FDA issues warnings about Cipro side effects and other antibiotics

The FDA warns about Cipro side effects.  The FDA has issued a warning about the use of the common antibiotics Cipro and other in the class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. Drugs on the current FDA-approved list that are not newly labeled include: levofloxacin (Levaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ciprofloxacin extended-release tablets, moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin and gemifloxacin (Factive). The FDA safety review revealed that both oral and the injected fluoroquinolones could cause, “disabling and potentially permanent, serious side effects that can occur together,” involving nerves, the nervous system, muscles, joints, and tendons. They recommend that the use of fluoroquinolones be reserved for those who have no other treatment options.

Boxed Warnings issued on fluoroquinolones

On Tuesday, July 26, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued strong warnings about use of these fluoroquinolones antibiotics, including what is called a “Boxed Warning.” These warnings are revisions on the label including in the drug’s packaging, and lists Warnings and Precautions. This Medication Guide is required to be given to any patients who have been prescribed the medications.

Cipro Side Effects – and other fluoroquinolones

The side effects from cipro, and others in this class of antibiotics, can occur within hours, or take weeks to show up and could become permanent. Edward Cox, M.D., director of the Office of Antimicrobial Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, commented, “Fluoroquinolones have risks and benefits that should be considered very carefully.”

The FDA states, “serious side effects associated with fluoroquinolones generally outweigh the benefits for patients with acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS), acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (ABECB) and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) who have other treatment options.”

Past warnings for fluoroquinolones

The first time a Boxed Warning was added to the fluoroquinolones antibiotics label was in July 2008, when the FDA noted an increase in risk for both tendinitis and tendon rupture. In 2011, the FDA added myasthenia gravis as a risk factor, and in 2013, irreversible peripheral neuropathy was added, leading to the 2016 warning of permanent damage to nerves and the nervous system.

Natural antibiotic alternatives

Research has shown that many natural substances act as antibiotics. Natural antibiotics include garlic, turmeric, colloidal silver, and even chicken soup. Ask your health care provider to recommend a safer natural antibiotic.

Sources include:

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/ucm500325.htm

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm513183.htm

http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/investigations/fda-issues-updated-label-warnings-for-levaquin-cipro-antibiotics

http://www.naturalnews.com/029600_neti_pot_sinus_infections.html

FDA issues warnings about Cipro side effects and other antibiotics