My father died from Amiodarone Induced Pulmonary Toxicity. I reported the event to the FDA shortly after his death of February 20, 2004. I was successful in getting the FDA to push Wyeth into putting out an updated warning, which was suppose to go out in October 2003. My father was hospitalized on January 3, 2004. He was a retired OB/GYN and had he received that warning in a timely fashion, he would have questioned his very slight dry cough, been taken off the medication and would be alive today. Unfortunately, Amiodarone Pulmonary Toxicity hits fast and hard. He woke up on January 1 (his 69th birthday) with cold symptoms. He felt a little better on the 2nd. When he woke up on the 3rd, he thought he had pneumonia and went to the Doctor, who admitted him to the Hospital with severe bilateral pneumonia. He did not respond to antibiotics within 24 hours, and he began getting severely short of breath. He was not short of breath prior to Jan. 3. After 49 days in ICU, he passed away, leaving 5 broken children and a wife of 47 years. I have spoken to many Medical Professionals who have seen patients die from Amiodarone Induced Pulmonary Toxicity. Many cardiologists are afraid to speak up about the way this drug was marketed. It is being used primarily for the treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. The drug was approved by the FDA for life threatening ventricular arrhythmias. The Pharmaceutical Company recommends a chest x-ray every 3-6 months. My dad had a normal CT scan of the lungs 6 weeks prior to being admitted. It is clear that this recommendation is not appropriate. Drug companies are allowed to reap huge profits at the expense of Human Life for off-label use of their drugs. They make more money from the off-label use of Amiodarone for Atrial Fib, than what the drug was approved for. They should be required to perform ongoing studies, which would include coming up with appropriate monitoring, and some type of antidote or new formula, so that this drug's half life isn't clear. I have read reports that have said that it may never leave the body. Once the damage is there, it is too late. Nothing can be done, and the lung damage is irreversible. I have been writing for 5 years, and nothing substantial is being done. When is someone going to take this seriously and do something about it? The Cardiologists are too afraid to say anything as they are still receiving perks from Pharmaceutical companies, and they don't want any public attention. Please take this serious and help me to save another familys loved one from being lost. I have been contacted by many families who lost loved ones due to Amiodarone Induced Pulmonary Toxicity. Please help me spread the word warning the millions of people on Amiodarone that if they develop any symptom (dry cough, flu symptoms) that they need to seek medical attention immediately. In addition, anyone taking Amiodarone should have their lungs tested more often than every 3 months. Thank you for your time. I can be reached by phone at 562-547-0607 or by e-mail at karenmuccino@yahoo.com.
