Gatifloxacin and Glucose Abnormalities

A recent study to be released in the March 30, 2006 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine highlights the serious risk of glucose abnormalities associated with the drug gatifloxacin . Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic commonly prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, pneumonia and bronchitis. Due to the high risk of glucose abnormalities, the Food and Drug Administration mandated a formal advisory for gatifloxacin on February 16, 2006, to be issued by drug maker Bristol-Myers Squibb, regarding these serious side effects .

The Study

Canadian researchers in Ontario, Canada conducted the study, which assessed the risk of glucose abnormalities in patients taking gatifloxacin. The sampling included 17,000 patients that had taken or were taking the medication gatifloxacin. Of the patients sampled, nearly one in everyone 100 people required hospitalization for the serious side effects of gatifloxacin.

The most frequent gatifloxacin side effect reported in the study was the high risk of glucose abnormalities

Hypoglycemia

Among the 17,000 patients whose medical records were examined, 788 had received treatment for low blood sugar levels within 30 days of taking the medication. Sixty-one of the gatifloxacin patients developed a serious blood sugar condition called hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by low levels of plasma glucose. Hypoglycemia can be a serious and potentially fatal condition because of its effect on the brain. Glucose is the blood is a primary source of energy for the brain. A lack of sufficient glucose in the blood may contribute to serious brain damage and even death in advanced stages . In patients taking gatifloxacin, the risk for developing hypoglycemia was found to be FOUR times greater than of those patients taking alternative medications.

Hyperglycemia

High blood sugar was another common risk of glucose abnormalities associated with taking gatifloxacin. Of the 17,000 participants in the Canadian study, 470 patients reported receiving treatment for high blood sugar levels within 30 days of taking the medication gatifloxacin. Eighty-six of these patients allegedly were diagnosed with the condition hyperglycemia.

Hyperglycemia is a serious condition characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood. Hyperglycemia is often a precursor to the onset of diabetes . Diabetes is a serious illness that can be potentially fatal. The risk for hyperglycemia in patients taking the medication gatifloxacin was nearly 17 times greater than those patients taking alternative antibiotics.

Alternatives

In patients using gatifloxacin, the risk of glucose abnormalities is high. Many doctors are veering away from prescribing gatifloxacin and turning to safer and equally effective antibiotics .

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with glucose abnormalities due to taking the medication gatifloxacin, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses and suffering . Our qualified attorneys are here to help you protect and maximize your legal rights. Please contact us today to speak to an attorney who is experienced in handling cases of this nature. We offer a free evaluation to help you determine the best plan to protect your legal interests.

Online Lawyer Source

Lawyers & Legal News Near You

Need Legal Help?

Start Here for a Free Case Review!

Gatifloxacin

Find a Lawyer in Your State

Need Help?

Gatifloxacin and Glucose Abnormalities

Other Areas of Drug Recall