Today's post from thomaslawoffices.com (see link below) is another warning post regarding one of the fluoroquinolones type of antibiotics - in this case, Levaquin. it is clearly written and leaves little room for doubt. If you're doctor is prescribing levaquin for you and you already have neuropathy or are in a risk group for getting neuropathy, you really should discuss it with him or her carefully. There are always alternatives and mounting evidence suggests that fluoroquinolones are best avoided due to their potential for causing nerve damage.
Levaquin Use Linked To Nerve Damage
By Tad Thomas on October 22, 2014 -
A new study has shown that users of the antibiotic Levaquin and other drugs in its class can cause permanent nerve damage. Levaquin is manufactured by the Johnson and Johnson subsidiary Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Levaquin is the brand name for the antibiotic levofloxacin. It is commonly used to treat infections in the prostate, urinary tract, and diabetic foot infections. It is part of a class of powerful antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. Other fluoroquinolone drugs include Cipro, Avelox, Noroxin, Floxin, and Factive.
While all antibiotics can present a risk of side effects, the fluoroquinolones are unique in their potential to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. This allows the drug to enter the brain and possibly damage the central nervous system.
FDA Upgrades Warnings
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved the drug in 1996. In 2003, generic brands of Cipro became available and then Levaquin became the most popular prescribed fluoroquinolone drug in the US.
In 2008, the FDA issued its first warning about the drug. It required makers of fluoroquinolones to put a warning on the label of a risk of tendon damage and rupture. A warning was added to Levaquin, but it stated that the risk was rare, and suggested it could be alleviated by stopping use of the drug. By 2011, J&J stopped marketing Levaquin because of its generic competition.
Then, in 2013, the FDA upgraded its warning. A number of adverse events had been reported that linked use of fluoroquinolones and nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy. A number of patients had suffered long-lasting nerve damage and disability. The FDA told the manufacturers they could no longer call the risks “rare” and had to state that the damage might be irreversible and can occur soon after the drugs are first taken. These dangers are believed to be present only with versions of the drug taken by mouth or by injection.
Peripheral Neuropathy
In its safety announcement, the FDA described peripheral neuropathy this way:
“Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve disorder occurring in the arms or legs. Symptoms include pain, burning, tingling, numbness, weakness, or a change in sensation to light touch, pain or temperature, or the sense of body position. It can occur at any time during treatment with fluoroquinolones and can last for months to years after the drug is stopped or be permanent.”
A 2014 study in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, provided more evidence of the link to nerve damage. The study found that current users of fluoroquinolones, especially new users, are at a higher risk of developing peripheral neuropathy. The authors advised doctors to weigh the benefits against the risk of adverse events before prescribing these drugs.
http://www.thomaslawoffices.com/blog/dangerous-drugs/levaquin-use-linked-nerve-damage/
Today's post from peoplespharmacy.com (see link below) is another article warning about the dangers of fluoroquinolone antibiotics and the possibility they will lead to neuropathy (amongst other things). You will see these articles all over the internet at the moment and they were sparked off by an FDA acknowledgment that there is some truth to the problems caused by this sort of antibiotic. If your doctor unwittingly prescribes a fluoroquinolone antibiotic for a problem you may have, always question whether this is a wise choice. There are alternatives available and if you already have neuropathic symptoms, those alternatives should be explored. This article carries a warning that should perhaps not be taken lightly.
October 17, 2013 in Pharmacy Q and A
Q. I have taken Cipro, Levaquin and Avelox numerous times over many years. And now I am a neurological patient for treatment of neuropathy.
At first I could not understand why my feet felt like "fuzzy feet." I Googled "fuzzy feet" and that started my investigation into it. My resarch took me thru twists and turns. Finally, information on my new neurologist's website revealed that a cause could be quinolone antibiotics, including Cipro, Levaquin, and Avelox.
I suffer from neuropathy (confirmed by my doctor) in both feet. It is slowly advancing from my feet to my calf. Where will it stop? This is scary!
At first I cried uncontrollably because I realized this is a life sentence--there is no cure for it; just treating the symptoms. My insurance deductible is $2400 (up from last year $1200) and my out of pocket is $4700+ (up from last year $2500). This is another life sentence. Having neuropathy and having insurance I cannot afford is a double whammy.
Thank you, Big Pharma, for my life sentence. No money in the world can give me back my health.
A. We are so sorry to learn about the complications you have apparently suffered from quinolone (officially fluoroquinolone) antibiotics. This category of broad spectrum antibiotics is very popular with physicians because these drugs work against a variety of infections of the skin, sinuses, lungs, prostate and urinary tract. According to the FDA, more than 20 million people take a quinolone antibiotic each year. Most do well, but some experience life-altering side effects as you have.
Now sold primarily in generic form, medications such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin) and moxifloxacin (Avelox) can indeed cause neuropathy or nerve problems. Although quinolones have been around for decades, it took the FDA until August, 2013 to issue the following safety communication about neuropathy:
"This serious nerve damage potentially caused by fluoroquinolones may occur soon after these drugs are taken and may be permanent... Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve disorder occurring in the arms or legs. Symptoms include pain, burning, tingling, numbness, weakness, or a change in sensation to light touch, pain or temperature, or the sense of body position. It can occur at any time during treatment with fluoroquinolones and can last for months to years after the drug is stopped or be permanent. Patients using fluoroquinolones who develop any symptoms of peripheral neuropathy should tell their health care professionals right away."
