Once again, the spotlight is on fluoroquinolone antibiotics like Cipro, Levaquin, and Avelox. New reports show that using these antibiotics can bring a heightened risk of fluoroquinolone toxicity. This means that users can become paralyzed from this dangerous medication.
About Flourioqulones
Fluoroquinolone drugs are the most commonly prescribed class of antibiotics in the United States. Overall, 26 million Americans take them in some form every year. As a result, pharmaceutical companies are raking in 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.
Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Danger
Fluoroquinolone toxicity is a disorder of the musculoskeletal system. This is a very real disease brought upon by these antibiotics. It mimics other debilitating disorders like Parkinson’s, ALS or fibromyalgia. This medication is destroying the peripheral nerves during use. These nerves are in charge of carrying messages to and from the brain and spinal cord. This can be irreversible.
Yet many of the consumers remain unaware of the grim and life-changing side effects. The World Health Organization even includes these drugs on its list of essential medicines. They may up 16.6% of all antibiotics used globally.
This means that more and more people will be gravely injured by them. Medical literature has been warning of the toxicity in these antibiotics since 1990. Continuing research conducted establishes beyond a doubt that Fluoroquinolones almost doubles the risk of getting this damaging nerve condition.
One-Time Exposes You
Unlike allergic reactions, adverse reactions to fluoroquinolones often occur long after a patient stops using the medication. Not everyone reacts after the first dose. This leads people to falsely assume that they are safe. Evidence shows the more the drug accumulates in the body, the more dangerous it can become. There are subtle signs to look out for that you may be at the beginning stages of intoxication. These are tendinitis, longer post-exercise recovery periods, sleeplessness, throbbing pains in various parts of your body, eyelid twitching, stiffness in joints, migrating itching and even night terrors.
Your Rights
When manufacturers produce unsafe products that create pain and suffering, they 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