The FDA issued a drug safety alert that the agency is requiring the manufacturer of the antibiotic Levaquin (levofloxacin) and Avelox (moxifloxacin) to revise the labeling to warn patients of the risk of serious side effects including antibiotic nerve damage. Previously, these drugs were implicated in tendon tears and ruptures in the arms and legs, also serious injuries.
This type of antibiotic nerve damage, peripheral neuropathy, can occur “any time during or after treatment with fluoroquinolones and can last for months to years after the drug is stopped or be permanent.”
The FDA says the risk of peripheral neuropathy occurs with fluoroquinolones like Levaquin and Avelox that are taken by mouth or by injection.
May, 2014 letter to the U.S. Senate from Doctor Jay S. Cohen said of fluoroquinolones, “In my 40+ years in pharmacovigilance, FQs (fluoroquinolones) surpass Vioxx and Thalidomide in the degree of permanent harm done.”
Fluoroquinolone drugs include:
- levofloxacin (Levaquin)
- ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
- moxifloxacin (Avelox)
- norfloxacin (Noroxin)
- ofloxacin (Floxin)
- gemifloxacin (Factive)
The topical formulations of fluoroquinolones, applied to the ears or eyes, are not known to be associated with this risk.
Patients who are taking or who have taken the drug and are experiencing or have experienced peripheral neuropathy should contact their health care professional immediately to prevent further damage or injury due to decreased sensitivity to heat, cold, pain, and touch or pressure.
Harman Law LLC lawyers represent clients across the United States who have been injured by dangerous pharmaceutical products and medical devices, as well as patients affected when a drug is recalled or in class action. There may be time limits for filing a claim. Call 1-888-55-HARMAN to learn your legal rights.
According to the Mayo Clinic, peripheral neuropathy symptoms may include:
- Gradual onset of numbness and tingling in your feet or hands, which may spread upward into your legs and arms
- Burning pain
- Sharp, jabbing or electric-like pain
- Extreme sensitivity to touch, even light touch
- Skin, hair or nail changes
- Lack of coordination
- Muscle weakness or paralysis if motor nerves are affected
- Heat intolerance if autonomic nerves are affected
- Bowel, bladder or digestive problems if autonomic nerves are affected
- Changes in blood pressure, causing dizziness or lightheadedness, if autonomic nerves are affected
Some of the side effects of antibiotics that could indicate harm or injury to a patient from other antibiotics include:
- damage to or irregularities in vision, heart, liver, kidney, muscle or skeletal systems
- change in heartbeat, vision, digestion, blood sugar levels or cognition
- severe skin rashes, sometimes painful or disfiguring, sensitivity to light or seizures
- psychiatric issues including depression, psychosis, hallucinations
- death
Fill out the “Contact Us” form at the top right of this page or call 1-888-55-HARMAN for a no cost, no obligation, initial consultation. As always, if you experience a severe reaction while taking any drug, seek immediate medical attention.
Harman Law LLC represents clients across the country who have been injured by dangerous and defective drugs and medical devices.
Posted on behalf of
