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For decades, doctors have prescribed fluoroquinolone antibiotics with abandon. They were perceived as highly effective and safe medications against a wide variety of bacterial infections. Tens of millions of prescriptions have been written for ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin) moxifloxacin (Avelox) and norfloxacin (Noroxin), to name just a few FQs or quinolones for short. They are used for sinus, lung and urinary tract infections.
Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics & Side Effects:
It took a long time for the FDA to discover some of the serious complications associated with flouroquinolone antibiotics. They include:
tendon problems, tendinitis, tendon rupture (potentially disabling); arthritis, muscle pain, weakness; headache, dizziness, anxiety, irritability, agitation, restlessness, confusion, insomnia; hallucinations, psychosis, seizures; retinal detachment; depression, suicidal thoughts or actions; irregular heart rhythms, QT prolongation; kidney or liver damage; blood disorders; digestive distress, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, heartburn, vomiting; super-infections, including C. diff diarrhea; allergic reactions, skin rash and anaphylaxis (life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention!).
Add Aortic Aneurysm:
OK, we know your eyes glazed over after the first few side effects. It is impossible to contemplate so many serious drug complications. But we have a relatively new one you need to know about. We suspect most health professionals are unaware of this potentially fatal adverse reaction linked to flouroquinolone antibiotics. Here is a report from a reader:
Q. My dad died five years ago from a ruptured aortic aneurysm. It was just six weeks after being given IV Levaquin for pneumonia–which was misdiagnosed.
At the time, we didn’t connect Levaquin with any problems other than hallucinations. However, four years after his death, researchers reported that fluoroquinolones cause aortic aneurysms and dissections.
There must be others who died from this, and their families will never know that it was from a drug they were given. It saddens me that these drugs are still so commonly used, even after the FDA warned about serious side effects of these antibiotics.
A. A recent Swedish study found that fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics like ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or levofloxacin (Levaquin) are associated with an increased risk of aortic aneurysm (BMJ, March 8, 2018). In this condition the large artery leaving the heart (aorta) develops a weak area that bulges and may burst. This can be fatal.
Researchers have previously linked FQ use with aortic aneurysm (JAMA Internal Medicine, Nov. 2015). Despite this, the FDA determined in 2017 that the agency did not see evidence of an association between fluoroquinolones and “bulges or tears in the aorta” (FDA Drug Safety Communication, 7-26-2017). Perhaps the new study will lead the FDA to reconsider this potentially deadly complication.
The FDA does warn about:
“disabling and potentially permanent side effects of the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves and central nervous system.”
The agency suggests that FQs be reserved for patients who have no other treatment options.
The People’s Pharmacy Perspective:
Antibiotics save lives. There are times when they are absolutely essential. The trouble is that many flouroquinolone antibiotics have been prescribed promiscuously. They should be reserved for last resort situations.
Share your own experience with FQs below in the comment section.
Cathy
High Point, NC
Thanks for this article! Eye opening! Like others, I’ve taken a couple of these over the years. A few years back, I was having more URIs than normal so took Cipro (when ur sick & miserable, u take what ur told & u trust). At that time, I was noticing unusual aches & pains, etc. I did quite a bit of research, read the rx pamphlet & discovered about the side effects from this class of drugs. Needless to say, I take it no more & feel I have long term side effects from the use of the drug that have affected the quality of my life, cost me lots of money & time & sadness.
Shockingly, I just found out I have an aortic aneurysm (after a lung CT caused from reactions I was having to Clonidine for high bp – it was awful). I’m only 60 & feel in so many ways I’ve been robbed. I can’t blame my doctors. I have to MAKE myself be positive. I’m at risk now of losing the tiny & very ltd health insurance I have – b/c of what I just discovered is a side effect of another line of drugs – PPIs (or even Cipro). Seems like last year the universe decided it was to be my year of health events & discovery. My thoughts, for what it’s worth……
Tina Renee
Kentucky
On 8/7/2017 I was given yet again another prescription for an antibiotic. On this date it was a generic form of Levofloxacin. I took the medication, and the same evening experienced chest pain, rapid heatbeats, sweating and even got sick to my stomach. I was told by the pharmacy to stop the medication and call my doctor in the morning. The next day I called and was told to continue taking the medication as I had been suffering from a cough and had sinus infection. (That very week I was given an x-ray which came back normal. )
Forward to 4/13/2018 I went back to the doctor, and she did another x-ray, as I was still having problems with chest pains, shortness of breath. This time she found an aortic aneurysm. I have searched for counsel since learning that the antibiotic can cause not only the aneurysm, but neuropathy and have been unable to find such since it was a generic form of Levaquin I took the last time.
This drug has ruined my life and my future as I know it. It should be taken off the shelf, as the bad side effects out-weigh the good effects, at least to me and my family.
Beck
NC
My granddaughter was diagnosed with pneumonia a few weeks ago and was given Levaquin. What is the alternative when you have a bacterial infection such as pneumonia? Had no idea about the dangers of Cipro and Levaquin.
Bill
katy, TX
Are there any safe antibiotics?
Sandra J.
Florida
I have neuropathy in my feet and could not figure how I got it. Now I believe it was from cipro. You’re right that back in the 90s it was prescribed like candy. Now I’m stuck with neuropathy.
Gene
Florida
Many of the posts here mention that no (or little) adverse reaction to Cipro (and other) antibiotics is mentioned by the doctors or the FDA. Likewise is the lack of information on the terrible and permanent side effects of Statins. My life has been ruined by Statins, and the doctors still tell me that they are the best thing since sliced bread. I have had almost all the side effects and can get no help. Please keep up the good work, and keep the information coming on the side effects of Statins and Antibiotics. After all, 20 years ago the number one killer was heart disease, and after Statins it still is. Makes you wonder doesn’t it?
