insomnia, diarrhoea, anorexia,
which evolved to septicaemia and death. Except for the case
syncope, bradycardia and AV-block. The drug was approved
of necrotising fasciitis, these ADRs have been previously
in Sweden in July 1997. During review of ADR reports ,
described with the administration of nimesulide. Several
several cases of suspected liver reactions was found.
cases of necrotising fasciitis are described in association with
According to the manufacturer more than 500 000 patients
various NSAIDs, but this association has never been clearly
have been treated. 50 patients have had liver or biliary
demonstrated. Of the hepatic ADRs reported, two cases
reactions. The MPA doesn’t think it is motivated to
were compatible with Reye’s syndrome. They occurred in
monitor the liver status continously but asks doctors to
children and were both fatal. One case of cholestasis, and
investigate possible liver reactions in patients taking
another of liver enzyme elevation and coagulopathy were
donepezil and to report them to the MPA.
also reported, the latter being fatal. Liver enzyme elevationand acute hepatitis in patients on nimesulide are mentionedin the literature. In the cases reported to the CNF, all patients were
Tinidazole and liver damage
concomitantly medicated with amoxicillin+clavulanate.
In 1997 a 37-year-old man stayed several months in Africa.
Similarly, one of the patients who died of Reye’s syndrome
He took proguanil and chloroquine for malaria prophylaxis.
had also been given lisine salicylate. Although the reporting
When he returned to Europe he received tinidazole and
professionals ascribed a causal relationship to nimesulide,
possibly also metronidazole due to diarrhoea. A short time
one cannot firmly exclude the direct role of the
after he was hospitalized due to signs of icterus. Drug
amoxicillin+clavulanate association in causing liver damage,
induced hepatitis was confirmed by laboratory tests and liver
whose occurrence has been described with the use of this
biopsy. 1998 the man once more returned from Africa and
antibiotic (see Vol.1, n.o 4). On the other hand, it is not
received tinidazole for diarrhoea. A week later he noticed
known whether there may be an interaction between
dark urine, fatigue, weight loss and vomiting. Toxic liver
nimesulide and amoxicillin+clavulanate which may
damage was suspected but no liver biopsy was taken. In
potentiate the hepatic dysfunction induced by any one of
Nefazodone - a serious case of fulminant liver damage A woman aged 44, with one previous episode of depression EMEA public statement on Trovan/Trovan IV/
started treatment with nefazodone 200 mg daily. After one
Turvel/Turvel IV
month the dose was 400 mg daily. After three months the
The European Commission granted marketing
dose was decreased to 300 mg daily. The patient didn’t
authorisations for the whole European Union to Pfizer
receive any other medication during that time. After three
Limited on 3 July 1998 for Trovan ® (trovafloxacin) and
months she expreienced nausea, blurred vision and coldness.
Trovan IV ® (alatrofloxacin) and to Roerig Farmaceutici
The symptoms continued and the fatigue increased. When
Italiana S.p.A. on 8 July 1998 for Turvel ® (trovafloxacin)
her husband saw that she had yellow eyeballs she was
and on 3 July 1998 for Turvel IV ® (alatrofloxacin).
submitted to hospital where it was confirmed that she had
The Scientific Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products
acute liver damage. The patient’s condition rapidly got
(CPMP) of the European Medicines Evaluation Agency
worse. She was unconscious and put in a respirator. Lab-
(EMEA) during its extraordinary meeting on 10 June 1999,
tests, anamnesis and course of event pointed towards drug
has adopted an Opinion recommending the suspension of
induced fulminant liver damage. The patient underwent two
the marketing of Trovan/Trovan IV and Turvel/Turvel IV.
liver transplantations but died later on.
This was due to increased concern over 152 documentedreports of cases of serious hepatic events, including 9 caseswhere patients died or required a liver trasplant. Latanoprost and trichiasis Two cases of trichiasis in patients treated with latanoprost for glaucoma has been reported to the Medical Products Agency. In total, the MPA has received 43 reports for latanoprost of which 17 concerned eye reactions. Of these 17 reports, 11 referred to longer, darker and more marked eyelashes. USA FDA Talk paper, May 12, 1999 New warning for arthritis drug, Enbrel Enbrel was approved last November with labeling that says that it should not be given to patients with sepsis and should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection. FDA is advising physicians about new safety concerns regarding the use of etanercept (Enbrel), a product recently approved to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). New postmarketing reports indicate that certain patients receiving Enbrel have developed serious infections, including sepsis, and that several of these patients have died from their infections. DRUG WITHDRAWALS
L’EXPANSION DU SOMA DANS LA NATURE TROPICALE ‘Nature, nature… source de vie, d’harmonisation, d’unification--miroir de nos rapports de réciprocité’ Marcher dans une rivière de la forêt tropicale, une situation idéale pour être présent à la dynamique de nos sensations en réponse aux lieux et aux situations très précises, mais toujours changeantes. Le vécu somatiq
Repères biographiques communs Unité INRA Nutrition Métabolisme et Aquaculture(NuMeA)- St-Pee-sur-NivelleLes recherches de l'Unité INRA NuMeA (Nutrition,Métabolisme, Aquaculture) sont conduites dans uncontexte de raréfaction des ressources marines etd'essor de l'aquaculture au niveau mondial. Ellesont pour objectif de comprendre les régulations, parles nutriments, des voies métaboliques