FDA Medwatch-New Black Box for Fluoroquinolones

I wish I had been aware of this possibility before I was given Levaquin after a tooth extraction that put a hole in my sinuses.  I was all but unable to walk for three months, so great was the pain in my Achilles tendon----Of course I blamed it on Femara--never even mentioned it to my Doctors------Why would I ever associate an antibiotic with crazy foot pain and not being able to walk??????

It took an additional six months for the pain to subside.------Needless to say NO QUINOLONES is now emblazoned on my medical charts and at my pharmacy--------Tough way to learn.

Here are a few of the antibiotics in this category.  

Cipro, Levaquin, Floxin, Noroxin, etc.

These can be life saving medications but should you have any of these reactions you should tell your doctor immediately!

--------------------------------------------

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.

This risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture 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.

Read the complete MedWatch 2008 Safety Summary, including a link to the 'Information for Healthcare Professionals' page, at:

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Fluoroquinolone