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Medications That Can Cause Nerve Damage

Nerves are essential for keeping our bodies alive and moving. When there is damage to the nerves, communication between the peripheral nervous system and the muscles break down, causing wasting of both the nerves and the surrounding muscles. In addition, nerve damage can result in altered sensation, weakness in the muscles, and can lead to dysfunction in the organs, with effects like constipation or dizziness. However, different medications can cause nerve damage that cannot be reversed.

  1. Chemotherapy

    • Chemotherapy, a commonly used treatment for multiple forms of cancer, can result in nerve damage. Nerve damage from chemotherapy depends on the amount and types of drugs being used in the chemotherapy treatment. Therefore, not all cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy will be at risk for resulting nerve damage. Symptoms include numbness and pain in the tips of the toes and fingers.

    Botox

    • Botox, which is made up of a small quantity of the botulinum toxin, is a cosmetic drug to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, most frequently in the face. Botox, and its competitor Dysport, can cause major nerve damage when injected intrafascicularly. The risk for nerve damage from Botox exists with every administration; however, the risk is higher if the concentration is higher or if the Botox is not injected properly.

    Paclitaxel

    • Paclitaxel, also known as Taxol and Onxol is an anti-neoplastic that is used to treat specific cancers, such as ovarian cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, head and neck cancer, stomach cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and some types of lung cancer. Paclitaxel interferes with the growth of cancer cells, but it can also result in nerve damage.

    Saquinavir Mesylate

    • Saquinavir mesylate, also marketed under the names Fortovase and Invirase, is a medication used for the treatment of HIV and prevention of the spread of HIV. Saquinavir mesylate falls under the group of medications known as protease inhibitors, as it blocks the protein that HIV needs to replicate. Side effects that indicate nerve damage include numbness, pain and tingling in the hands and feet. Generalized muscle weakness may also appear over time.

    Note

    • Some of these medications have alternatives that do not carry the risk of nerve damage; if possible, switch to these other medications. For Botox, use with precaution, as botulinum toxin-based medications carry a high risk.

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