Labels on medicines - Knowledge saves lives

JOHN DEVEREUX died because of the unexpected reaction to the combined use of two ordinary, everyday drugs, one used to fight cholesterol and the other an antibiotic.

His death was considered at a sitting of Cork Coroner’s Court yesterday after which his family called for clearer patient information to prevent a similar tragedy.

This is an entirely reasonable request and, at the very least, all prescribing doctors should be made aware of the risk involved.

Mr Devereux’s death was a tragedy. Another for the same reason would be something else all together.