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Federal Drug Safety (FDA) officials have imposed the government’s most urgent warning on Cipro and similar antibiotics (see list below), citing risks that they can cause tendon ruptures, a serious injury that leaves some patients incapacitated.
The FDA ordered makers of flouroquinolone drugs — a potent class of antibiotics — to add a ‘black box’ warning to their products.
Patients should immediately stop taking the medications if they develop any tendon pain, swelling or inflammation.
EXACT TEXT OF FDA WARNING:
FDA notified healthcare professionals that a BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide are to be added to the prescribing information to strengthen existing warnings about the increased risk of developing tendinitis and tendon rupture in patients taking fluoroquinolones for systemic use.
Fluoroquinolones are associated with an increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. This risk is further increased in those over age 60, in kidney, heart, and lung transplant recipients, and with use of concomitant steroid therapy. Physicians should advise patients, at the first sign of tendon pain, swelling, or inflammation, to stop taking the fluoroquinolone, to avoid exercise and use of the affected area, and to promptly contact their doctor about changing to a non-fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drug. Selection of a fluoroquinolone for the treatment or prevention of an infection should be limited to those conditions that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.
Fluoroquinolone Antimicrobial Drugs:
Ciprofloxacin (marketed as Cipro and generic ciprofloxacin)
Ciprofloxacin extended release (marketed as Cipro XR and Proquin XR)
Gemifloxacin (marketed as Factive)
Levofloxacin (marketed as Levaquin)
Moxifloxacin (marketed as Avelox)
Norfloxacin (marketed as Noroxin)
Ofloxacin (marketed as Floxin and generic ofloxacin)
(Eli Rowe (HPO) - YWN Queens Ops’ Desk / YW-112)
ALL drugs are poisonous, with little-known side effects.
If the drug is less than 10 years on the market, stay away from it–You are a guinea pig, and you are participating in a test.
Comment by deepthinker — July 8, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
I was diagnosed with pneumonia and was prescribed Avelox (Moxifloxacin). I took the first dose, passed out, and when I came to I found Hatzolah members hovering over me. I spent the night in the hospital. It can cause a serious allergic reaction.
Comment by ended up in hospital — July 8, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
#1
So are you saying that as they invent new lifesaving medications and anti-biotics, don’t be a guinea pig, just sit around and die, because there may be a unknown side effect.
Please…..
Comment by ConcernedCitizen — July 8, 2008 @ 4:43 pm
Deep,
A living guinea pig is a lot better than a dead cautious person. If the only available treatment is experimental, you better take it. Go and ask all the people who were diagnosed with AIDS 15 years ago as to why they are still alive. Yes, it was those purely experimental drugs, fast-forwarded by the FDA, because there was NO alternative. What was the worst that could have happened?
Let’s say it clearer, a person must use the best available remedy, or he can fly to Mexico to that quacktor who “cures” cancer with oil rubs. Then again, one can stay home and be embalmed locally, for less money.
Comment by sammygol — July 8, 2008 @ 5:42 pm
Why do people take these horrible drugs. All they do is enrich a small group of people.
If the Rebono Shelolam wants you to live you will survive without these “medicines” and if you are on the Malach Hamavess’ list then it dosen’t matter.
Comment by Left Brooklyn — July 8, 2008 @ 10:21 pm
#5 Hope you’re being sarcastic.. If not - you’ve got a real skewed perception of hishtadlus that a person is mechuyav to do. gei farluz zich oif nissim! Why don’t you just walk into some cars when the light is red for you. Big deal, if it’s bashert you’ll survive, ya know…
Comment by willi — July 9, 2008 @ 1:22 am
Dear Left,
Please take my advice and go on vacation. Oh yeah, you’re definitely there already.
A person much do their hishtadlus!! The outcome is up to Hashem, but doing nothing makes you chayuv.
Comment by Mrs. L — July 9, 2008 @ 9:40 am
#5
Of course God will do what He wants but we must make an effort to protect ourselves. Doctors and medications were created by God too for our benefit.
I don’t believe in medicating for every little ache or pain but sometimes medication is the only choice.
Comment by Jewess — July 9, 2008 @ 10:23 am
# 5
You should also stop supporting your grocer. If Hashem wants you to live, you really do not need any food. Forget about your shopping for clothing, and let your old stuff expand with you, just as in the midbar.
Comment by sammygol — July 9, 2008 @ 11:33 am
#5 GREAT POINT!!! oh, but what if HaShem wants you to take the medicine in order to survive? hmmmm… maybe not such a great point afterall.
#’s 6, 7, 8 and 9 (unqualified)GREAT POINTS!!!
Comment by mdlevine — July 9, 2008 @ 10:33 pm
What I love about this website is that you take even the silliest, insipid comments seriously. Of course I was being facetious.
Comment by Left Brooklyn — July 9, 2008 @ 11:01 pm
Personally, I liked the idea of avoiding new meds for a while, maybe not up to 10 years. This would apply to when there are very good other drugs that would accomplish the same thing, as is often the case, or where the machalah is not too serious. Balancing these two is the main thing.
Comment by PbP — July 13, 2008 @ 2:36 am