Quinine Death
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In December 2006, the FDA issued a statement regarding quinine side effects and quinine deaths, advising patients and physicians not to use quinine-containing products for leg cramps or other non-approved indications. In the advisory, Dr. Steven Galson, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, stated “unapproved quinine products represent a serious health risk because of the widespread use of this product for treating leg cramps…quinine needs to be dosed carefully, and FDA-approved labeling reflects the fact that the risks associated with the use of this drug for treatment of leg cramps outweigh the benefits."
Ninety-three quinine-related deaths and hundreds more serious quinine-related adverse medical events have been reported to the FDA since 1969. If you have suffered a quinine side effect, contact an attorney today to learn more about your legal rights.
Quinine Not to Be Used for Leg Cramps
The FDA noted that the toxic level of quinine is only slightly higher than the therapeutic levels used for malaria. Because malaria is a potentially fatal condition, the risks associated with quinine use are outweighed by the benefits.
However, consumers should not treat their leg cramps with quinine products, because the risk of quinine deaths and side effects outweighs any potential benefit. In fact, the FDA contends that quinine is not only unsafe for treating leg cramps, it is also ineffective.
Although quinine products have been used to treat nocturnal leg cramps since at least the 1940s, the only quinine product approved by the FDA is Qualaquin™ --a drug that is indicated solely for use as an anti-malarial drug. The labeling for Qualaquin™ warns that it is not to be used to treat leg cramps.
Quinine Deaths: Potentially Fatal Side Effects
One of the serious and potentially fatal side effects of quinine products is quinine toxicity, the symptoms of which include:
- Dizziness
- Disorientation
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Visual changes
- Auditory problems
- Nausea
In addition, taking quinine puts a person at risk of developing hypersensitivity to quinine, which can produce a life-threatening or fatal reaction. Other serious side effects include kidney failure, cardiac arrhythmia and thrombocytopenia.
If someone in your family has suffered a quinine-related death or serious side effect, you should explore your legal options with an experienced attorney. Contact a quinine attorney today to discuss your case.
