Cipro

Cipro or Levaquin

Cipro Linked to Tendon Ruptures

Special Alert: July 2008

In July 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Cipro, an antibiotic, should carry the agency’s most urgent safety warning. Called "black box" warnings, the labels warn consumers about serious drug side effects.

Cipro has been found to lead to dangerous tendon ruptures in patients. These tendon ruptures can cause long-term, sometimes permanent disabilities and the need for extensive surgery.

What is Cipro?

Cipro belongs to a class of antibiotics called floroquinolones, which are sold under various brand names by different manufacturers. Cipro is made by Bayer and is usually used to treat urinary tract infections. The antibiotic became well-known during the anthrax attacks in 2001 because it was one the drugs stored by the government for use in case of a terror attack. Cipro was approved by the FDA in 2000 to treat anthrax inhalation and in 2003 to treat urinary tract infections.

Possible Side Effects of Taking Cipro

Tendon ruptures
Seizure
Confusion, hallucinations, depression, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others
Sudden pain or swelling near your joints
Nausea, stomach pain, low fever, lost appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
Watery or bloody diarrhea
Urinating more or less than usual
Numbness, tingling, or unusual pain anywhere in your body
Chest pain, pounding or fast heartbeats

Overview of Cipro

The consumer interest group Public Citizen has petitioned the FDA three times – in 1996, 2005, and 2006 – to add black box warnings to the Cipro. After the group sued the FDA for ignoring the petitions, the agency recommended adding the warnings to the drug’s label. According to Public Citizen, the FDA has received numerous reports of tendon ruptures and additional cases of tendonitis and other tendon disorders linked to the antibiotic.

Often, a pain in the tendon signals the onset of a tendon rupture, but some of the ruptures reported to the FDA occurred without warning. Tendons are cords of tissue that connect muscles and bones and are vital to movement. The most common type of rupture reported to the FDA affected the Achilles tendon in the heel.

You Need Experienced Lawyers Who Understand Dangerous Drug Cases to Fight On Your Side

If you or a loved one has been hurt by taking Cipro, you need to act quickly. When our drug injury attorneys and staff get involved with your case, we immediately get to work investigating the cause of your drug reaction and fighting for your legal rights to fair compensation.

And remember, there’s never a fee unless we get money for you. Get started today.

Call 1-866-9-4EDGAR (1-866-943-3427), or submit your information online for a free legal evaluation – no strings attached.