Life-Threatening Adverse Reaction after Self-Initiated, Off-Label Use of High Dose Nicotinamide for the Treatment of Friedreich’s Ataxia
  • Nicolas Garin
    Department of Internal Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and Riviera Chablais Regional Hospitals, Geneva
  • Pierre Arnold
    Association Suisse de l’Ataxie de Friedreich (aCHaf), Sion

Keywords

niacin, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, vitamin B3, Friedreich’s ataxia, toxicity, intoxication, adverse effect

Abstract

A 40-year old woman, previously known for Friedreich’s ataxia, presented with shock, profound lactic acidosis and hepatic failure after ingestion of a high dose of nicotinamide, the amide form of vitamin B3. On her own initiative, she was taking up to 4.4 g per day of nicotinamide, after having learned the results of a phase 2 study suggesting a potential benefit in Friedreich’s ataxia. The outcome was good with supportive care and withdrawal of nicotinamide.

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References

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    Published: 2015-06-25
    Issue: Vol. 2 No. 3 (2015) (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Garin N, Arnold P. Life-Threatening Adverse Reaction after Self-Initiated, Off-Label Use of High Dose Nicotinamide for the Treatment of Friedreich’s Ataxia. EJCRIM 2015;2 doi:10.12890/2015_000234.