Fluoroquinolones are amongst the most widely prescribed antibiotics in the United States, with one of the most commonly requested medication being Cipro (ciprofloxacin).

Despite its popularity, this fluoroquinolone drug has been linked to serious and life-threatening Cipro side effects.

Patients who are prescribed Cipro for certain types of bacterial infections may experience severe Cipro side effects.

In fact, two recent studies suggest that taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics like Cipro may be associated with increased likelihood of suffering two potentially life-threatening conditions: aortic dissection and aortic aneurysm.

About Cipro

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to treat infections of the skin, lungs, airways, bones and joints caused by susceptible bacteria.

The drug works by killing the bacteria that cause infections. It does this by entering the bacterial cells and inhibiting DNA-gyrase, a bacterial enzyme involved in replicating and repairing the genetic material (DNA) of the bacteria.

Typical Cipro side effects include skin rash and allergic reactions, gastrointestinal problems, and headaches. Less common but more serious Cipro side effects may include seizures, hallucinations, tendon rupture, or nerve damage.

Concerns Over Cipro Side Effects and Complications

In late 2015, two studies published in reputable medical journals linked fluoroquinolone antibiotic use with the possibility of aortic dissection or aortic aneurysm. These conditions are life-threatening and without prompt intervention can lead to death.

The two studies, published in BMJ Open and JAMA Internal Medicine, note past research that suggests the mechanism for the risk of tendon injury occurring with use of fluoroquinolones may include “degradation,” or deterioration, of type I and type III collagen.

The aorta is also made up of these kinds of collagen, leading the authors to suggest that fluoroquinolone antibiotics like Cipro may be associated not only with the rupture of tendons, especially the Achilles, but also aortic dissection and aneurysm.

Aortic Dissection

One of the studies, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, comprised of people who experienced aortic aneurysm or dissection and matched controls, found current fluoroquinolone use to be associated with a significantly more than doubled rate of aortic aneurysm or dissection.

The significantly increased rate held when fluoroquinolones like Cipro had been used within the year prior to the aortic dissection or aortic aneurysm.

An aortic dissection involves the tearing of the inner layer of the aorta. The aorta is the main artery in the body, which carries oxygenated blood from the heart so that blood may be distributed throughout the body.

If the aorta tears, blood can flow through the tear, causing, as described by the Mayo Clinic, “the inner and middle layers of the aorta to dissect. If the blood-filled channel ruptures through the outside aortic wall, aortic dissection is often fatal.”

Aortic Aneurysm

The studies also indicate that fluoroquinolone antibiotics may be linked to an aortic aneurysm. The study published in BMJ Open found a significantly more than twofold increased hazard of aortic aneurysm with current use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

An aortic aneurysm is “an abnormal enlargement or bulging of the wall of the aorta.” If the aneurysm grows large enough, “it can burst and cause dangerous bleeding or even death.”

Aortic aneurysm symptoms include:

• Tearing pain in the chest, abdomen, and/or middle of the back between the shoulder blades
• Shortness of breath
• Hoarseness
• Cough
• Difficulty swallowing

If an aortic aneurysm has ruptured, it may cause:

• Loss of consciousness
• Stroke
• Shock
• Heart attack
• Death

If you or someone you love has suffered from serious Cipro side effects after using the fluoroquinolone antibiotic, including aortic aneurysm, tear, or dissection, you could be eligible to recover compensation for your damages.