Arthritis drug caused liver failure, inquest hears

A COMMON drug used in Ireland to ease arthritis pain was linked yesterday to acute liver failure in an elderly widow who died last year.

Two medical experts told the inquest into the death of Joan Flavin, aged 71, from Windygap, near Dungarvan, Co Waterford, that they believe the compound, Nimesulide — prescribed by her GP eight months before her death last September — was responsible.

Although a rare occurrence, the drug does have liver toxicity issues, Cork Coroner’s Court was told.