Levaquin, Cipro and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics continue to be over prescribed despite the risks of suffering the disabling side effects of tendinitis and tendon rupture.
This family of drugs includes Cipro (ciprofloxacin), Proquin (ciprofloxacin hydrochloride), Factive (gemifloxacin), Levaquin (levofloxacin), Avelox (moxifloxacin), Noroxin (norfloxacin) and Floxin (ofloxacin).
According to a recent article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, U.S. patients received more than 40 million prescriptions for fluoroquinolone antibiotics in 2007. Fluoroquinolones are associated with an increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. This risk is further increased in those over age 60, in kidney, heart, and lung transplant recipients, and in patients given these antibiotics in conjunction with steroid therapy.
Some studies have concluded that the powerful drugs are often prescribed even when no antibiotic is needed or a safer antibiotic is more appropriate.
A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania found that out of 100 patients prescribed fluoroquinolones, 81 received it for inappropriate conditions.
Last summer, the Food and Drug Administration told drug makers to add a black-box warning to fluoroquinolone antibiotics that come in pill and injectable form. Pharmacists are also required to provide an FDA-approved guide to patients who pick up prescriptions for this class of antibiotics.
The push to finally get out information is long overdue. Even some doctors don’t know about the dangers.
Dr. J.T. Cooper of Marietta, Georgia told the AJC that he didn’t know about the potential side effects when he began taking Levaquin for pneumonia. He suffered a near rupture of his Achilles tendon last September. Cooper was hospitalized for six days and lost two weeks of work. He has spent several weeks in a boot brace and won’t be able to resume driving until the end of the month.
Adverse reactions to prescription drugs cause more injuries and deaths in the United States than illegal drugs. If you have suffered medical complications from a prescription medicine or over-the-counter drug, an attorney with experience can advise you on your right to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
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