Paul
Texas
First ever Levaquin prescription April 16, 2018, then life-threatening (and almost ending) Aortic dissection July 7, 2018.
cc
allentown
Just want to add that the reason these drugs continue to be prescribed like candy is that we have a faulty FDA post surveillance monitoring that is purely voluntary by physicians and patients. These warnings are a joke. We need severe consequences for physicians who continue to prescribe these drugs inappropriately. The mechanism of harm is poorly understood despite hard data validating such. It takes people sometimes years to get accurate diagnosis for peripheral neuropathy, tendon rupture, neuropsychiatric symptoms and fatigue. That is another medical system failure. Their excuse is that they save lives. No one ever talks about the lives saved, even if appropriately prescribed and the patients are so ill they wish they were dead. This is a very complex problem, just like opioids and will end in genocide if there is no wake up call. The FDA put out these warnings because of victims uniting, testifying to the FDA and fighting to their last breath. I, as a
healthy person before cipro, know first hand such devastation and further harm from a broken medical system. My story is far from unique.
Bev
USA
What are other alternatives than these do we have to choose from? I’ve taken Cipro and levaquin but to my knowledge haven’t had side affects and now feel very lucky. Why does it happen to some but not all who take it? I’ve never been on long term meds of any kind other than an antibiotic or cure myself. Can it be that synthetics interacts with other synthetics that aren’t compatible? What are other alternatives than these?
Catherine N. P.
NJ
How many of these patients also had MRIs to help diangose their medical issues and became additionally harmed?! Check http://www.gadoliniumtoxicity.com I am posioned via gadolinium from 9 mris with it and it is STILL inside me some 8.5 years later…IN SUCH HIGH LEVELS causing FIBROSIS! along with vaccine ingredients metals such as aluminum, lead and mercury STILL inisde me and barium from swallow studies! get checked to see how much might STILL be ionside your bodies!
http://www.gadoliniumtoxicity.com three types of whcih are yanked from market over in EUROPE but nowhere else…
Fay
North Carolina
A relative just went through a surgery to place a stent in an artery in the brain because of a bulging artery wall which could lead to an aneurysm. Could it be that the antibiotic that she took prompted the issue? I suspect aneurysms could turn up other places besides the aorta.
Cari
NC
After taking several rounds of Cipro and Levaquin for various reasons, including, but not limited to, bladder infections and sinus infections, I felt a tendon snap in my foot. I lost control of my ability to stand and fell onto the pavement. As a result, I broke my foot. Also, I have late onset scoliosis, and I think all of this is from weak tendons and ligaments from taking that nasty medication. Too bad we didn’t know about what these meds can do prior to taking them. It’s hard to trust pharmaceuticals for this and other meds that have various terrible side-effects.
Rick
Lewiston, ME
Thanks for the TIMELY update. I’m vert susceptible to Pneumonia and had x-rays on the 19th, then this arrived. On the 22nd, my MD advised the x-ray showed Pneumonia (expected) and tried to give me Levaquin. NOPE!!! Thanks for your work!!!
Katy
Illinois
I took levaquin numerous times for UTI’s and developed a bursitis like hip problem that I have yet to conquer. I am 99% sure it is from that medicine. I am hoping I don’t have any aortic issues from it- hoping someone knows how long it stays in your body.
Casey B
HI
NEVER TAKE A SYNTHETIC “Antibiotic” Containing Fluoroquinolone (NOT EVEN ONCE) Please donʻt let this suffering be in vain I would not wish this on anyone.
I feel so alone I have no hope, no desires, everything has been taken from me by this poison. I took 7 doses of cipro a few days ago & the effects are killing me. My vision is blurry, i have pressurized headaches in my forehead, all of my bones are popping and hurting ALL OF THEM, I can hardly walk, talk or type. Iʻve never wanted to die so bad in all of my life.
I have no balance anymore, I canʻt lay down without pain, I canʻt stand without pain, I canʻt sit without pain, I can no longer hold my children or drive. And today I had the worst experience of my entire life, I got up from the bed Iʻve been stuck in to take an epsom salt bath because the pain in my back while laying was unbearable.
I made it down the first step and a horrible feeling came over me like i was dying all of a sudden I had to lay down and my bones hurt more and more and were spasming and straining, I was shaking and threw up, my heart and breathing was dramatic I was sure I was going to die.
I sat their on those steps for several hours in a fetal position hoping it would stop. When the nausea and spasms finally settled I crawled back onto the floor and layed down for a few more hours, this was the scariest experience of my life.
Before taking these pills I had none of these problems. I look forward to life in a wheelchair and I hope the POS company producing this drug enjoys the $20 I paid to poison myself.
David
West Palm Beach, Fl
To Casey B. and everybody else. I got Cipro poisoned in the mid 1990s and it took a few years to figure out what was happening to me. If you have all or any of these pain symptoms, note that you need to just stay put and do nothing. Taking steroids and “PHYSICAL THERAPY” are contra indicated. Do as little movement as possible. For me, I get what I call a “hit” whenever I eat meat or poultry that has been fed a fluoroquinolone antibiotic and my hits now last three to four weeks and then I am sort of OK again. I had two hits in 2017 and have already had one now in 2018. Helping two Gulf War vets get information about their Gulf War illnesses (they all took Cipro), I updated my information about Cipro and discovered that there is now a test for FQ poisoning and discovered with new research information, that FQs kill your mitochondria and change your DNA. Now I have to add this new information about aorta aneurysm problems.
The prognosis is not good, but going organic and eating grass fed beef has helped me stay somewhat active and able to help others.
