Prexige, a drug for arthritis, has had it’s licence suspended by UK regulators over fears it may cause serious liver damage.
The drug, also known as Lumiracoxib, has been ordered to be withdrawn from the market by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This is after analysis of data by the Commission on Human Medicines confirmed there had been “an increase in the number of cases of serious liver reactions that have occurred with the licensed 100mg dose and in some cases the reactions have been associated with short-term use”.
Since August 2007, the drug has been placed under prescribing restrictions for patients with current or previous liver problems. All other patients are required to take blood tests before and during Lumiracoxib treatment.
