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Rugby player, 14, was first in world to die from allergy to acne drug

A schoolboy rugby player who died from taking just one acne tablet is the only person in the world to have suffered a fatal reaction to the drug, an inquest was told. Shaun Jones, aged 14 Photo: WALES NEWS SERVICE

3:33PM GMT 27 Feb 2009

Shaun Jones, 14, described by his mother as "vain" about his appearance, saw his doctor about spots on his back and shoulders after learning his friends had been given medication to deal with similar problems.

The 6ft schoolboy, of Rhydyfelin, near Pontypridd, South Wales, who had previously used Clearasil to treat the spots, was diagnosed with mild acne and given a prescription, Cardiff Coroner's Court heard.

But he collapsed and died 12 hours after taking the Sebomin pill which is commonly given to acne sufferers.

A coroner yesterday recorded a narrative verdict saying Shaun died as a result of medical complications when he suffered an "idiosyncratic reaction".

Cardiff Coroner Mary Hassell said: "I have researched this and there have been no other recorded idiosyncratic deaths involving this tablet anywhere in the world.


"Sean's reaction to it seems to be random and pretty much unique.

"The cause of death was a reaction to the ingestion of a single capsule."

The inquest heard that when Shaun went to his local pharmacy with his mother Clare, he was told that the drug he had been prescribed was out of stock.

He was told the pharmacist had spoken to his doctor, and he could be given different tablets which were exactly the same as the other medication.

Mrs Jones noticed there was no safety leaflet included in the box, but thought nothing of it at the time.

Shaun took the medication with a glass of water just before going to bed at 10.30pm on October 20 last year.

Little more than an hour later, he complained to his parents of shortness of breath and tightness in his chest.

Mrs Jones initially contacted an out-of-hours GP service but was told no doctor was available.

When Shaun's condition deteriorated, he was taken to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant, by ambulance in the early hours of the next morning.

Despite treatment there, and at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, where he was transferred, Shaun died at 10.40am on October 21.

Doctors at the University Hospital of Wales believe an "idiosyncratic reaction" to the acne medication could have caused his death.

At the inquest Ms Hassell said she would be writing a report to the Lord Chancellor's office underlining the importance that "doctors prescribe drugs and doctors make amendments and patients receive drugs with the correct information attached".

Speaking afterwards, Shaun's father Gareth Jones said after the inquest: "The last couple of months have been the hardest of my life.

"Lessons must be learned. He will forever be in our hearts and dreams."