Message from Millie Kieve founder of APRIL
My daughter was prescribed 3 gramms of sulphasalazine for a stomach problem. She was misdiagnosed with Crohn's disease. She suffered a sudden onset of psychosis having no prior history of mental illness. The first sign of intolerance was terrifying nightmares. These are reported in the medical literature and should have been taken as a warning sign to discontinue the drug. Karen went on to suffer a full blown psychosis and later a fixed drug eruption causing severe blistering of her skin.
Case Report Sulfasalazine-Induced Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features
Sulphasalazine induced night-mares and sudden onset of psychosis - Millie Kieve's story
Please refer back to the first page for more information about other antibiotics containing sulfor
Reporting Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs)
It is well known that serious side effects of medicines are under reported and the UK regulatory body the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) estimate less than 10% of serious ADRs are reported.
If you are, for no apparent reason, feeling mentally distressed, it may be caused by starting or stopping medication, due to a changed dose, withdrawal effects, interactions with other drugs, or following surgery. You can request a list of drugs used pre surgery and during surgery and those for pain or infection to be taken later.
Some drugs must not be stopped suddenly
If you have suffered psychiatric, neurological or physical adverse drug reactions (ADRs) please report them. There may be adverse effects not mentioned on the patient leaflets (PILs) or data sheets. (SPCs)
You should be given a patient information leaflet (PIL) for all drugs prescribed, either as you are discharged from hospital, or if the pharmacy supplies you from a bulk supply of pills. (EU Directive 1997)
Please report Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) to:
UK - Yellow Card Reporting for Patient and Health Professional reports of Adverse Drug Reactions you can report to the MHRA using the link above or call them 0808 100 3352 10am - 2pm Monday to Friday
USA and worldwide - to the Food and Drug Administration for Patients and Healthcare Professionals
Universal free, independent drug safety website - Rxisk
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