Drug Injury Lawyers Blog
The FDA has warned that fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including Levaquin and Cipro, are linked to serious, potentially permanent medical conditions. According to reports, manufacturers of these drugs knew about the risks but failed to properly warn physicians and patients. As a result, many lawsuits have been filed. If you are experiencing painful or debilitating side effects after taking a fluoroquinolone, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
What is a Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic?
Fluoroquinolones belong to a family of synthetic antibiotics, which kill bacteria by interfering with the replication of DNA. The types of fluoroquinolones on the market are:
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
- Moxifloxacin (Avelox)
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin/Quixin)
- Ofloxacin (Ocuflox/Floxin/Floxacin)
- Norfloxacin (Noroxin)
- Gatifloxacin (Tequin)
Hospitals routinely use fluoroquinolones for treating opportunistic infections in patients. However, frequent or routine use of this type of antibiotic can have harmful side effects, including tendon damage and nerve damage. According to the FDA, fluoroquinolones should only be used when no other options are available. In addition, physicians should notify patients of the associated risks prior to administering the medication. Considering that most fluoroquinolones are distributed by a pharmacy and that pharmacies are required to provide notification of side effects, the manufacturers are usually held liable when harmful side effects develop. If you are suffering from side effects after taking a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, contact a Boston drug injury lawyer today.
Side Effects Linked to Fluoroquinolones
The fluoroquinolone family is linked to multiple side effects, but the most commonly-cited serious side effects include:
- Nervous system problems, including a condition called peripheral neuropathy, pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, headaches, loss of memory, loss of concentration, and anxiety.
- Musculoskeletal problems, including tendonitis, tendon ruptures, tendon weakness, and swelling of the joints.
- Sensory symptoms, including problems with hearing, sight, and smell.
- Cardiovascular problems, including chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath.
- Skin problems, including rashes, intolerance to heat or cold, and excessive sweating.
- Gastrointestinal problems, including nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain.
Failure to warn
According to new evidence, manufacturers of fluoroquinolones knew about the risk of peripheral neuropathy – a type of nerve damage that causes pain, weakness, and a loss of sensation – but failed to warn patients and physicians. In addition, reports allege that they knew the nerve damage could be permanent, but advised patients that damage could be repaired by stopping the medication once symptoms were detected. If you have been harmed by the negligence of a pharmaceutical company, it’s in your best interest to contact a Boston drug injury lawyer today.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Drug Injury Lawyers Serving Boston and the Surrounding Areas
If you have been harmed by fluoroquinolones or any other type of prescription drug, the skilled drug injury team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. New evidence supports allegations that fluoroquinolone manufacturers knew about the risk of nerve damage, tendon damage, and other serious side effects, but failed to properly warn physicians and patients. As a result, fluoroquinolone manufacturers have faced thousands of lawsuits, many of which have been settled. If you are suffering from medical complications after taking a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, we can help. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. When pharmaceutical companies put profits before the health and well-being of patients, they should be held accountable for those actions. Don’t go through this alone. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