We suspect that it will come as a shock to many physicians to learn that the neuropathy can occur "soon after these drugs are taken" or "at any time during treatment" and can "be permanent."
In other words, some patients may experience irreversible nerve damage after surprisingly short exposure. Here are stories from other visitors to this website:
"I was prescribed Cipro for a UTI [urinary tract infection] 5 years ago at age 53. It was a 10 day Rx. Within a few days after starting the Rx I started getting migrating pains in my joints and muscles. The bottom of my feet started to burn and tingle. I couldn't stand having anything on my feet or they would feel like they were on fire. My leg muscles got so weak I couldn't stand for any length of time. There were other things too. I felt just awful.
"I called the prescribing physician, who told me these were normal side effects and would disappear once I finished the Rx. Well, it didn't. It only got worse. Over the ensuing weeks I suddenly developed arthritis in both of my hands, wrists, knees and feet. My knees crackle badly now when I bend them and feel like I have sand in them. I have to wear ortho shoes. Never had one bit of arthritis before I took this drug. My doctor would never acknowledge that Cipro may have been a factor in the sudden development of all of these problems. I went to a rheumatologist who thinks I probably have mild RA now and put me on prescription anti-inflammatories. They help.
"I also saw a neurologist. He ran a bunch of neuro tests which were all normal. He was the only one who acknowledged that Cipro could have played a factor. Now it's five years later. Some of the issues have improved. The arthritis has not improved. I'm stuck with it now for life. Needless to say, had I known about the potential dangers of this drug I NEVER would have taken it." C.B.
"Thanks to this article, I know now why I have such nerve pain in my feet and legs...I was put on Levaquin over a year ago, and suffered much pain walking...did not take the whole prescription, but enough to have done the damage, which is still giving me much pain in my feet and legs...and I see now that this affliction will most likely be with me permanently...have told my doctor right away about this pain. She said that it sounded like tendonitis, but did not admit to me that it was mostly likely from the Levaquin she prescribed..." K.E.B.
Some people suffer more than neuropathy. Many patients report tendon problems such as tendinitis or even tendon rupture. Other complications include retinal detachment, hallucinations, depression, anxiety, agitation, confusion, headache and dizziness. To read more about the side effects of drugs like Cipro or Levaquin, here is a link to a more complete overview.
Here are some additional stories:
"OMG! Hallelujah! An article that I can finally bring to my doctors which they just might read!
"I have been suffering for over 16 years. No doctor believed it has stayed in my system for so long. I have every side effect you mentioned. Then unfortunately after staying away from this class of drugs for 16 years, my surgeon felt that the Floxin solution she put in my head during a nerve decompression would not harm me. She was quite wrong. I have been so very sick since then and I am much older now so it is harder to convince doctors that it is not my age.
"Every bone, muscle, tendon and nerve hurts. My panic attacks came back full force and my eyes are so blurry. Brain fog, memory problems and trying to finish a sentence is disturbing as well. My stomach problems are worse than ever.
"Thanks for the article. Us 'Floxies' appreciate it!" Sherry
Sherry's reference to "Floxies" refers to the "floxacin" part of the name of ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin. Many years ago the journalist Stephen Fried wrote a compelling book about his wife's experience with a quinalone called Floxin. He described the hallucinations and neurological damage as being "floxed."
Here is one more story which demonstrates that the complications can come on suddenly, after only a few pills:
"It takes the FDA too long to take notice of dangerous drugs! Four years ago, my 70 y/o husband took only two of five prescribed tablets of Levaquin for bronchitis. After only two tablets, he experienced severe pain in both calves and became motionless at the bottom of the stairs in our home. I suddenly remembered the 80 y/o husband of a friend who had just severed his Achilles tendon after long term use of Cipro in the treatment of prostatitis; his recovery was excruciating. Fortunately, my husband recovered after enduring several months of pain.
"There actually was a new black box warning on the danger of ruptured tendons which went unnoticed by both our geriatrician and pharmacist. Our doctor said he had never had a bad experience with Levaquin which he mentioned to a fellow racket ball player. Interestingly, his friend actually had experienced such a ruptured tendon. As the Graedons have stated, such a relationship to antibiotics often goes unnoticed.
"This new black box warning of potential nerve damage is far more devastating and has ruined many, many lives; just do a Google search for some terrifying stories.
"Levaquin originally was developed to be used as a last line of defense against dangerous and stubborn bacteria instead of as a first drug of choice by too many doctors. Some people just have a sensitivity to these dangerous antibiotics. My husband could tolerate cipro some time ago but not the levaquin. It's really a game of Russian roulette with potentially devastating possibilities!" Sal W.
