Common Antibiotics Damaging Nervous Systems

October 8, 2014 | Crandall & Pera Law
Common Antibiotics Damaging Nervous Systems

One of the most frequently-prescribed class of antibiotics may cause debilitating side effects much worse than the issues they are used to cure, according to a recent article in USA Today

A citizens petition is asking the Food and Drug Administration to alert physicians and consumers about the potentially dangerous consequences of fluoroquinolones. This includes the known side effect of peripheral neuropathy, also known as nervous-system damage.

Fluoroquinolones are intended for serious infections, including sepsis, blood infections, infections that are resistant to conventional drugs, and hospital-acquired pneumonia. But doctors now prescribe the medicine for everything from sinus congestion to urinary-tract infections, often inappropriately prescribed or overused.

"They're so active, they're the drug of choice for illnesses when they shouldn't be," said Dr. Ray Woosley, founder and president of CredibleMeds. "There is no question we need these drugs. But when you're giving it to somebody with sinusitis (or other non-bacterial infections)...we're going to lose them because of overuse." Read the full details here:

Critics demand stronger warnings for potent antibiotics

Antibiotics are not harmless and often have side effects of which patients should be aware.

If you or anyone in your family has suffered serious side effects or damages from a medication error you should seek legal investigation immediately. Crandall & Pera Law is available to help answer your questions and guide you in determining your next steps.