Macrobid Side Effects Injury Lawsuits. Our Nitrofurantoin lawyers are investigating liver injuries associated with this drug. Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic sold under the brand names Furadantin, Macrobid, Macrodantin, Nitrofur Mac, Nitro Macro, Nifty-SR, Martifur-MR and Urantoin. Recently, several cases of autoimmune hepatitis were associated with the use of Nitrofurantoin.
Nitrofurantoin is frequently used in the management of urinary tract infections (UTIs), and sometimes in the treatment of E. coli. Nitrofurantoin comes as a capsule and a liquid and is usually taken two or four times a day for at least 7 days.
Our Nitrofurantoin lawyers are offering free case evaluations to anyone injured by this drug. If you or a loved one were treated with Nitrofurantoin and suffered any type of liver injury, including autoimmune hepatitis, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering or other damages. We urge you to contact our nitrofurantoin lawyers today to protect your legal rights.
Nitrofurantoin and Autoimmune Hepatitis
In September 2010, the Journal of Medical Case Reports published a case study on three women who developed autoimmune hepatitis after treatment with Nitrofurantoin. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks liver cells. This immune response causes inflammation of the liver, also called hepatitis.
The three women detailed in the Journal of Medical Case Reports (aged 65, 42 and 74 years old) were receiving long-term nitrofurantoin to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections. Two of the patients presented with jaundice, and one required a prolonged hospital admission for liver failure. In all three patients nitrofurantoin was withdrawn, and long-term immunosuppressive therapy with prednisolone and azathioprine or mycophenolate was given. Fortunately, the patients responded well, with liver biochemistry returning to normal within a few months.
The authors of the report pointed out that although nitrofurantoin rarely causes autoimmune hepatitis, this antimicrobial is increasingly used as long-term prophylaxis against recurrent urinary tract infection. They cautioned general practitioners and urologists who prescribe long-term nitrofurantoin therapy to be aware of this adverse effect.
Autoimmune hepatitis is usually quite serious and, if not treated, gets worse over time. Autoimmune hepatitis is typically chronic, meaning it can last for years, and can lead to cirrhosis scarring and hardening of the liver. Eventually, liver failure can result. About 70 percent of those with autoimmune hepatitis are female.
Fatigue is probably the most common symptom of autoimmune hepatitis. Other symptoms include:
- an enlarged liver
- jaundice
- itching
- skin rashes
- joint pain
- abdominal discomfort
- spider angiomas, or abnormal blood vessels, on the skin
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- dark urine
- pale or gray-colored stools
People in advanced stages of the disease are more likely to have symptoms related to chronic liver disease, such as fluid in the abdomen—also called ascites—and mental confusion. Women may stop having menstrual periods.
Need Legal Help Regarding Macrobid Side Effects?
The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).
