Haldol side effects tied to potentially fatal heart problems
The FDA announced late yesterday that a new warning will be added to the schizophrenia drug Haldol, indicating that users could face an increased risk of sudden death from dangerous heart conditions. Haldol side effects have been associated with sudden death, QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes (TdP), especially when given through an IV or at higher doses.
>>FDA LINK: Haldol Alert
According to information posted on the FDA website, the new warning will indicate that higher doses and intravenous administration of Haldol could increase the risk of QT prolongation and TdP. Particular caution is recommended for those with other QT prolonging conditions (such as electrolyte imbalance), heart abnormalities, hypothyroidism, familial long QT syndrome or those who are taking drugs which prolong the QT interval. An ECG monitoring is recommended if Haldol is given intravenously.
The warning comes after numerous cases of QT prolongation and TdP associated with the use of Haldol or its generic, known as haloperidol. QT prolongation is a cardiac problem which could result in death and torsades de pointes (TdP), is a cardiac arrhythmia, which could result in blackouts or sudden death.
The Haldol problems were disclosed after the Italian drug regulatory agency requested that the manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson, conduct two post-marketing analyses. Medical literature has reported at least 28 cases of QT prolongation and TdP associated with the drug. Haldol is commonly administered intravenously, even though that is considered an off-label use.
If you, a friend or family member suffered QT prolongation, Torsades de Pointes or sudden death after taking Haldol, review your potential legal rights by requesting a free consultation.
1 Comment • Add Your Comments
Jim says:
My father in law has Parkinson’s and was given Haldol in the hospital, he went in for a simple 1 hour leg surgery on thursday and came out fine, by sunday he was in ICU on full life support for 4 days and he died the following monday, even a PDR says no haldol with PD and they gave it to him intravenously as well which the FDA does not approve of.
“I attended a dinner meeting where a prominent Toledo Doctor spoke and I [chatted] at length with him following the presentation. He urged EVERYONE diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease to contact EVERY doctor they see and add HALDOL (Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic drug) to the list of meds they are allergic to. He said when asked what the side effects are, tell them “IT WILL KILL ME” and that should get medical staff attention. Said it ‘blocks’ the dopamine and the patient “FREEZES”, among other life-threatening reactions.”
They said he had advanced PD, yet he lived alone, drove his car went shopping and functioned fully, stage 5 PD is bedridden with a care taker…..
the haldol advanced his PD to stage 5 and killed him
Posted on August 1, 2010 at 3:27 pm