Propylthiouracil (PTU) Attorneys

Propylthiouracil is used to treat hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism, or thyrotoxicosis, is a condition caused by too much thyroid hormone in the body. Causes of hyperthyroidism include heredity, Grave’s disease, Plummer's disease, pituitary tumors, thyroiditis, too much thyroid hormone medication, and excessive dietary intake of iodine, such as that found in seaweed and liver.

Propylthiouracil was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1947. It works by reducing the amount of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland.

It has been known that possible side effects of propylthiouracil include:

• Agranulocytosis (decrease of white blood cells in the blood)
• Thrombocytopenia (decrease in blood platelets)
• Skin problems, including rash, itching, hives, and abnormal loss of hair and skin pigmentation
• Swelling
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Loss of taste
• Joint or muscle aches
• Numbness and headache
• Allergic reactions
• Hair whitening

Propylthiouracil is also classified as class D drug in pregnancy, which means that there is evidence of risk to the fetus. In life-threatening situations, however, maternal benefit may outweigh this risk.

Transplacental passage of the drug close to term can cause mild hypothyroidism in the fetus, which is sometimes observed as goiter in the newborn. The hypothyroidism in the fetus usually resolves within a few days without treatment.

A new concern was raised, when, in June 2004, the FDA issued an alert regarding the risk of serious liver injury with the use of propylthiouracil in pediatric and adult patients. Reports submitted to the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) suggest that there is an increased risk of hepatotoxicity with propylthiouracil when compared to methimazole, another drug indicated for the treatment of hyperthyroidism.

The alert recommends that healthcare professionals carefully consider which drug to initiate in a patient recently diagnosed with Graves’ disease. Physicians should also closely monitor patients undergoing propylthiouracil therapy for signs and symptoms of liver injury, especially during the first six months after initiating the therapy.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of taking propylthiouracil, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a qualified pharmaceutical attorney for an evaluation of your case.