Side Effects of Gatifloxacin

Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic medication intended for the treatment of bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, urinary tract infections and other common bacterial ailments. The FDA approved gatifloxacin, manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb, in 1999. A recent Canadian study to be released in the March 2006 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine highlights the serious side effects of Gatifloxacin including liver damage, kidney failure and most frequently, glucose abnormalities.

The Study

The Canadian study, based in Ontario, examined 17,000 patients taking gatifloxacin to determine the side effects of Gatifloxacin. Patients included in the sampling were all over the age of 65: some had diabetes and some did not. Despite the health status of each participant, the risk for developing the serious side effects of gatifloxacin was equally considerable.

Low Blood Sugar

Researchers found of the 17,000 patients whose health records were examined, 788 patients had been treated for low blood sugar levels within 30 days of taking the drug gatifloxacin. Of those patients, 61 people exhibited even more serious side effects of gatifloxacin and developed hypoglycemia. The overall risk for developing hypoglycemia with the use of Gatifloxacin was found to be FOUR times greater than that of patients taking alternative antibiotics.

What is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by low levels of plasma glucose in the blood. Hypoglycemia can pose serious risks to a person''s health because glucose acts as a source of energy for the brain. A lack of plasma glucose can result in serious gatifloxacin side effects such as brain damage and even death in some cases .

High Blood Sugar

In addition to patients suffering from low levels of blood sugar, 788 participants in the study were reportedly treated for high levels of blood sugar within 30 days of taking gatifloxacin. Of these patients, 86 people were diagnosed with hyperglycemia. The side effects of gatifloxacin proved to be 17 times more likely to include the onset of hyperglycemia than in patients taking alternative medications .

What is Hyperglycemia?

Hyperglycemia is a serious condition in which the body has an increased level of glucose in the blood. Hyperglycemia is often a precursor to the onset of diabetes , a debilitating and life threatening condition. Hyperglycemia is a serious side effect of gatifloxacin.

Other Serious Side Effects

Since the release of gatifloxacin, the company has made numerous changes to the labeling due to increasing evidence of severe gatifloxacin side effects. In addition to the serious risk of glucose abnormalities, gatifloxacin side effects also reported include kidney failure, liver problems and even death .

Possible side effects listed in the labeling of gatifloxacin also include, stomach problems, diarrhea, headaches, vaginal swelling and dizziness.

Contact your doctor if you have experienced any of these adverse Gatifloxacin side effects.

Contact Us

If you have experienced the dangerous side effects of Gatifloxacin, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering and medical expenses. Many doctors are now claiming they would never prescribe such a dangerous medicine with the availability of safe and effective alternatives on the market.

Contact us to speak to a qualified personal injury lawyer regarding your case. We can evaluate your case, free of charge, and ensure that your rights are protected. Let us help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your losses and suffering.

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Side Effects of Gatifloxacin

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