We know that many people have taken quinolone antibiotics successfully and experienced few, if any, side effects. But some, like those who commented above, have experienced tragic consequences. Everyone who takes such drugs should know what side effects to be aware of before taking the first pill. There is more information at this link.
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2013/10/17/antibiotics-avelox-cipro-levaquin-triggered-life-altering-neuropathy/
Today's post from www.cbc.ca (see link below) may seem at first glance to be a suitable photo opportunity for Canada's shiny new PM but it also brings the dangers of Lyme disease once more to the fore and that can never be a bad thing. Lyme disease, caused by tick bites in many natural recreation areas, produces a mysterious ailment that includes nerve damage as a significant danger. Many people have heard of it but because its range of symptoms may only appear months after the initial bite, it's not taken as seriously as it should be. There are several other articles about Lyme disease here on the blog (use the search button to the right of this page to find them) and the links embedded in this article may also be of help but don't underestimate the problems tick bites can cause. If you're out in the countryside, or even walking through long grass, always check for bites when you get home because the evidence can quickly disappear even though the damage has been done.
Request comes days before Federal Framework on Lyme Disease Conference in Ottawa
By Kristy Hoffman, CBC News Posted: May 14, 2016
Marnie LePage's daughter Brooke, 13, was formally diagnosed with Lyme disease by a lab in California in 2015.
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Public Health Reminder: Lyme disease
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A volunteer group dedicated to Lyme disease awareness, prevention and support in Manitoba is challenging Canada's government to participate in what they're calling "The Lyme Sucks Challenge."
Specifically, the Manitoba Lyme Disease Group is challenging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Health Minister Jane Philpott to complete the challenge. It involves declaring, "Lyme sucks" before sucking on a lime, posting a video of the challenge to social media and donating to the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation.
A similar campaign called The Ice Bucket Challenge, where participants videotape themselves dumping a bucket of ice water over their heads, has raised millions for ALS research and support.
The group's challenge for the Trudeau government comes days before the Federal Framework on Lyme Disease Conference in Ottawa, which is scheduled to run from Sunday to Tuesday.
Marnie Le Page, 40, will be there.
Le Page's 13-year-old daughter, Brooke, has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, but the diagnosis came months after Le Page believes she contracted it.
'In bed all the time'
According to Le Page, Brooke was infected at a corn maze in Manitoba at the end of October 2014. While Le Page says she does not remember seeing a tick bite, her daughter started exhibiting flu-like symptoms — including excruciating headaches, joint and muscle pain and debilitating fatigue — by December.
Before becoming ill, Brooke was a competitive swimmer, spending 20 hours per week training at the pool.
Le Page's 13-year-old daughter, Brooke was a competitive swimmer before she contracted Lyme disease. This photograph was taken at one of the last swim meets in which she was fully able to participate, in July 2014.
"By March, she was in bed all the time. She couldn't even watch television or read a book. All tests from the emergency room came back [normal]. The one thing they never tested for is Lyme disease," Le Page said.
"I requested [the test] from several different places. They said it wasn't possible to get Lyme disease at that time of year and they wouldn't run the test."
Lyme disease response requires collaboration in Canada
Lyme Disease-carrying ticks: 5 things you should know
Lyme disease, a serious illness spread through ticks, can cause a wide range of symptoms, including arthritis, neurological problems, numbness and paralysis, some of which can last months or years. In rare cases, it can prove fatal.
The Le Page family flew to California, where Brooke was formally diagnosed with Lyme disease at a laboratory called IGeneX, Inc.
'Our system here isn't adequate'
"Everything is at our expense handling her treatment," Le Page said. "Any doctor appointments we've had at the lab since; every treatment, antibiotics, travel costs. Everything is out of pocket for us."
Le Page has since left work to care for Brooke full-time. Still, she said it was a, "blessing in disguise" to have her daughter diagnosed out of province.
"Our system here isn't adequate for that," she said.
Man lives with 'alien' Lyme disease that 'makes you crazy'
Some common responses to her requests that her daughter be tested were, "Lyme isn't [in Manitoba]," or, "It's not very common," Le Page said.
"We could afford the testing. There are many people who can't," she said.
"I met a man [in Manitoba on Friday] who had had Lyme disease for 19 years. He struggles with it and he was in rough shape."
New hope
Le Page said the Federal Framework on Lyme Disease Conference in Ottawa has renewed her sense of hope for adequate treatment in Canada, so long as planning and development involves input from patients and caregivers.
"The fact that there is a conference and they're inviting people all across Canada — they're either patients or caregivers — is they're recognizing there is a problem that has to be addressed," she said.
"So I am hopeful that there is going to be changes made and hope that they're going to allow us to be part of that change."
As for Brooke, Le Page said despite having to travel to obtain a diagnosis, doctors caught the disease early and it has not affected her mobility. Still, the consequences have been devastating.
"She's in junior high. That's a huge part of your social development, and Lyme disease has ups and downs. She was seeing friends last summer. We were hiking. Then, in the fall time something happened and she went down again. She's still trying to pick up again," she said.
"It's a daily battle."
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/lyme-disease-manitoba-group-justin-trudeau-federal-government-1.3582507
