The Food and Drug Administration has announced that propylthiouracil (PTU), a drug used to fight Graves' disease, has been linked to over 30 cases of liver damage in both adults and children. In the warning issued June 3, the FDA reported adverse affects that killed 12 adults and caused five more to need liver transplants. Ten cases involved children, in which six required transplants and one child died.

Graves' disease is a disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, caused by the body's immune system attacking the thyroid gland. It causes hypertension, irritability, weakness, fatigue, problems sleeping, and rapid heartbeat.

Symptoms of liver damage include jaundice, stomach pain, dark colored urine, light colored stool, nausea and vomiting, and rapid heartbeat.

PTU is thought of as a "second line" treatment in combating Graves' disease, and is usually given to the patient if they are allergic to methimazole. Women with Graves' disease who are in their first trimester of pregnancy are also given methimazole. The drug has been prescribed since 1947 to thousands of people.

The FDA has asked health care professionals to monitor their patients already on propylthiouracil. While they have stated that it may still be better for women to continue taking the medication if they are in their first trimester, contact your physician to discuss your options.

If you or a loved one suspect you may have developed liver damage as a result of taking propylthiouracil for Graves' disease, please contact the defective drug attorneys at Stipe, Harper, Laizure, Uselton, Belote, Maxcey & Thetford for an initial consultation.