A mum of four is planning to sue the makers of a controversial painkiller amid claims it left her with crippling heart problems.
Helen Smith, from Kirknewton, West Lothian, believes her health has been seriously damaged by prescription drug diclofenac.
It has been used by millions of arthritis and chronic pain sufferers.
But studies have shown high doses can increase the risk of strokes and heart failure.
Helen, who has unstable angina and has suffered a suspected heart attack, spent 18 years on the diclofenac-based Arthrotec 50.
The 56-year-old was taken off it in July after health watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, sent out warning notices to GPs.
She is furious she wasn’t told earlier and has instructed lawyers to prepare a legal case against Arthrotec 50’s manufacturers Pfizer.
Helen is believed to be the first person in the UK to seek compensation over the drug.
She said: “I’m seriously disabled with heart failure now and feel angry that the drug was prescribed for me and others despite doubts over it for years.
“My heart is so damaged I have to take three different tablets every day to survive.
“Doctors have told me I have unstable angina which means serious chest pain even without moving.
“A treadmill test I had when I was 42 showed I had the heart of a 20-year-old.”
Alarm bells first started ringing about diclofenac in 2006 when reports of cardiovascular side-effects appeared in the British Medical Journal.
In the same year the MHRA warned health chiefs there was a “small increased risk” of heart attacks and strokes with high doses over a prolonged period.
Three years later doctors were warned to give patients the lowest effective dose over the shortest time after two more studies “lent support” to previous research.
But it wasn’t until July that the MRHA urged GPs to take heart patients off diclofenac.
Helen is planning to sue Pfizer through lawyers Quantum Claims.
The legal firm’s director John Symon said: “Mrs Smith has suffered potentially serious side effects from the diclofenac-based painkiller Arthrotec 50 and we are reviewing the matter on her behalf with a view to progressing a claim for compensation”.
A spokesman for Pfizer said ensuring the safety of patients and the appropriate use of medicines was of paramount concern.
He added: “Doctors and patients should discuss the benefits and risks of any medication before making treatment decisions.
“Patients who are prescribed Arthrotec should talk to their doctors if they have questions concerning their treatment.
“The benefit-risk of this medicine is supported by extensive clinical and post-marketing experience and it continues to be available worldwide.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said it would “continue to liaise closely” with the MHRA about diclofenac.
He added: “The MHRA issued advice to healthcare professionals in 2006 and July this year that diclofenac should only be used in specific circumstances.
“The Scottish Government’s role is to ensure advice is forwarded to healthcare professionals in Scotland immediately on receipt, who should follow the advice given.”
Have you suffered side-effects from diclofenac? Call us on 0141 567 2776 or email jboyle@sundaypost.com.
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