For many people with cancer, Fluorouracil is a necessary chemotherapy medication.
Fluorouracil, also known as 5-FU, is used to treat:
- Breast cancer
- Anal, colon, and rectal cancers
- Gastrointestinal cancers
- Cervical cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- Skin cancers
- Other types of cancer
5-FU is available as a topical cream for skin cancer, and as an injection or infusion for other types of cancer.
Fluorouracil Infusion Overdoses
It is difficult to determine how common 5-FU overdoses may be in the United States, but we do know why overdoses happen. When Fluorouracil is administered by infusion, an overdose can occur if:
- Doses are miscalculated
- The pump malfunctions
The effects of a Fluorouracil overdose may include:
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Seizure
- Coma
- Death
For these reasons, it is critical that 5-FU overdoses be prevented to the extent possible, that signs of toxicity are recognized by doctors and nurses, and that prompt treatment is provided if an overdose occurs.
Pursuing Legal Action After a Fluorouracil Overdose
A reasonable doctor, nurse, or pharmacist would have made sure that you had the right dose of 5-FU, and a reasonable doctor or nurse would have recognized the symptoms of a potential chemotherapy overdose and gotten you immediate medical help.
If the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist failed to provide you with reasonable care and you were hurt, or your loved one died, you may be able to recover financial damages.
Our Kentucky chemotherapy overdose lawyers want to make sure that all of your rights are protected. Together with our staff nurse, we will review everything that happened to you or your loved one, and if your injury or your loved one’s death was caused by a 5-FU overdose, then we will advise you of your legal rights and help you make the decisions that could protect your future.
Your recovery could include compensation for past and future medical costs, out-of-pocket costs, including funeral costs, lost income, physical pain, emotional suffering, and more. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation about your potential 5-FU overdose case.