Gatifloxacin

Gatifloxacin, marketed as Tequin, is an antibiotic commonly used for the treatment of bacterial infections. The Food and Drug Administration approved gatifloxacin in 1999 for the treatment of bronchitis, pneumonia, respiratory tract infections, sinus infections, urinary tract infections and other bacterial ailments. Since gatifloxacin''s release by pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb, the drug''s safety labeling has changed numerous times due to reports of adverse side effects of kidney failure, liver problems and most recently serious glucose abnormalities.

On February 16, 2006, a formal advisory was issued regarding gatifloxacin, accentuating the serious risk for blood sugar fluctuation found in patients taking the medication. If you or a loved on has been injured by the medication gatifloxacin, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering.

The Study

A study conducted by Canadian researchers examined 17,000 patients over the age of 65 who were taking the antibiotic gatifloxacin. The results found in the study were disturbing. Of the gatifloxacin patients, 788 people were treated for low blood sugar within 30 days of taking the medication. Of the patients treated for low blood sugar levels, 61 patients were diagnosed with hypoglycemia .

In addition to these patients, 470 patients were treated for high blood sugar within 30 days of starting the medication. Of these high blood sugar patients, 86 were diagnosed hyperglycemia .

The Risk

Patients taking gatifloxacin were reported to have four times the risk for developing hypoglycemia and were an unsettling 17 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DEVELOP HYPERGLYCEMIA than patients taking alternative antibiotics. The sampling included diabetes patients and those who did not have diabetes, however, the risk factor proved to be present in both. However, the labeling included on the packaging by Bristol-Myers Squibb only lists those with diabetes as being at risk for these serious and potentially fatal side effects.

According to the study, which will be published in the March 2006 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, one in every 100 patients taking the medication gatifloxacin has been hospitalized. By 2003, approximately 17 deaths had been linked to the medication.

Other serious side effects reported with gatifloxacin use were kidney failure and serious liver complications, in addition to the glucose abnormalities .

What to Watch For

Possible symptoms of gatifloxacin glucose abnormalities include: frequent urination, dry mouth, increased thirst level, confusion, heart complications, tremors and confusion . Contact your doctor if you are taking gatifloxacin and experienced any of these side effects that may indicate a problem.

Alternatives

Gatifloxacin belongs to a family of antibiotics, called fluoroquinolones, intended to treat bacterial infections. Alternative medications such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levafloxicin (Levaquin) have been found to be equally as effective in treating bacterial ailments without posing the same dangerous risks as Gatifloxacin. Contact your doctor to learn more about alternatives to gatifloxacin.

Contact Us

If you are a loved one has been injured by the antibiotic gatifloxacin, you are not alone. Contact a qualified personal injury attorney regarding your case. Our attorneys are experienced in dealing with cases of this nature and are prepared to help you handle your claims with sensitivity and dedication. We can evaluate your case, Free Of Charge, and help you determine the next step for protecting your interests and maximizing your claims.

Related Resources

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy - Possible gatifloxacin-induced fulminant hepatic failure

MayoClinic.com - Antibiotic gatifloxacin (Tequin) poses health risks

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