Serzone and Liver Damage
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a severe warning that the commonly prescribed anti-depressant Serzone may cause fatal liver damage.
The F.D.A. "black box" warning states "Cases of life-threatening hepatic failure have been reported in patients treated with SERZONE."
Serzone is manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Bristol Meyers Squibb. More than 7.2 million patients in the United States have been prescribed the drug.
The drug has been favored over many anti-depressants because it has fewer sexual side-effects.
Hepatic failure from Serzone is very rare. However, if you are taking Serzone, be alert for any signs of liver damage. If you are concerned, you may request a periodic liver function blood test. Also watch for elevated HDL and LDL cholesterol levels.
Report any of the following symptoms to your doctor immediately. Symptoms include:
Symptoms of Liver Dysfunction
- Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin or cornea
- Unusually dark urine
- Loss of appetite that lasts several days or longer
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Painful or swollen feeling under the right ribs
- Anorexia
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Malaise and/or exhaustion
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