Recently the FDA issued the following information about fluoroquinolone antibiotics:
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required the drug labels and Medication Guides for all fluoroquinolone antibacterial drugs be updated to better describe the serious side effect of peripheral neuropathy. This serious nerve damage potentially caused by fluoroquinolones may occur soon after these drugs are taken and may be permanent…”
This statement has opened a possible pathway for those who have taken Levaquin, Cipro, or Avelox and suffered peripheral neuropathy symptoms ( burning, stinging, numbness ). As most of you well know, the fluoroquinolones are one of the most potent antibiotics on the planet. Va
stly under appreciated for their ability to do tremendous harm to the patient, including serious neurological damage, physicians continue to prescribe these drugs without fully informing the patients as to their adverse events profile.
Due to the FDA’s statement, the law firm below is compiling information from those who experienced peripheral neuropathy as a result of taking a quinolone antibiotic. Although I do not advocate anyone pursuing a legal recourse unless they feel compelled to do so, if your case fits the parameters suggested by this FDA revelation, I suggest that you contact them for a consultation.
I was rushed to the ER in June 2012 from my chiropractor’s office with what looked on my xray like an aortic anyerism. I was treated for extreme hypertension and low O2 stats. Ct showed a large mass in my upper right lung. Follwed up with a Pulmo who said it looked like a tumor resembling lung cancer and I should consider making arrangements. I was also exhibiting symptoms like a cold/resp infection. So she prescribed me high dose Avelox for 6 weeks along with prednisone. Things got worse and I endured a broncoscopy and 2 biopsies, both yeilding no solid results. I had more ct scans and then a pet scan, still inconclusive other than a big growing mass in my lung.
Finally a cardio-thorasic surgeon was brought in to surgically biopsy the lymph nodes in my lung. while he was able to get the samples during the surgery, he discovered both my lungs were filled with large amounts of blood and pus. Bacterial pnuemonia they concluded. I stopped breathing when they extubated me and flatlined. He rapidly re-intubated me and put me on a vent machine and had me transfered to cvicu in a coma. It was then they started me on a course of several antibiotics, but the front line of defense was Levaquin max adult dose by IV. I was on this dosage for 9 days. I slowly recovered with a lot of work and RT’s helping and pushing me to learn how to breathe again. It was about a week after getting home and slowly trying to find my comfort level with activity and excercise. i beagan noticing the most bizzarre pains in my feet and numbness and pin and needles in my hands. It got worse and worse until my primary Dr. referred me to a neurologist. After months and months of waiting in between appt’s. I have finally been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy. I take neurontin and B12 as prescribed, but it doesn’t help much. Some days are ok, some days are incredibly painful. I never understood people who would complain of this affliction. I feel bad that I didn’t understand. I do now. I have contacted a law firm to see if I have any recourse. I am a musician by trade. I fear my days of being able to play instruments my be numbered. That is my story.
I am glad you survived. I also have peripheral neuropathy that is constant severe pain. I was on leviquin for a year. Now the DEA is refusing to allow or limit pain medication that allows me to even walk. I need help. Please.