DJ
Arkansas
I was diagnosed with an aeortal aneurysm last fall. Now I’m wondering if the Leviquin I was prescribed two years ago is what led to this aneurysm. No previous family history and I’m a 40 year old female.
Lara
Germany
These are drugs used against the plague or anthrax, which affect the body like a chemotherapy and can cause horrific, potentially irreversible damages. They should only be considered as last resort medication for severe life-or-death infections, and only after informed consent of the patient. But they get prescribed for trivial infections, or even just prophylactically, also in ear-drops or eye-drops, also to children…
Last week, there was a Public Hearing on fluoroquinolones and quinolones at the EMA / European Medical Agency in London. The video of the hearing can be watched on YouTube, and the EMA’s written summary of the hearing is available on the EMA website.
Also, see the FDA warnings for fluoroquinolones. Do your own research and look for “adverse reactions to fluoroquinolones”. Get well-informed about these drugs … in your own best interest – and for the sake of your loved ones. The cases of damaged health are far from being “rare”. Join a support group if you have taken/ been given these drugs in the past.
Eleanor
USA
My husband had a procedure for a cyst removal and was prescribed levaquin. Two years later he had an AAA rupture at home. This size 10cm aneurysm appeared “out of nowhere” according to his regular doctor, as there had been no sign in his earlier scans according to him.
Laurie
Simpsonville, SC
I took cipro many times through the years for UTIs. In my 40s I developed peripheral neuropathy. No reason for my having this was ever identified. I strongly suspect it was caused by cipro, even though my doctor says it’s not likely. I tell all doctors now that I do not want any FQ antibiotics when there are other effective drugs that can be tried.
JOSEPH M
OH
It’s really disconcerting to read about all the problems surrounding the use of flouroquinolone antibiotics. My one experience with levofloxacin was really, really good. I had a really painful sore throat last fall, and it started while on a 10 day long bus trip. Pain was about an 8 out of 10 at times. Aspirin did nothing for me on the trip.
As soon as we arrived home I visited a covering doctor who prescribed a 10 day course of “Z pac.” After 4 days, still no results and the pain continued. Going back to him, he sent me to a local ENT doctor, who after examining my sinus diagnosed a sever sinus infection. Within 3 days the pain had subsided down to a 2 or 3 and disappeared by the end of the 4th day. I finished the 10 day treatment with no after effects.
Gerri F
I was on Levofloxacin when my niece brought my mail to my bedside and there was an article in a newsletter saying this drug should be used only as a last resort. The article said it could cause ruptured tendons. I showed the newsletter to my doctor and asked him to discontinue this drug. He agreed with the article and I was switched to another drug.
About 6 months after I discontinued this drug, I started having severe pain in my feet and the pain has not abated. I was being treated for germs I picked up at the hospital: UTI, E-coli, pneumonia. Two other drugs that harmed me were PRADAXA and HEPARIN. Pradaxa is not to be given to anyone over age 65 and I was 80 at the time.
I got blood clots from Pradaxa when they stopped the Pradaxa to implant my pacemaker. Then I was given HEPARIN to break up the blood clots. The Heparin caused my blood platelets to fall to 46 from 200,000. Blood samples were flown to the Mayo Clinic and I found that I had developed HIT disease caused by the Heparin. I had to give myself belly shots for 6 months before my platelets were normal again.
Donna N
Houston
My 88 year old, very active husband has had a 3.24 aorta aneurism for the past 4 years. He had a hernia replacement repair because it was obstructing his bowels, this was June 2017. He came through the surgery great.
In May 2018, his aneurism has grown to 5. My concern is that he was given some of these fluoroquinolone drugs. Thanks for hearing my story. We are so scared because of the growing so fast in one year.
Grant
Vero Beach, FL
What about nitrofurantonin mono/mac? I usually do not take antibiotics and have not been allergic to anything until prescribed this drug by my urologist last year. I had pain in my liver and kidneys,….never had before, shortness of breath and immediately stopped taking it after two days.
I then received a call from my urologist that I did not have to take it as I did not have an infection after all. I no longer go to any urologist even though I am over 70 yrs as I have had too many of these negative experiences with them, but do have regular examinations from my trusted GP, dermatologist, etc.
I trust the old GPs that seem to be a disappearing physician.
Michael
BuffaloNY
While I have received Cipro a few times without apparent problems, this conversation illustrates a problem with medicine package inserts. In the present discussion, I might be much more accepting of Cipro or another medicine if I were told “there are serious risks with this product but they are temporary and will not have long term consequences” but would be much more resistant to a warning of possible long term or permanent effects. This differential should be required in patient information for each individual effect.
Patricia
south carolina
I have been prescribed Levoquin for bronchitis, and the first time my legs felt like they were drawing up, and I could hardly walk. They changed it to something else. The last time Levoquin was prescribed I had a red and blue big circle near my ankle. I stopped it immediately but it took forever for my leg to clear up. An RN saw my leg and said they should have taken Levoquin off the maket yrs ago. That was 3 yrs ago. I will never take it again.
Lyn
NY
I also took Cipro and Flagyl for diverticulitis. After only two days on this treatment, I developed SEVERE insomnia, bad strange hallucinations, and such mental confusion that I couldn’t even understand the labels on my medication bottles! It was since determined by my rheumatologist’s pharmacist that it was most probably the Cipro that caused these horrible side effects. Now I have it listed in all my medical records NO CIPRO! Do a search online and you can read about all the people that Cipro has harmed. Besides the way it wreaks havoc on different parts of the body, this group of antibiotics affects the brain in a certain way unlike any other antibiotic. I’m hoping for the day I hear that it’s recalled forever!
