In addition to showing an association between fluoroquinolones and tendon rupture, a new study published by BMJ Open also finds that the popular antibiotics may contribute to aortic aneurysms. Researchers analyzed data from over 1.7 million older adults and observed roughly tripled incidences of tendon rupture and aortic aneurysms in those who took fluoroquinolone (FLQs).
Fluoroquinolones are a widely prescribed type of broad-spectrum antibiotics, used primarily in treating urinary and respiratory infections. Despite their popularity, FLQs have been linked to various severe health complications, such as tendon rupture and nerve damage. Recently, an MDL was established in Minnesota to handle federal fluoroquinolone lawsuits. Over 200 plaintiffs who have filed fluoroquinolone lawsuits claim they or a loved one suffered serious nerve damage, called peripheral neuropathy, after taking a fluoroquinolone.
Canadian researchers behind the new study sought to confirm an already well-documented link between FLQ antibiotics and tendon rupture, as well as test a “potentially lethal association between fluoroquinolones and aortic aneurysms.” Roughly a third of the 1.7 million older patients observed in the study had received at least one fluoroquinolone prescription in the last 30 days. These patients were 3.13 times more likely to experience a tendon rupture and 2.72 times more likely to suffer an aortic aneurysm than those who did not take fluoroquinolones.
An FDA panel recently voted to strengthen nerve damage warnings on fluoroquinolone labels for certain uses. As the antibiotics come under closer legal and medical scrutiny, more and more patients are filing fluoroquinolone lawsuits. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about the medications you are taking. Did you or someone you know suffer nerve damage, tendon rupture, or an aortic aneurysm after being treated with fluoroquinolones? If so, you should contact Lopez McHugh to speak free of charge with a qualified pharmaceutical attorney.
