Robert J. Boumis  |  October 30, 2014

Category: Legal News

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perscription-bottle-pillsThe University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria produced a research article addressing current concerns with fluoroquinolone antibiotic liver failure.

Fluoroquinolones, or quinolones, are a family of synthetic antibiotics. While all earlier antibiotics were either produced by bacteria or fungi or derived from such compounds, quinolones were the first antibiotics to be completely synthetic in their origin.

It was hoped that quinolones like fluoroquinolones would be harder for bacteria to adapt to, curtailing antibiotic resistance. These newer-generation antibiotics include Cipro, Avelox, and Levaquin.

While this family of drugs hasn’t proven immune to antibiotic resistance, they are effective enough to join the ranks of other families of antibiotics. However, studies like the University of Port Harcourt’s have suggested that quinolones may carry risks of liver damage.

In this fluoroquinolone study, researchers investigated current concerns surrounding fluoroquinolones. To accomplish this, the researchers performed an analysis on reported cases of liver toxicity in patients taking fluoroquinolones. Researchers looked for possible risk factors seen in patients suffering from fluoroquinolones.

The University of Port Harcourt researchers did find a link between fluoroquinolones and liver problems, with some qualifications. Some of the reports included biopsies, exploratory surgeries that found signs of cell damage and tissue death (necrosis).

The researchers also found signs of liver inflammation and DNA damage in liver cells reported in some cases. The University of Port Harcourt augmented the paper with data from animal trials that found more detailed mechanisms of cellular damage.

Researchers found that while fluoroquinolones were generally safe, there was some risk of liver toxicity among patients taking these drugs. The risk was most pronounced in patients that already had existing liver toxicity.

The researchers in the University of Port Harcourt study recommended that physicians test patients’ liver function before and during fluoroquinolone treatment to make sure that they are not suffering from fluoroquinolone liver failure.

A fluoroquinolone liver toxicity lawsuit investigation has been launched to explore the possibility of legal action against drug makers who manufacture drugs like Cipro, Avelox, and Levaquin. Such a fluoroquinolone lawsuit could allege that drug makers were aware — or reasonably should have been aware — of the serious risk of complications associated with these drugs. Such a fluoroquinolone lawsuit could seek to recoup the cost of medical care, wages lost during medical care, and legal fees associated with the antibiotic lawsuit.

Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual lawsuit or class action lawsuit is best for you. [In general, quinolone lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.] Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.

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If you or someone you know took Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox or another quinolone antibiotic and were diagnosed with liver failure, Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), you may have a legal claim. See if you qualify by submitting your information below for a free and confidential case review.

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