Kat
Florida
A surgeon prescribed levaquin in 2004 to help clear up two badly infected sebaceous cysts on my back that he had excised. Within just a few days I began to experience severe muscle and joint pain in my legs and arms. I read the fine print about the med, and that was listed near the bottom. I asked my doctor for a new script and stopped the levaquin, but it took months for the pain to go away. He said he prescribed it because it was taken only once a day, and he felt I would be more compliant than with a med that had to be taken four times a day. I always list levaquin when listing my drug allergies on medical forms.
Andrea C
Houston,TX
Two years ago I was diagnosed with a lung infection and the dr prescribed levaquin. I took it for about 5 days (although prescribed for 10). I noticed that my my intestines saw an immediate change and also could not raise my right arm. I will not take that again if I know what they are prescribing. It took over 2 weeks for my arm to be near normal. But it is still painful from time to time. I think my joint pains started then, too.
Rowena
Texas
A friend was given levaquin for pneumonia and suffered detached retinae and ligament problems.
Geraldine
I agree with everything bad that was said about antibiotics, and I try to stay away from them as much as possible. However, my faith in God and my trust in Jesus carries me through. He will let me know the danger zones
Sally
Jacksonville, OR
Years ago I discovered a book titled “Bitter Pills’ by Stephen Fried whose excerpts were published in the New York Times. The book chronicles his wife’s dark journey with fluoros.
Susan
76001
I was given cipro November of 2017 along with another antibiotic and can’t remember the name of it. Each time that I took the cipro would tell my husband “Here goes that poison.” I continued to take it since I was told if I didn’t I would be in hospital with my intestines ruptured. I did end up in the hospital because the cipro caused me to have a TIA. Paralyzed on one side and was not able to speak. Still have a few side effects from the medication and now wondering what is left to take since I’m allergic to so much. What has happened to our drugs?
Bill
Katy, TX
After a bladder operation I was given cipro for my many cystoscopies . Once I was given Bactrim for the same purpose which interacted with my benazepril to put me in the hospital for 5 days. Is there a list of antibiotics that are relatively safe?
mary m.
Have used cipro very rarely through the years. For my urinary infections it can’t be beat. It’s the best for me.
Douglas R.
Plano, TX
Almost 5 years ago I was prescribed Cipro for Prostatitis. On the 18th day I awoke, and my knees felt like someone had injected concrete into them. I had to move my legs with my hands. At that time I played basketball 3 times a week, tennis twice a week. It was almost 3 1/2 years before I played full court BB again. I was able to play some 1/2 court BB after about 1 1/2 years. For months I awoke around 3 AM with terrible pain in my lower legs. I thought I was finally totally over it but about 4 months ago I injured a finger and finally went to a Doctor, as I was told it might be infected – that was about 2 1/2 months ago. They prescribed Keflex on a Friday: I played full court BB the following Thursday but my legs felt very strange on Friday after golf. On Saturday I was a volunteer at a charity event and my legs, but especially my patella tendons, were so painful I could hardly walk. I had to leave early and almost needed a wheel chair to get to my car. It has slowly gotten better (I am trying everything possible) but in no way can I play BB or dance. I do not understand why the ‘Keflex’ reacted on me.
sylvia reynolds
VA
I was given lelvaquin for a persistent sinus infection. I wish I had know about the seriousness of the side effects. I was prescribed a steroid along with it. I felt like something was wrong and asked my dr. He told me to keep on taking it because it would not hurt me. Developed tendonitis in shoulder area and in legs, left leg worse than the right. Tried to obey drs orders and keep on taking it but finally gave up on that. It left me essentially disabled and in great pain with movement for months. Took me over a year to get back to something like normal. Left leg still not okay but I guess it is as good as it is going to get. Dressing and using the “potty” awful, difficulty walking and navigating any stairs. Have warned people about this medication. I have found that many folks think it is hard to believe since the dr. prescribed it but I think before you are given this that the dr. should talk to you about the side effects, and let you choose whether or not you want to take this. My daughter in- law’s dr. did just that, and he warned her about the tendonitis and she choose, of course, not to take it. I wish I had been talked to about the side effects so I could have chosen not to take it.
Diane
N.Y.
In 2014, I was dx’d with a Sinus Infection, Levaquin was prescribed. I had 2 open heart surgeries, both for Aortic Aneuyrsmal Repairs. The Levaquin is a very harsh drug for me. After taking it for a few days, I was told to d/c using because the Levaquin caused me to have bleeding in my lungs. I was very seriously ill.
Pepi
Harrison, OH
What is your recommendation for people that need to take an anti-virus medication?
Thanks
David
West Palm Beach, FL
Reply to PEPI in Harrison, Oh: Do not let a doctor prescribe any antibiotic for a viral infection. Period.
Debbie
Greensboro NC
I was prescribed Cipro in the past with no problems. In 2014 I was prescribed Cipro intravenously in the hospital for diverticulitis, and as soon as I was released I suffered from a retinal detachment which very nearly took the vision in my right eye. In 2015 I was prescribed Cipro again for 7 days in the ER for another bout of diverticulitis and developed painful tendonitis in my left shoulder. I couldn’t raise my arm enough to put a shirt on over my head. My general physician insisted that 7 days wasn’t enough so I had to take Cipro for 3 more days. It was then that I developed tendonitis in my right shoulder too.
I saw a very good sports medicine physician who helped me recover and he said he had seen a 23 year-old patient who could no longer walk because her tendonitis resulting from Cipro was so far advanced. I made sure that every doctor I see has a note that I cannot take fluoroquinolones of any kind. This drug should be taken off the market except in cases of anthrax!
