Metrogyl Side Effects: Persistent Wrist Pain & When to See a Doctor

Question
Hello, how are you going? Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I recently took the medication metrogyl (metronidazole 400mg), but I had to stop it because it made my wrists hurt, and my fingers a bit too. Now, lots of weeks have passed, but my wrists still hurt, especially the left wrist, it hurts me a lot on and off. What do you think it could mean, and should I go to the doctor? Thanks heaps for your time

Answer
Hi Christina,

Yes... you should inform your physician immediately. One of Metrogyl's rare adverse effect is joint pain that resembles serum sickness. It causes mild to severe arthritis or arthralgias, which affects multiple large and small joints. In about 20% of the population, it is due to an early flare up of a preexisting genetic predisposition for arthritis or lupus.

Your physician will perform a series of blood work and x-ray to determine the extent of the reaction. Medications to reduce the inflammation may work.

Regards,

John Thai, MD