Fluoroquinolones Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Fluoroquinolones

The most common side effects of Cipro, Levaquin, and other fluoroquinolones are very similar to that of other antibiotics. The prescription drug may cause nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, heartburn, gas, loss of appetite, altered taste buds, oral sores, white patches in mouth, dry mouth, weakness, headache, sweating, and vaginal itchiness or dryness. Most of these side effects are not severe and resolve themselves when treatment is stopped.

Serious Side Effects of Fluoroquinolones

There are more serious risks of fluoroquinolones that are rare, but patients do need to be aware of them. These include allergic reaction, severe diarrhea, difficulty swelling or breathing, facial swelling, throat swelling, loss of consciousness, fever, peeling skin, blistering skin, dark urine, yellowing under the eyes, excessive fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, paleness, irregular pulse, strange bruising or bleeding, fainting, seizures, confusion, dizziness, mood swings, restlessness, paranoia, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, shaking and pain, weakness, and burning or tingling in the limbs and extremities. If you experience any of these more serious symptoms while you are taking the prescription drug fluoroquinolones, contact your physician immediately.

Food and Drug Administration Black Box Warning

The Food and Drug Administration also warns of other risks of fluoroquinolones that can be far more serious. The FDA has required the makers of the prescription drug fluoroquinolones to put a black box warning label on their product. That warning label informs consumers that there is an increased risk of developing tendonitis, tendon rupture, and other musculoskeletal disorders when taking fluoroquinolones. Although rare, it is important to note that these are confirmed risks of fluoroquinolones and they are more likely to occur in people above the age of 60.

Consult a Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been harmed by the use of fluoroquinolones, you should contact a fluoroquinolones attorney to find out whether you are eligible for compensation for your injuries or hardship.

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