Pam
Raleigh
Many years ago I was given Cipro followed by Levaquin over a 3 week period for a respitory infection. I developed pain in my rotator cuffs and other joints. Finally a month after stopping the antibiotics I was diagnosed with tears in my rotator cuff. Surgery was suggested but I opted for physical therapy. After 6 months the pain began to ease up. When I told the prescribing doctor that I felt it was caused by the antibiotics he looked at me as if I had 3 heads. Now I try many alternative treatments before going on any antibiotics.
Bill T.
Charlotte
Thanks, Joe, for the article on antibiotics. I have had an ongoing UTI for months, probably related to a long-standing enlarged prostate. I have REFUSED Cipro and Bactrim, and have tried some probiotics, though swallowing difficulties have made it difficult to maintain the doses I would like. (I have Barrett’s Esophagus and a possible hiatal hernia.)
My specific bacterium is Serratia, apparently harder to deal with than ecoli. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I am asymptomatic with the UTI, thankful for that, but it still shows up in the tests, and I know it needs to be dealt with. I’ve thought about sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir. Any value in these for what I have?
Thanks,
Bill
Helen
Anaheim CA
I have probably responded to this before, but I will repeat. When a patient has a urinalysis to identify a urinary tract infection, the doctor orders lab work including a culture. If there is infection, the report comes back to the doctor with a list of antibiotics that are most effective. It seems that the list always includes a fluoroquinolone, usually levaquin for simple UTIs that are commonly E coli. So, of course the doctors write prescriptions by the hundreds for it.
Unless the patient has had a problem in the past and has done their homework and knows it can be dangerous to take it they are at risk. If the labs didn’t have it programmed to pop up for simple infections, perhaps that would help. I don’t know. I have been hearing about (and experienced a problem) with these drugs since Oprah’s daily show was on the air, and she had a group of people discussing problems with them. A husband was suing the drug maker for his wife’s death. This is 2018, and we are still being warned by your column.
I always mention not wanting to take any quinolones when I am questioned about allergies every time I go into a hospital for any procedure. A small handful of nurses might know what drugs I am talking about. Most do not. I have to push them to note on my chart that I do not want to take any. I warn as many people as I can to be careful about taking them. Including my doctor.
Carla
Santa Rosa, CA
Thank you so much for sending out this information. I have been disabled from Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (Cipro and Levaquin) for more than five years now. I am slowly healing from this systemic poisoning through natural treatments, herbs and supplements, careful diet, various physical therapies and positive imaging, and I highly recommend that those affected consult a Naturopathic, Ayurvedic or Chiropractic Doctor who knows about these dangerous drugs. I have been informing as many people as possible, asking them to tell their doctors they are “allergic” to Fluoroquinolones. I am grateful to have your article to share on my FaceBook pages.
Mary
I do wonder if iodine deficiency increases side effects from these antibiotics?
They tell us we have enough iodine BUT rarely is it tested so how can that be known?
I was ordered this drug for a UTI several months ago. I upped my iodine supplementation while taking it and afterwards for a while. No noticeable side effects for me.
Paul
Raleigh, nc
How long after usage do the problems continue? How do you tie events to the using certain types of antibiotics?
Some events occurred after using this type of antibiotic a few years ago “TO CLEAR UP” a urinary infection (experienced at 5+/- year intervals for over 40 years). I had had some unexpected problems at intervals of month to years. There was a high hamstring tear. Then Plantar fasciitis. Then shoulder rotator cuff. Latest event is tendon soreness at back of neck when moving head.
Some years earlier an enlargement of the aorta was found and is now being checked yearly.
Christie M
37933
My father and my mother-in-law were both wheelchair-bound for life after being given IV Levaquin for pneumonia. As a result, every member of my family has listed all flouroquinolones as drug allergies in our medical files. Doctors are baffled when they see this. Why don’t they know?
Likewise, regarding another boxed drug, I’ve battled terrible, debilitating intestinal issues and weight lost for 8 years. I’ve seen numerous doctors, endured invasive testing, and had a perfectly good gallbladder removed in an attempt to solve the problem. At no point did any physician or pharmacist indicate that my blood pressure med might be the culprit. My own desperation and research finally uncovered the fact that Benicar, first prescribed for me in 2009, was investigated by The Mayo Clinic, and they informed the FDA of the dangers of taking the drug. The FDA put their black label warning on it and moved on. Why did every doctor ignore the fact that they were prescribing a very dangerous drug?
I encourage others who appear to have IBS or Celiac Disease, or any other issues, to check the prescriptions you’re taking, no matter how innocuous they appear to be. Something as simple (or not) as a 20mg BP med can be destroying your life.
Regarding Benicar, my statements can be verified by merely Googling
‘Spruelike Enteropathy’.
James
Dallas
The Sunday before Thanksgiving last year a nurse practitioner at an urgent care facility diagnosed me with pneumonia and wrote a prescription for levofloxacin. Fortunately, she was aware of the potential problems with tendons and warned me about it. By the time I got home, I had decided that my tendons were just too important. After many phone calls back and forth, I finally got her to change the prescription to something less problematic. As it turns out, the substitute antibiotic was quite effective. Now that I know about this aortic aneurysm business, I am doubly grateful that I was able to dodge this FQ bullet.
Karen
TX
My 90-year-old mother was given Levaquin while in the hospital for low sodium and diverticulitis. She ended up hallucinating for days, no longer able to walk, barely able to understand what was happening around her. Once the health issues were resolved, she ended up in a nursing home until she regained her mental faculties and was able to walk again. It was horrific! She had gone from being an active, mentally sound, elderly woman to someone who required round-the-clock care. Fortunately, after about six weeks she recovered to almost her previous level. From that point on I ‘forcefully’ let any and every doctor she saw know that she was never to be given that family of drug again. This drug should be banned for use in the elderly.
