What drugs cause amyloidosis? Can amyloidosis be transmitted?

Some types of drugs have been associated with the development of amyloidosis, especially those that are used long-term to treat chronic diseases.

These include Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as indomethacin and diclofenac; Colchicine and Chloramphenicol, an antibiotic. Insulin is a well-known agent for amyloidosis and enfuvirtide (Fuzeon®) used in the treatment of HIV infection has also been reported to cause amyloidosis.

Amyloidosis is not a contagious disease, and cannot be transmitted from person to person like a viral or bacterial infection. Amyloidosis is a rare disease caused by the abnormal accumulation of amyloid proteins in various tissues and organs throughout the body.

This amyloid buildup can make the organs not work properly. Organs that may be affected include the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system and digestive tract.

The symptoms of amyloidosis depend on the organs affected and can range from fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty breathing to heart failure, kidney failure, and nerve damage.