Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals, a division of American Home Products Corporation, recently sent a letter to healthcare professionals regarding the safety of its drug, Cordarone I.V. (amiodarone HC1). The company said that Cordarone should not be used in pediatric patients for the treatment of cardiac
arrhythmia. According to the company, the safety of Cordarone use in children has not been adequately evaluated.
Cordarone is normally prescribed for treatment of arrhythmias in adults but the drug manufacturer acknowledged that the drug is used "off-label" for treatment of the same condition in infants and young children. The letter details recent changes to the drug's labeling.
Administration of Cordarone to children may cause
breathing and
cardiovascular problems. In addition, administration of the I.V. form of the drug to very young male children may interfere with the development and functioning of the
male reproductive organs.
See a doctor if your child has experienced serious health problems after taking Cordarone. In addition, it may be important to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your child's legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be
time limits within which you must commence suit.
See Also
- Heart Failure Drugs: Overview
- Breathing: Overview
- Heart Problems
- Male Infertility: Overview