Friday, April 29, 2016

Fluoroquinolones

One of the things that has recently complicated my life has been a prescription for Levofloxacin.  Levofloxacin is a member of the Fluoroquinolones family of drugs.  They're excellent at killing bacteria, but they carry very serious and dangerous side effects.  Two of the worst side effects are damage to the aorta and Achilles tendon rupture.  There has been a black box warning for the Achilles since 2008.  There's a long list of other bad things, but those are the two most significant.  The risk of damage increases with the age of the patient.  If you are over 60, your risk is increased.
Doctors like to prescribe these drugs because they work quickly on the bacteria (such as pneumonia) and then the patient feels better.  However, they're over prescribed.  My doctor did not say one word to me about the risks of this drug.  I was already aware from reading doctor blogs and discussing it with a couple of other docs I see, so I decided to take the risk because I was so sick.  It was a bad decision.  Four days after starting a low dose of Levofloxacin, the backs of my legs were giving me agony if I stood still for more than 60 seconds.  Walking is OK, standing is not.  I took 6 of the 7 pills and quit early, deciding I'd rather risk a super bug than hurt my legs anymore.  There is a lot of literature about these drugs on the internet, on reputable sites.

Here is one source, and there is another below, linked in the title.

5 comments:

  1. Bobbie had to quit her antibiotic (Doxycycline) early too (for a tick bite) due to dreadful side effects. I can't believe the side effects you list... ruptured achilles? don't need another one of those, ruptured aorta? Lights out. I'm hoping you both can put the med. nightmares behind and adventure on.
    Thanks for the warnings and research,
    Box Canyon

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  2. I had no clue! Ditto Mark, and thank you for the information. Your research is really helpful. I have taken Cipro, and never had a clue of the possible side effects.

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  3. Thanks for the info. Never knew that, either. I've taken Cipro in the past but won't again unless absolutely necessary!
    Glad you are both doing better.

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  4. Gack! Who knew? I've been fortunate enough not to have to take any antibiotic for years and had NO idea. Just what you need: another ruptured Achilles tendon in the family -- NOT! How awful. Glad you decided to quit early.

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