Antibiotics in the Fluoroquinolone Class Linked to Nerve Damage
Fluoroquinolones are among the most widely prescribed antibiotics. Brand names for these drugs include Levaquin, Cipro, Avelox, and more. These drugs are prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial illnesses and are often praised for their potency. In 2004 and again in 2013, however, the FDA issued warnings that the use of these drugs may be linked to neuropathy, or nerve damage. A new study has found that the risk of nerve damage is actually double for individuals over the age of 40 who have been prescribed a fluoroquinolone. These antibiotics also have a demonstrated link to retinal detachment.
What are Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics?
Fluoroquinolone are a type of anti-bacterial antibiotics that include fluoride as a main compound. They have become the most commonly prescribed class of antibiotics, with over 23 million Americans prescribed a fluoroquinolone in 2011. Cipro prescriptions accounted for some 70 percent of all prescriptions. These drugs are often used to treat infections of the sinuses, urinary tract, skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal system.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics include:
- Floxin (ofloxacin)
- Avelox (moxifloxacin)
- Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
- Levaquin (levofloxacin)
- Noroxin (norfloxacin)
- Factive (gemifloxacin)
Fluoroquinolone Nerve Damage Risk Information
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics have been found to cause nerve damage in some patients. Serious side effects of this drug include organ damage, debilitating nerve pain, sensory problems, muscle weakness, and permanent disability.
Studies show that symptoms usually occur rapidly, with 33 percent of people developing symptoms within 24 hours, 58 percent developing symptoms within three days, and 84 percent showing symptoms within one week. Nearly 70 percent of all those who experience nerve damage as a result of the antibiotics will have symptoms that persist for at least three months, while symptoms will last over one year for some 60 percent of injured users.
FDA Warnings for Antibiotics and Nerve Damage
Antibiotics first became associated with nerve damage in 1980s. It was not until 2004 that risk information was included on most fluoroquinolone antibiotics. In 2013, the warnings were heightened after the FDA received increasing reports of disabling nerve damage among fluoroquinolone antibiotic users.
Symptoms of Fluoroquinolone Nerve Damage
The initial symptoms of nerve damage can vary, and include:
- Pain that is described as stabbing, shooting, or severe
- Nerve tingling, burning, or prickling
- Numbness or weakness that starts in the extremities, namely the fingertips and toes, and spreads
- Decreased muscle coordination
- Extreme touch sensitivity
- Problems feeling texture, body position, and temperature
- Organ damage
- Problems walking
- And more
When you sustain a drug injury, you need the assistance of an experienced drug injury attorney. Injured prescription drug victims may be eligible to bring a lawsuit against the manufacturer that placed the dangerous drugs on the market. Your attorney will evaluate your injuries and the circumstances surrounding your case to determine whether you have a viable suit.
Lundy Law: Drug Injury Attorneys Fighting for a Full Recovery for Our Drug Injured Clients
The Personal Injury Firm of Lundy Law is currently accepting antibiotic induced injury cases. We have office locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. If you or someone you know may have developed nerve pain or nerve damage after taking an antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone class, we can help. Our personal injury attorneys will investigate your injuries and fight to see that you obtain a full recovery from the drug manufacturer that negligently caused your injuries. Drug injured clients may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, long term disability, and more. Call Lundy Law today at 1 (800) LUNDYLAW® to schedule your consultation.
