Hundreds of people have received injections of contaminated steroids. Some people have died; the “lucky” ones are now battling meningitis—an inflammation of the protective membranes that cover the meninges, or the brain and spinal cord.
When treatment begins, Kentucky, it’s no picnic.
Treatment for meningitis is a long-term course of high-dose antifungal medicine, typically voriconazole, usually administered intravenously.
Serious Side Effects of Voriconazole
Voriconazole has its share of serious side effects, which should be reported to your doctor:
- hallucinations;
- severe nausea;
- abrupt changes in behavior, accompanied by mental or speech difficulties;
- upper abdominal pain, accompanied by itching, appetite loss, dark yellow urine, clay-colored stools, and yellowing of the skin or eyes;
- a severe skin reaction, indicated by fever, sore throat, burning eyes, swelling of the tongue or face, a spreading red or purple rash on the face or upper body that blisters and peels;
- bone pain;
- inability to urinate, or infrequent urination; or
- chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, or an overall feeling of being ill.
Minor Side Effects of Voriconazole
Less serious side effects may be
- blurred vision or light sensitivity;
- fever;
- headache;
- mild nausea and/or vomiting;
- mild diarrhea; or
- swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles.
Drug Interactions
Voriconazole interacts negatively with other medications, such as
- statins, for lowering “bad” cholesterol;
- blood thinners, such as Coumadin and warfarin;
- benzodiazepines, prescribed for anxiety and insomnia; and
- some seizure medications.
Contact Gray and White Law, the medication error attorneys in Louisville, if you’ve experienced injury—or worse—from contaminated or erroneously prescribed medication. Call us at 502-210-8942 or toll free at 888-450-4456 and set up a FREE, no-obligation consultation.