A GRANDFATHER died after he was prescribed medication for arthritis, an inquest heard.

Duncan Mann, 56, was prescribed the common treatment Leflunomide, but the tablets had an adverse effect and he died six months later.

His family said the former parts manager from Hazlerigg, Newcastle, was not told about possible side-effects.

Newcastle Coroner David Mitford has called on Newcastle Hospitals Trust to review its procedures after he recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.

Mr Mann had suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for six years, but remained fit and active.

His daughter, Helen Hunter, told the inquest in Newcastle:

"He was climbing trees with the grandkids in October, but suddenly went downhill and could hardly breathe.

"The doctor who treated my dad for the lung problems said he thought there could be a connection between the arthritis tablets and his illness. Dad said he was never warned by his arthritis doctors."

The inquest heard how the drugs adversely affected Mr Mann's lungs.

Mr Mann suffered from emphysema, but a lung specialist and a pathologist told the hearing the side-effect of the drug was the most significant factor in his death.

In his letter to hospital bosses, Mr Mitford said: "I take the view, based upon the evidence put forward in this case, that it would be appropriate for clinicians to give some urgent reconsideration to the warnings and information of risk given to patients."

A spokesman for Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust said they had contacted the drug manufacturer and promised a review of their prescription policy. He said: "The drug was prescribed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions."

Sanofi-aventis, which manufactures Leflumonide, said all drugs used to treat arthritis were linked to "serious adverse events", but said the risks were measured against the limited medical help for people suffering from the crippling condition.