Dangers of Fluorquinolone Antibiotics

While Fluoroquinolones play an important role in treating serious infections such as those caused by bacteria that are resistant to other types of antibiotics, they can cause serious side effects in the case of less severe illnesses and should be reserved for as a last line of defense after other antibiotics have failed. Some drug safety advocates are concerned these antibiotics are overused, overprescribed or unnecessarily prescribed.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising that the serious side effects associated with Fluoroquinolone antibacterial drugs, which include Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox, Floxin, and Factive generally outweigh the benefits for patients with acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections who have other treatment options. Over 33 million Americans take one or more of these antibiotics each year.

The FDA issued the new recommendations after a safety review revealed that Fluoroquinolones (tablets, capsules, and injectables) can cause disabling and potentially permanent side effects that affect the tendons, muscles, joints, and nerves with pain and paralysis, and central nervous system with dizziness, depression, anxiety, confusion and hallucinations. Now the FDA is requiring label changes for Fluoroquinolones antibacterial drugs, including an updated boxed warning and Medication Guide with new safety information.

Its important for consumers to understand that the adverse reactions to fluoroquinolones can be delayed for weeks or months after a person finishes taking the Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox, or Floxin, or Factive prescription, and they can be permanently disabling.

Have you Experienced Side Effects From Taking a Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic?

Patients should contact their health care professional immediately and health care professionals should stop systemic Fluoroquinolone treatment immediately if a patient reports serious side effects, and switch to a non-fluoroquinolone antibacterial drug to complete the patient’s treatment course.

The FDA is urging patients and health care professionals to report side effects involving fluoroquinolone antibacterial drugs and other drugs to the FDA MedWatch program, using the information in the “Contact FDA” box at the bottom of the page.