Lotronex Warning Issued to Women

The government is sending to women’s homes a major warning about a popular new treatment for irritable bowel syndrome: The drug Lotronex sometimes causes severe intestinal side effects--some requiring surgery--so stop taking it at the earliest sign of a problem. Hoping to help women safeguard themselves, the Food and Drug Administration announced it has ordered Glaxo Wellcome Inc. to attach to every Lotronex bottle a pamphlet explaining the risk. At least 19 women have suffered the side effects since Lotronex hit the market six months ago.