Grama P
OR
The flouroquinolones destroyed my Mama’s recall as well. We care for her at home, and sometimes it seems she is making a little progress, but, she is still SO easily confused, if there are two things going on nearby simultaneously, she cant follow a conversation, nor recall anything.
Definitely hurt her mental status. After this happened to her, I told my doctors I am “allergic” to flouroquinolones, because I know that is the way to make sure nobody ever gives me any more. I was repeatedly Floxed, too, several years ago, and have had chronic pain syndrome, from ruptured and bulged disks in my spine, and I have fibromyalgia.
I fully believe that Flouroquinolones cause Fibromyalgia. Considering that the ‘quinolones’ damage connective tissue, and I used to NOT have fibromyalgia, and I have lumps in my tissues now that are REALLY painful, it stands to reason that these lumps are my body’s way of trying to wall-off damaged connective tissues in my body… now, whatever could it be that damaged my connective tissues? :)
Lynn
Cary, NC
I was recently prescribed ciprofloxacin for a kidney infection. The P.A. called the prescription in and my husband picked it up. I was too ill to read the information sheet that accompanied the prescription until after I had taken all the pills; therefore, it was too late to call my doctor for another medication.
Is it appropriate for individuals to add to our medical records a notice that floroquinolone antibiotics should only be prescribed as a last resort?
David L.
California
In this type of article, the actual increase in likelihood of the side effects should be included. I know that the tendon issue happen frequently, but how often does aortic aneurysm follow this antibiotic treatment? 1%? .001%?
Lahna Y
MI
A huge part of the problem with these drugs is that the side effects often come AFTER, sometimes long after, the ingestion. Then there is a problem connecting the issue with the drug. The drug companies will say it wasn’t from the drug. Also, those who are affected later don’t connect the issue to the drug. Doctors don’t connect the issue to the drug. Meanwhile, $$$ is made.
Judith
CA
I am wondering how long after taking Levaquin am I in danger of the heart problem? Is it a permanent condition?
Kassandra
Arizona
I would be interested to know who is more likely to have a problem with some or all of the potential side effects. More details would be great!
Lahna Y
MI
I was given Cipro for an uncomplicated UTI. I was given it despite the fact that it is not to be given for such use, or to one over 60. I am both.
I took it in the past with no issues (that I recall), so I wasn’t worried. TWO WEEKS AFTER I finished the Rx, I went to bed just fine but woke up in pain. I could barely crawl out of bed and hobble across the room. Every tendon in my lower legs hurt. From there it crawled up my body until every tendon in my body hurt, I developed neuropathy in my arms and hands, I felt exhausted, I couldn’t think straight as if I had sudden onset dementia.
Over time, I started to get saggy skin and “loose” joints in my hands and knees. It’s now been about 15 months and I have improved about 75%, but I lost a year of my regular life over that poison. I have holes in my memory of last year. Will I get an aneurysm too?
Doctors were NO help at all. So, I went from being a very active biking, swimming, hiking adult to a wimpering housebound invalid overnight from an Rx freely handed out. NEVER take them, never put them in your eyes, never put them in your ears. Be careful of your children or they may get eardrum rupture with those drops. Be careful of your elders in nursing care getting them prophylactically. I am one of the luckier ones, I’m recovering.
Lahna Y
MI
It’s an equal opportunity drug.
Bonnie
N. C.
These drugs should be banned from the market. I had a very serious reaction to Cipro and Flagyll a few years back when at my local hospital and they thought that I had diverticulitis. I had hallucinations and other adverse reactions. I don’t recommend these type of drugs for anyone. I am sure there must be something else better out there!
Betty
UT
I had pneumonia in October of 2016. I was put on levofloxacin. The first day I took it, I felt nervous (like a kid waiting for Christmas.) I couldn’t sleep that night. The second day I took it, and all the agitation increased. It felt like a drill was going through my bellybutton, and I was awake all night again. I had a thought of going up on my roof, just for something to do. The third time I took a pill, I thought, “That was stupid-you know it’s these pills causing the problems. It was another horrible night and the pain through my belly area was nerve-wracking. I called the doctor and demanded other medication. For months afterward, my right arm hurt, and I had hand and arm weakness in my right arm and shoulder.
I have this medication listed in my phone under the word, “NO.” The only way they could put this in my body again is if I’m in a coma.
Jill
Dallas
I took cipro 3 yrs ago for a gardening injury that was becoming infected. Three days after taking cipro I could hardly walk. I literally went to sleep one night a healthy person who worked out every day and woke up in agonizing pain barely able to walk. So I called my doctor, he was horrified to find out how common the tendon rupturing side effects were with cipro. I was only on it for 3 days and ended up in a cast then a boot for almost 7 months. Most of my tendons hurt but my Achilles was the worst, it was in danger of severing. So I decided to read everything I could about these side effects. Cipro and other floriquin antibiotics deplete your body of magnesium and damage mitochondrial dna. I started taking Calm Magnesium and other supplements and managed to battle my way out of this. Be very careful taking these meds, they are overprescribing them.
Lahna Y
MI
Exactly what happened to me.
