Antifungal foot cream blamed for renal failure

Tyonia Kamadulski of Granite City filed a product liability and negligence complaint against Novartis Pharmaceuticals and Walgreens for injuries she sustained after using a prescription anti-fungal medication.

The suit filed in Madison County Circuit Court Jan. 10 seeks damages in excess of $150,000.

Kamadulski claims she asked her doctor for a Lamisil prescription to treat a toenail fungal infection on Jan. 12, 2004, after viewing a television commercial for the product.

Lamisil is used to treat infections on the skin and nails.

According to Kamadulski, she filled the prescription at Walgreens in Granite City, and between Jan. 15, 2004 and Jan. 21, 2004, consumed 250 mg once per day as recommended by Novartis in its advertising materials.

Kamadulski claims she began vomiting, and suffered from ankle edema and acute ecchymoses. She was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 21, 2004, with acute renal failure, the complaint states.

Kamadulski claims after her admission she was diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which was caused by using Lamisil.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare blood condition which causes the formation of small clots within the circulation, which results in the consumption of platelets, leading to a low platelet count.

"At the time the drug Lamisil left the control of Novartis, it contained a condition that made it unreasonably dangerous and incapable of performing within reasonable consumer expectations," the complaint states.

Kamadulski claims Lamisil failed to perform as safely as an ordinary consumer would expect when used in the intended manner and also claims the benefits of Lamisil does not outweigh the inherent risks of the drug.

According to Kamadulski, she suffered TTP, renal failure, mental confusion, weakness and was forced to undergo repeated catheterizations, dialysis and was forced to stay in the hospital numerous times.

She also claims she has lost wages, incurred medical expenses and has experienced pain and suffering.

Kamadulski is represented by Dawn Kamadulski O'Leary of Granite City. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge George Moran.

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