Fluoroquinolone (FLQ) Medication Victims May Be Eligible for Compensation

Fluoroquinolone (FLQ) antibiotics are common antibiotics used to treat respiratory infections and urinary tract infections. FLQs are widely prescribed by doctors who are often unaware of their dangers and the serious — and sometimes permanent — damage they can inflict upon the human body. Many doctors also over-prescribe FLQs for other conditions that do not require an antibiotic of this strength.

Commonly prescribed fluoroquinolones include Avelox, Cipro, Factive, Floxin, Levaquin and Noroxin.

FLQs and the Onset of Peripheral Neuropathy: Know the Symptoms

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by FLQs that is characterized by damage to the nerves that send information to and from your brain and spinal cord and the rest of your body. The damage can interrupt these vital connections.

Symptoms can vary depending on which specific nerves suffer damage. The symptoms generally appear in the arms and legs and include any or all of the following:

• Anxiety and panic
• Burning
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Malaise
• Memory loss
• Numbness
• Pain
• Psychosis
• Shooting pain
• Tingling
• Weakness

In most cases, the onset of symptoms occurs within only a few days of starting on the medication. Moreover, symptoms can linger for months, even after stopping the medication. Many people who were unaware of the possible adverse effects of FLQs have reported long-term and irreparable nerve damage as a result of taking them.

Consequently, the FDA has mandated that all drug labels must be updated to warn that the risks of FLQs are potentially irreversible. Many fluoroquinolone medicines have already been removed from the market, and those that haven’t contain black box warnings of possible serious injury that can occur.

No-Cost Evaluation

If you or a loved one has taken an FLQ antibiotic and sustained serious injuries as a result, you need to seek immediate legal advice. Contact the Ohio personal injury attorneys at NRS Injury Law by filling out our No-Risk Consultation form, or call (855) GOT-HURT and speak with one of our trained staff members.