Cheryl
kingston, ontario
I was prescribed Cipro in July 2014 for an uncomplicated UTI. I do not have a history of UTI’s nor do I take any pharmaceutical drugs. At the time of the UTI I was 50 years old, not in the ‘high risk’ category for adverse reactions for fluoroquinolones. I took 5 of the 7 1000mg XL (once a day) pills and within two weeks had severe muscle tightening in my neck to the point that I could not move my neck, tingling up and down my spine, muscle fatigue in arms and shoulders, ankle tendons started to ache. A tendon in my right bicep pulled that fall and have since been diagnosed with tendinosis in three of my shoulder tendons. As I said, prior to cipro, I had no issues. Now I am restricted in my activities such as riding my bicycle, kayaking, gardening. I now have to be careful not to do too much as the muscle and tendon problem will flair up. October 2017 my shoulder seized and I could not move my arm for several days. I have spend a fortune between physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, osteopaths, massage and detox protocols to try and rid myself of the drug and heal. I think some of the fall out is permanent. My mother, who has since passed, was prescribed a fluoroquinolone in August 2014 and I begged and pleaded that she not take it as she already had peripheral neuropathy She took it and the PN was made worse. I think her PN started with the use of these drugs for lung infections, she could not take a lot of antibiotics and I think she was prescribed from this group. The doctors could find no reason/cause for the PN but looking back, I would bet it was fluoroquinolones.
DrNetwork
Olympia, WA
I was given a couple of Cipro pills to take as a proactive antibiotic on the day I was to undergo a prostate biopsy precedure. The next day I had a fever, and the urologist advised me to keep taking Cipro. He ordered more pills for me. The fever continued, and I felt worse. I felt a pattern of bumps all over my scalp, and I had very bad pains in both of my thighs. I couldn’t open my mouth very wide and my neck was stiff. I had large bags under my eyes. After 2 more days, I decided to stop the Cipro, a medication I had never taken before. But the fever continued unabated and I made several trips to Urgent Care. After 10 days, I was admitted to the hospital. They ran a LOT of tests, and after another week or so, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called ANCA Vasculitis. It was attacking my kidneys, and causing real damage. I had to take a lot of Prednisone over a period of several months, but I finally got better. Did Cipro actually trigger the Vasculitis? No one can say with any certainty.
Marcia
There’s abundant evidence that FQ’s are also implicated in neuropathy – especially that catch-all basket of disease known as idiopathic neuropathy. Google it – amazing. As far as I know, the FQ’s have a black box warning for the medical profession now.
Victoria
Virginia
Very dangerous indeed! The first prescribed pill of Cipro inflated my legs and had both blood and lymphatic fluid leaking from both of them. It has taken me 4 years to get the left leg healed and the right still has a little ways yet to go before I may be released from wound care. Fluoroquinolones are poison…never again!
Claudia
NC
In 2010 my 80 year old, very healthy father was prescribed levoquin for a sinus infection. Within a few days of beginning the medication he was walking outside and brought to his knees by pain in his calf. Looking up the side effects of levoquin I found the warning about tendon damage. I called the doctor and he said to discontinue the levoquin and after examining my father did not find any lasting damage to the tendon. My father recovered within a few days from the pain and all was well. To the point that doctors are too ready to prescribe this class of medicine, when my father developed pneumonia within a few weeks of this episode the same doctor prescribed another medication in this drug family, until I reminded him of my father’s reaction. I would have thought that a drug with a ‘black box’ warning would only be prescribed as a last resort, and when prescribed, the doctor would spend time advising the patient of the potential side effects. I have warned several people to be skeptical of taking this drug if prescribed, and would advise requesting the doctor to eliminate other antibiotic treatments before prescribing this one.
Karen
Arizona
I am one of the thousands affected by fluoroquinolones. In 2012, I was given Levaquin via IV for a small back procedure to implant a neurostimulator trial. After the procedure, I was sent home with 5 days of generic Levaquin. My nightmare began with horrible electric shocks all over my body. I had vision issues, my tendons in my Achilles tendons nearly ruptured, I had brain fog, muscle and joint pain, diarrhea, anxiety, dizziness–lost 40 pounds in just 3 weeks. In 2018, I am still dealing with parathesia, peripheral neuropathy and tendon swelling and pain. these drugs belong off the market for anyone except the most severe infection that nothing else works for. It has destroyed so many lives and I am furious that I was given it for something so small when there are many other antibiotics that the doctor could have given me. On top of that, the doctor changed my records to deny he gave me Levaquin–he changed it to read, “appropriate level IV antibiotics” Such a shame–how do people live with themselves?
Mary E.
Garner NC
Hmmm. I am currently being treated for a long time (1.5 years) tibial tendonitis issue and it’s difficult to treat. Lots of PT and balance restoration classes. I think maybe I need to go back and see if it all started after taking Cipro? And maybe I should start listing that as one of the things I am allergic to on my medical information charts.
Lahna Y
MI
YES, put flouoquinolones on your record as an “allergy”. They don’t cause an allergy, they are a poison.
Lora
Was given Levaquin several years ago. First night I had severe head pain on the right side of my head and couldn’t sleep. Contacted doctor next day and he immediately changed to another medication. Also, when I picked up medication from pharmacy, I was warned not to do any strenuous activities during and for a month after taking it. Another customer did not heed the warning while training for a marathon and ended up with a torn Achilles’ tendon
Grama P
OR
Definitely list it as an allergy. Consider it as sure as poison oak to cause you grief.
John H.
PA
I took oral Levequin 3 years ago for a severe URI. I was prescribed 10-500mg tabs. After taking the 6th dose, I became really dizzy and began having crazy hallucinations. I’ve been a Psych Nurse for 18 years and knew what was happening. Without being too lengthy, I ended up in the ER, went into complete liver and Kidney failure and had my ankle tendon blow apart plus so many other side effects that continue to this day. DO NOT take any of these FQ meds under any circumstances, trust me on this!
