FDA Warns Levaquin, Cipro May Increase Aneurysm Risk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a new warning that specific antibiotics may increase the risk of aortic aneurysms in some patients.
About the Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic Aneurysm Risk
According to reports, Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are a group of antibiotics that include Cipro (ciprofloxacin), Levaquin (levofloxacin), Factive (Gemifloxacin), Avelox (moxifloxacin), Noroxin (norfloxacin), and Floxin (ofloxacin). The drugs are typically used to treat bacterial infections and have been prescribed for the past 30 years.
However, the FDA warns that elderly patients and patients with a history of high blood pressure, certain genetic disorders involving blood vessel changes, or a history of blockages or aneurysms should not take the treatments due to an increased risk of aortic aneurysms.
Aortic aneurysms are bulges in the aorta that can rupture, causing massive internal bleeding. Around 8 out of 10 people with a rupture die before they reach the hospital or die in surgery.
The FDA urges at risk patients to speak with their doctor before taking any of the aforementioned antibiotics. Patients should also call 911 or go to the emergency room if they experience sudden, severe, and constant pain in the stomach, chest, or back while taking any of the medications.
Other Adverse Effects of Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics
In addition to aortic aneurysms, fluoroquinolone antibiotics have been linked to:
- Tendonitis
- Tendon rupture
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Joint pain
- Alterations in glucose metabolism
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Hallucinations
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