Drug-makers reject link to 'flesh-eating bug' cases

The makers of some painkillers reject claims their drugs may be linked to a threefold increase in the "flesh-eating bug" in hospitals since 1990.

In 2002, New Zealand doctors were told to be careful when using a common painkiller when treating children with chickenpox because of a link to necrotising fasciitis, sometimes referred to as a flesh-eating disease.

Ibuprofen, sold under brandnames including Nurofen, is in a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - which includes Voltaren - all of which have been linked to the disease.

Starship hospital paediatrician Lesley Voss said these drugs could increase the risk of the disease by impairing immune response, or by masking of the symptoms of secondary infection, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

On the Ministry of Health website, she urged doctors to be cautious when using ibuprofen in treating chickenpox.

But the Self-Medication Industry Association - which represents makers and distributors of non-prescription healthcare products - says reports suggesting a link between such drugs and necrotising fasciitis are incorrect.

There was no scientific evidence for cause and effect link to such drugs, including ibuprofen, said executive director Tim Roper.

"Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are extremely effective for the relief of pain and inflammation and are used safely by millions of people worldwide.

"As with many medicines, they are continually monitored and there has been no association between necrotising fasciitis and these products."

The rare necrotising fasciitis infection occurs in the deeper layers of skin and is usually caused by many types of bacteria entering an open wound, especially after surgery. Patients usually feel intense pain.

- NZPA