Graves Disease Drug: Increased Risk for Liver Injury?

The FDA warned physicians that a drug used for 62 years to treat Graves' disease -- propylthiouracil, or PTU -- carries an increased risk for life-threatening liver injury.

The FDA said it has received 32 adverse event reports -- 22 in adults and 10 in children -- including 12 deaths and six transplants among adult users of the medication. In the pediatric population, the FDA said there were one death and six transplants linked to PTU use.

"Physicians should closely monitor patients on PTU therapy for symptoms and signs of liver injury, especially during the first six months after initiation of therapy," the FDA said.

Source here.