Carolyn
ME
My first Cipro prescription was for a UTI. For 3 months afterward I had a racing heartbeat but I thought it must be anxiety about upcoming retirement. Later that year I had cataract surgery and was prescibed Cipro eyedrops. My eyes itched and ran so badly the doctor told me to stop the drops. For several months after that I had severe chest pains. I still didn’t associate it with Cipro until a health professional asked if I had taken it recently and told me of side effects other patients and she herself had experienced (ruptured Achilles tendons being common). Now I feel lucky that it didn’t result in an aneurysm, but wonder if permanent damage was done.
Joe
Alabama
I took the generic…levofloxin. It blew apart my Achilles in both feet.
When I investigated a potential lawsuit I was told that you cannot sue a generic drug company…a ruling by the Supreme Court.
Christine
Florida
I am stunned. I had no aortic Anyrhythm a few years ago. Now, it has almost reach max size. I received huge dosages of cipro and Levaquil when I, too, had been wrongly diagnosed with pneumonia. How insane is this. Now i live with a timebomb in my body. Sigh
Debbie
Florida
Would be nice to know the ages of patients that have had this side effect. Are seniors more susceptible? Our 21 year old son was asked to bring Cipro on his mission trip to Costa Rica in case of severe diarrhea. Thinking of telling him to not take it.
James
North Carolina
A few years ago I was prescribed Cipro. After taking one pill I had severe muscle and joint reactions. I stopped taking Cipro after the first pill. Guess I was fortunate that nothing worse happened.
Ray S.
Lahna Y
MI
GET HIM OFF THAT POISON!!! It affects all ages. It can work nicely and then attack you until you are a disabled, crying mess without hope. What the heck is wrong with immodium AFTER he has a problem?
MJ
Kentucky
Our son had frequent infections as a child (ear, sinuses). He was prescribe cipro at least 2 or 3 times during his childhood. Should he be checked by a cardiologist now as adult?
Nora
I have sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy that was caused by FQs. It was diagnosed after I had taken a course of Cipro, but the neurologist was not able to identify the cause. When I took Levaquin five months later the nerve damage became much more severe and the cause became clear. Seven years later, it is still severe. The FDA put out a warning about this risk in the autumn of 2004, but I’m finding that links to it that I had saved no longer work.
Sherry
Waxhaw, NC
Since writing you the above question and speaking at a large FDA meeting in 2015 regarding fluoroquinolones as not only have I myself been sick for over 24 years from them but my dad dying, the FDA has debunked this issue and the retinal detachment problem as well! How discouraging and frustrating this has been for me.
After many research papers being written about fluoroquinolones and aortic aneurysms the FDA still will NOT agree and has actually put it in the inserts about it.
I am very active in many Facebook groups and many of the victims have been diagnosed with AAs and retinal detachments after being poisoned by these drugs.
Once again Big Pharma has won and the FDA has failed us.
Jack
Rapid City, SD
I have been on Cipro for almost six months for a chronic prostrate infection. I got very sick as if I have sepsis when I stopped taking the Cipro. The doctor felt it’s because the infection was still serious, and I needed a longer duration of Cipro to beat the tough as leather prostate infection.
Now I’m worried. Is there something safer than Cipro that will clear up the chronic prostrate infection? I cannot take sulfa drugs.
Grama P
OR
Call your pharmacist, and ask if another antibiotic may be as useful without your needing flouroquinolones. They should know the answer. Then call your doc, just say I don’t want to take flouroquinolones. Can you prescribe a different antibiotic… such as…..
Linda
Helena
At this point I’m ready to declare that hospitals are one of the biggest threats to one’s health in the US. Not only did an anesthesiologist cause me to develop double pneumonia due to aspirating fluid into my lungs during surgery, but the hospital immediately put me on IV flouroquinolone antibiotics *as a precaution* for 6 days followed by another 10 days in pill form. I developed temporary neuropathy in my hands and arms and permanent neuropathy and achilles tendonitis in my right leg and foot. They never told me what antibiotics I was receiving or any possible side effects. The amount of stupidity exhibited at times in the medical community is stunning.
Noah V.
Chapel Hill, NC
I was initially prescribed Cipro thirty or so years ago. Whether it was the first or second time I took it, I developed an allergic reaction, bordering on an anaphylactic shock. I have refused it ever since. Lucky me.
Tony
Fl.
Years ago, I went to the Doctor with a case of Diverticulitis, and he prescribed Cipro & Flagyl, for 10 days. I read the warning sheet after I took some of the Cipro and decided not to continue the Cipro and finished with the Flagyl.
A year later, the same thing, the same Doctor, and I told him NO Cipro. So instead he prescribed an Amoxicillin and admitted there were problems with the Cipro. I don’t eat Sweet Corn on the cob anymore and haven’t had any problems with the Diverticulitis.
Linda
Lewisville
Scary! Being allergic to penicillin and many drugs, doctors have prescribed those antibiotics many times.
Elizabeth
So Ca
Due to my being severely allergic to most antibiotics like penicillin and erythromycin and others,
I have been left with pretty much only cipro to take if I get sick, and now I am frightened. I already, after years of no issues, developed an anaphylactic reaction to levaquin and avelox, both after taking them without issue before. I am extremely concerned about the non-diabetic neuropathy I had developed when taking them repeatedly for sinus infections. My Dr. noticed it and said nothing regarding it being caused by the drugs he prescribed to me for years!!!!
I am very happy I changed Drs after I had the second anaphylactic reaction to an antibiotic he should have known not to give me after I suffered one from the avelox first!
Lahna Y
MI
Have you tried Keflex (cephalosporins) and yes, people with penicillin allergies can take them. I do. I am VERY allergic to penicillins and have no issues with it. Most people in my online group with allergies to ‘cillins also take it just fine. PS One group of Cipro poisoned people is almost 10,000 people.