Quinine Attorneys

Using a Medication for Off-Label Uses

We all take over-the-counter medications for treatments other than what their labels read. We hear from our grandmothers to pour peroxide into our ears to clean them out and fight infection. A friend will tell us to dissolve two acetaminophens tablets in a cup of coffee to treat a hang over. Women encourage other women to take prenatal vitamins even if they are not pregnant. We look at these behaviors as being creative where the more formal term is using a drug for "off-label" usages.

Off-label usage refers to using a drug for "unapproved" treatment. In other words, off-label is using a drug for something that is not already listed on the label. For the most part, using a drug for off-label usages does not harm the body much. However, there are cases when it does and in fact, can actually be fatal. Overall, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stresses that no drugs should ever be used to treat anything else but what symptoms are on its labels.

You may have heard of quinine. You will find quinine in drinks like a gin and tonic. It is an ingredient that can be used to add that bitter taste to tonic water. Quinine is getting a lot of bad press since consumers have reported very bad side effects from consuming it. There are reports of blurred vision, a decrease in hearing level, ringing of the ears, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea with acute abdominal pain, itchy skin, skin flushes and/or fever. But quinine is an FDA approved substance. It is actually a miracle worker in some parts of the world. This is because quinine is supposed to be used to treat malaria.

The problem occurs when quinine is used for off-label uses. Consumers who had bad pain in their legs and knees because of arthritis took quinine and felt less pain. Quinine is not prescribed to treat arthritis pain, however. Now we can see why. It is these patients that are complaining of experiencing the previously mentioned side effects.

Other side effects of quinine can be liver damage, heart issues, or even death. The FDA has pulled medications containing quinine off the shelf.

Have you been injured since you have consumed quinine? If so, you need to consult with a quinine attorney. Williams Kherkher has quinine attorneys that can help you decide what legal steps you should take. Do not hesitate to contact a quinine attorney at least to find out if a quinine lawsuit would make sense for you. Contact Williams Kherkher today.