Every year, thousands of people are severely impacted by the side effects of commonly prescribed antibiotics. The class of drugs known as Fluoroquinolones (FQs) is a popular antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as bladder infections, sinus infections, diverticulitis, pneumonia, anthrax, travelers’ diarrhea, and more. These antibiotics are also frequently given to patients following surgeries like Cesarean sections and breast implants. According to the CDC, more than 30 million prescriptions were written for FQs in 2016.
The Fluoroquinolone antibiotics include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), gemifloxacin (Factive), delafloxacin (Baxdela), and 60+ other generic brands. While these drugs are effective in treating serious bacterial infections, FQs are associated with many disabling side effects involving tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, and the central nervous system. These side effects can occur hours to weeks, or even months or years, after taking FQs and may potentially be permanent. Since the side effects do not always appear immediately, most patients have no idea that their symptoms are caused by these medications.
People who have side effects from these drugs may experience the following symptoms: tiredness and fatigue, neuropathy (nerve pain), joint pain, brain fog, tendon pain and rupture, depression and anxiety, body aches, insomnia, hair loss, muscle tightness and twitching, and more. Because of the severity of the symptoms, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued “Black Box” warnings for Cipro and Levaquin in 2008 to alert providers and patients that the drugs can cause tendonitis and tendon rupture. A black box warning is the strongest warning issued by the FDA and alerts healthcare providers and patients about serious adverse effects or life-threatening risks. As more information about the side effects of FQs became available, additional warnings were added in 2011, 2013, and again in 2016.
My personal experience led me to research FQs. In 2010, after taking these antibiotics for a sinus infection, the tendon in my foot ruptured and I was required to have surgery to repair it. My doctor told me that my tendon rupture was a result of taking Levaquin and Cipro. I suffered from severe fatigue, muscle aches, insomnia, hair loss, and other debilitating symptoms. I saw many doctors but no one could help me get better. After researching these antibiotics for years and healing myself, I now help patients who have taken these drugs and are suffering from the side effects.
What can you do to avoid the side effects of these drugs? Awareness of FQs and their negative effects is the first step. If one of these antibiotics is prescribed for you or a family member, simply ask your provider if you can take a different antibiotic. Take antibiotics only when you have a bacterial infection and have no other option for treatment.
Heather Slusher, APRN, FNP-BC, is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with more than 30 years experience in Family Practice, Women’s Health, and Anti-Aging Medicine. She is the founder and Co-owner of SunCoast Optimal Wellness in the MiraBay Shopping Plaza. Her passion is providing customized healthcare to help each person live their best life!
Information contained herein is based on medical research and data and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any concerns you have regarding your medical conditions.
