Freak reaction to tablets killed woman

A Dersingham woman who died after taking anti-malaria tablets during a romantic anniversary holiday had a “freak reaction” to the tablets, an inquest heard yesterday.

Nicola Burton collapsed and died days after she returned from the Dominican Republic with her husband David, after taking Avloclor tablets which she brought over the counter at Boots.

The 33-year-old, who worked as a check-out assistant at Budgens in Dersingham, had been suffering from stomach pains, headaches and sickness while on holiday and died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn on June 5.

Recording a verdict of chloroquine toxicity, Coroner William Armstrong said the death was an enormous tragedy for her family.

He said: “She died as a result of toxicity; this is an enormous tragedy for David and Nicki's parents and everybody who knew her.

“I have been very moved by the fact she worked in Budgens - she was regarded particularly by children as a happy smiley person.

“I'm sure this happy smile will live long in the memories of those that knew her.”

During the inquest the court heard that Mrs Burton had been to the doctor's surgery in Dersingham when she returned from her holiday.

Mr Armstrong said: “It was a normal course of action and the tablets were given to them by Boots. At that stage Nicki was fit and well. She was a normal fit and healthy young woman.”

He said: “There was nothing wrong with the tablets themselves. It appears this was a freak reaction.”

On the day she died she has a doctor's appointment booked, but collapsed and was pronounced dead that afternoon.

Coroner William Armstrong told her husband after he gave evidence: “From what you and your parents have said, she was a popular and very well-liked person, especially by a lot of her customers, including the children who will remember her as a happy, smiley person.”

An adverse event report has been sent to the National Drug Advisory and Treatment centre by consultant histopathologist, Lilani Ranasinghe, who carried out the post mortem.

Mr Armstrong said he would also be writing to the relevant body.