New FDA Warning for Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics
Regulators at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just released a new warning for a popular type of antibiotic known as fluoroquinolones. According to this latest safety communication, “the serious side effects associated with fluoroquinolone antibacterial drugs generally outweigh the benefits for [some] patients.”
As a result, regulators are now:
- Strongly recommending that medical professionals only prescribe fluoroquinolone antibiotics to high-risk patients when all possible alternative treatments have been exhausted
- Requiring drug makers to update the medication guides and warning labels for these drugs to reflect their recommendation and detail who “high-risk” patients for these drugs are.
Revealing more about the details of this important FDA warning, below, we have answered some of the most commonly asked questions about it. While the following information is important and illuminating, don’t hesitate to contact a Cleveland personal injury lawyer at the Piscitelli Law Firm if you – or someone you love – has been harmed by any type of risky medication and you need answers about your recovery options.
New FDA Warning about Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics: FAQs
Q – What are the specific brand names of fluoroquinolone antibiotics that are associated with this warning?
A – The following brand name drugs (and their active ingredients) are those that have been identified in this FDA drug warning:
- Avelox, Moxifloxacin Injection (moxifloxacin)
- Cipro, Cipro extended-release (ciprofloxacin, ciprofloxacin extended-release)
- Factive (gemifloxacin)
- Levaquin (levofloxacin)
- Ofloxacin (ofloxacin)
Some of these antibiotics come in generic versions, which are also included in this FDA drug warning.
Q – Who is considered to be a “high-risk” patient for these drugs?
A – “High-risk” patients – i.e., those for whom the possible drug risks can outweigh the benefits – include people suffering the following conditions:
- Acute sinusitis
- Acute bronchitis
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
When other treatment options are available for these patients, those options should be pursued before potentially risk fluoroquinolone antibacterial drugs are prescribed, the FDA has explained.
Q – What are serious side effects have been linked to the use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics?
A – The “disabling and potentially permanent serious side effects” that have been linked to fluoroquinolone antibiotics include (but may not be limited to):
- Nerve damage
- Tendon and/or joint damage
- Muscle damage.
Regulators have noted that they are “continuing to investigate safety issues with fluoroquinolones and will update the public with additional information if it becomes available.”
Q – What should I do if I’ve been prescribed a fluoroquinolone antibiotic?
A – Carefully monitor your health, and immediately consult your doctor if you start to develop any of the following health complications:
- Tingling and/or numbing sensations
- New muscle, joint and/or tendon pain
- Confusion and/or hallucinations.
Hurt by Dangerous Drug? Contact a Cleveland Personal Injury Lawyer at the Piscitelli Law Firm
If you have been injured by a risky or dangerous drug, contact a Cleveland personal injury lawyer at the Piscitelli Law Firm to find out more about your options for compensation and justice.
At the Pisctelli Law Firm, we take pride in being advocates for our clients and in providing each of them with the highest quality legal services at every stage of their case. Via time-tested, as well as creative and innovative, strategies, we help each of our clients build the strongest possible cases to position them for maximum recoveries.
To learn more about your potential case and find out how we can help you, contact us by calling (800) 931-7071 or by emailing us to set up a free case evaluation with one of our attorneys. If you choose to move forward with us, you will not have to pay any legal fees until or unless you obtain a settlement in your case.