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.

The Food and Drug Administration has notified the public that 23 cases of liver damage have been tied to the popular dietary supplement called Hydroxycut. This listing includes several cases of serious liver injury, as well as one reported death. Iovate Health Sciences, Inc. has voluntarily recalled the affected Hydroxycut products, and the FDA has asked consumers to cease taking this defective product. Although Hydroxycut has been withdrawn, the liver damage caused by the product is progressive.

If you or someone you know has been taking Hydroxycut, here are some symptoms to be aware of:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Itching
• Weakness or pain in muscles
• Jaundice
• Dark colored urine
• Light-colored stool
• Stomach pain
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath

If you have any of these symptoms and have been taking Hydroxycut, you may have suffered liver damage. Stop taking this product immediately and see your physician as soon as possible. If you have stopped taking Hydroxycut, but have any of these symptoms, you may still have liver damage.

If you believe you or a loved one may have damaged your liver as the result of taking Hydroxycut, you may be entitled to compensation. Please contact the experienced product liability lawyers at Stipe, Harper, Laizure, Uselton, Belote, Maxcey & Thetford for an initial consultation.