Boy died after taking acne drug
A fit and healthy teenage rugby player died 12 hours after taking treatment for acne, a coroner has said.
Recording a narrative verdict, coroner Mary Hassell said 14-year-old Shaun Jones, from near Pontypridd in South Wales, died "as a result of complications of medical treatment".
Shaun, 14, described by his mother as "vain" about his appearance, complained of shortness of breath an hour after taking the medication for spots on his back and shoulders. His condition then deteriorated and he died after being rushed to hospital.
The 6ft schoolboy, who had previously used Clearasil to treat the spots, had been diagnosed with mild acne by his GP and given a prescription, Cardiff Coroner's Court heard.
When he went to his local pharmacy with his mother Clare, he was told that the drug was out of stock. But Shaun and his mother were told the pharmacist had spoken to the doctor and he could be given different tablets which were exactly the same as the other medication.
Mrs Jones noticed there was no safety leaflet included in the box, but thought nothing of it at the time.
Shaun took the medication with a glass of water just before going to bed at 10.30pm on October 20 last year.
But soon after he complained to his parents of shortness of breath and tightness in his chest, and his condition then became far worse.
Doctors at the University Hospital of Wales believe an "idiosyncratic reaction" to the acne medication could have caused his death.
At the inquest, Ms Hassell said she would be writing a report to the Lord Chancellor's office underlining the importance that "doctors prescribe drugs and doctors make amendments and patients receive drugs with the correct information attached".
-Nova
