FDA Finds Antibiotics Linked to Aortic Aneurysm
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently warned that fluoroquinolone antibiotics do more harm than good. While these antibiotics eliminate harmful bacteria and facilitate healing, they may also cause serious side effects such as an aortic aneurysm.
What is an Aortic Aneurysm?
An aortic aneurysm can occur when the wall of the artery is weakened over time and begins ballooning, or bulging. If not treated, this could lead to the artery erupting or tearing which could be fatal.
Warnings Backed by Research
To reach this determination, the FDA consulted many studies published between 2015 and 2018. This regulatory agency also considered copious anecdotal evidence derived from patients who have experienced severe side effects in association with fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
In a statement, FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb noted that patients are “twice as likely to experience an aortic aneurysm or dissection when prescribed a fluoroquinolone drug.” While Dr. Gottlieb also stated that the increased risk of an aortic aneurysm after using fluoroquinolone antibiotics is still relatively low, the FDA now advises that anyone who is at risk of this condition avoid using these types of antibiotics.
What’s the Impact?
Starting immediately, the FDA will require that all fluoroquinolone antibiotics be accompanied by a warning label indicating the increased risk of an aortic aneurysm that these drugs cause. This new warning comes on top of previous warnings issued by the FDA stating that these drugs may also harm your muscles, nervous system, and joints and that they may also negatively impact mental health.
The FDA has indicated that it will continue to monitor fluoroquinolone antibiotics for any new safety concerns. Given the history of warnings associated with these drugs, it’s likely that fluoroquinolone antibiotics pose further risks that have yet to be discovered.
Who Is at Risk?
Elderly patients are most at risk for an aortic aneurysm caused by fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Besides, if you have high blood pressure, a history of blood clots or you have genetic conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome, your risk of experiencing aortic aneurysm after using fluoroquinolone antibiotics is higher than average.
If you aren’t within one of the groups for which fluoroquinolone antibiotics pose a high risk, the FDA suggests that you continue to use these drugs. However, the overall safety of fluoroquinolone antibiotics is questionable at best.
Which Antibiotics Are Harmful?
Fluoroquinolone is sold under several different brand names, and there are also quite a few different types of this antibiotic medicine. For instance, if you or a loved one have been prescribed moxifloxacin (Avelox), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), or ofloxacin (Floxin), any of these drugs could cause the severe side effects for which fluoroquinolone antibiotics are now notorious.
Rely on KBA Attorneys for Help
If you’ve been harmed by antibiotics or any other type of drug, you’ll need professional help to receive the compensation you deserve. At KBA Attorneys, we help clients fight for justice against the manufacturers of dangerous pharmaceuticals, and we use clear communication and a thorough understanding of the law to achieve the results you’re looking for. To learn more, reach out to the offices of KBA Attorneys.