Lyme disease compound is harmful, FDA warns 1 hour, 1 minute ago
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An unapproved compound mixed by pharmacists to treat Lyme disease should not be used, U.S. health officials warned on Friday, after one person died and another was hospitalized earlier this year.
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The Food and Drug Administration said other users of the compound, called bismacine, have reported severe side effects that can include kidney failure and cardiovascular collapse.
The agency said it was investigating all reported cases but did not say how many people had reported problems.
Bismacine, also known as chromocine, contains large amounts of the metal bismuth, used in some medications to treat ulcer-causing bacteria, according to the FDA.
In March, one person was hospitalized after receiving the compound. In April, another person died from the treatment, the agency said.
Some doctors have been known to administer the injectable solution to treat the disease, which is caused by bacteria often spread by tick bites; if untreated, Lyme can affect the nervous system, joints and heart. Some states have already taken legal action against such physicians.
The FDA said it was evaluating those who supply the compound. Anyone who has taken the product and is concerned about side effects may want to seek medical care, it added.
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