Dubbo pharmacist Greg Shearing said the tablet form of Lamisil had always come with the warning that liver damage was a possible side-effect.

Lamisil tablets are prescribed for people with fungal infections who do not respond to creams.

“You have to put this into perspective - there have been three deaths in the 15 years this drug has been available on the market,” Mr Shearing said.

“We don’t want any deaths, but it’s not a bad strike-rate.”

Mr Shearing said while he did not know the exact number of people who had been treated with Lamisil tablets since it has been on the market, it would be a “fairly significant number”.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warned of adverse side-effects from the tablet Lamisil, saying three people died and the drug was implicated in 61 people who suffered liver damage.

Local pharmacist Tony Lawler said the potential side-effects of Lamisil tablets has always been known, and that every drug came with that danger.

“Every drug has potential side-effects and it’s about weighing up the potential benefits with the down side,” he said.

“You can decrease the risk by monitoring, which is the way has always meant to be used.”

Mr Shearing echoed similar sentiments, saying the possible side-effects of Lamisil tablets have always been apparent.

Of the 61 people who suffered liver damage, 27 made a full recovery but there were 34 who had not yet recovered.

Mr Shearing recommended consumers speak to their doctor or pharmacist if they held any concerns.

“Any concerns at all, you can certainly ask, there’s usually written information that comes with the drug which can be another source of information but you can always ask,” he said.

emily.wheeler@ruralpress. com