Arthritis drug withdrawn

Government medicines regulator Medsafe has revoked its consent for the osteoarthritis drug Prexige, known as lumiracoxib, because of its risk of causing liver damage.

Fewer than 200 people were taking the drug in New Zealand, Medsafe acting principal technical specialist Andrea Forde said.

There had been no reports of serious liver damage occurring in patients taking low dose lumiracoxib in New Zealand.

Patients currently taking lumiracoxib, who were unwell with nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pains, dark urine, yellowing or itching of the skin, should stop taking the medicine and see their doctor, Dr Forde said.