Ischemic colitis results from a lack of blood flow to the colon leading to death of bowel tissue.
We have just obtained new information from the FDA about a sharp increase in the number of reported cases of ischemic colitis in people using alosetron. As of October 20 th , reports received by the FDA now include an additional 28 cases of ischemic colitis, a more than doubling of the number of 26 cases we reported as of August 28 th , for a total of 54 cases of ischemic colitis. Among these were four deaths including a death in a 50 year old woman who had mesenteric occlusion, a blockage of part of the blood supply to the intestine, which may be related to ischemic colitis. It is irresponsible for Glaxo Wellcome and for the FDA to allow this doomed drug to stay on the market any longer. There is little if any question that it cannot ultimately survive.