Tequin Antibiotic Causes Diabetes; Pulled From Market

July 2006

Bristol-Myers Squibb halted sales and production of their commonly used antibiotic, Tequin. The antibiotic, which is used to treat adults for lung, sinus, urinary tract infections, and some sexually transmitted diseases, was linked to diabetes and other health problems associated with blood sugar levels.

According to a Canadian study:

• Tequin users had 17 times greater risk of developing a serious form of diabetes.
• Users were four times more likely to be hospitalized with low blood sugar complications.

The consumer group Public Opinion has linked Tequin to 388 patients with blood-sugar abnormalities since January 1, 2000. Of the 388 cases, 20 deaths occurred and 159 patients were hospitalized.

Tequin is in the drug class of fluoroquinolones, which include Cipro, Levaquin and Avelox. At this time, Tequin is the only drug in its class that has diabetic risks.