After an FDA safety review, the organization approves new safety labeling for the antibiotic, fluoroquinolone. Recently, published studies say the drug may result in the detachment of the retina in the eyes, bulges or tears in the aorta blood vessel called aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection. The updated warning will include retina issues.
About Fluoroquinolone
Fluoroquinolone drugs are the most commonly prescribed class of antibiotics in the United States. Twenty-six million Americans take them in some form every year. Pharmaceutical companies are raking in the profits. In 2010, Bayer’s top two fluoroquinolones (Cipro and Avelox) brought in $1 billion in sales. Johnson & Johnson’s Levaquin sold $1.3 billion. These drugs work by using fluoride to penetrate into very sensitive tissues, including your brain. This deep tissue penetration makes a potent neurotoxin and breaks down collagen in the body, as well.
Current Black Box Warning
Last year, the FDA gave fluoroquinolone a Black Box warning. This is the strongest FDA warning available. The FDA insists that these antibiotics only be used in extreme circumstances. This includes treating plague, anthrax and some types of bacterial pneumonia. Currently, the warning advises to not take this brand of antibiotic to treat small infections such as sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, and urinary tract infections.
Use of this class of antibiotic also shows disabling and potentially permanent side effects that involve tendons, muscles, joints, nerves and the central nervous system. The risk of exposure to this crippling nerve and tendon damage has to outweigh the benefits of using the antibiotics.
Your Rights
When manufacturers produce unsafe products that create pain and suffering, you deserve compensation. Although no amount of money will change the fact that you have suffered a serious injury as a result of manufacturer irresponsibility, compensation will help offset your current and future medical costs, as well as provide for the pain and suffering you have experienced. By filing, you may also help protect other people and their families from needless distress.
Therefore, if you or someone you know has suffered an adverse event after using a fluoroquinolone, you may be eligible for compensation. This can ease the financial and emotional burdens you are experiencing. Contact us today to set up a free consultation, during which we will listen to your story, answer any questions you may have and discuss your legal rights and options. If you choose us to represent you, we will work with you on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing until we have secured compensation for you, either through a jury verdict or settlement.