Hazardous Antibiotics Sweep the Nation

Serious Risks Caused By Fluoroquinolones 

Just last year the FDA finally issued a warning that Fluoroquinolones antibiotics, taken by mouth or injection, carry a risk for permanent peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves that send information to and from the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body. Damage depends on which nerves are affected; characteristics include Pain, burning, tingling, numbness, weakness, and change in sensation to light touch, pain, or temperature, or sense of body position. 

Research have also linked these drugs to damage in the lining of the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body. Evidence shows these harmful antibiotics can cause two kinds of damage to the aorta. 

1. Dissection (tears)
2. Aneurysms (bulging or enlargement) 

These conditions weaken the walls of the aorta and can lead to leaks or ruptures resulting in possible death. 

Adverse reactions to Fluoroquinolones include:

• Nervous System Symptoms– pain, tingling, and numbness, dizziness, malaise, weakness, headaches, anxiety, and panic, loss of memory, psychosis 
• Musculoskeletal Symptoms– tendon ruptures, tendonitis, weakness, joint swelling
• Sensory Symptoms– tinnitus, altered visual, olfactory, and auditory function 
• Cardiovascular Symptoms– tachycardia, shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations
• Skin Reactions– rashes, hair loss, sweating, intolerance to heat or cold
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms – Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain  

These terrible symptoms occur in patients that are usually healthy, active, and young. The problem arises because these medications are being prescribed for mild infections, such as sinusitis, urinary or prostate infections. When adverse reactions occur, it can take only a few doses, and the severity ranges from acute, severe, frightening, and often disabling.