Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, first introduced in the 1980s, have become increasingly popular. Fluoroquinolones include Avelox, Cipro, and Levaquin, and are often used to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections.

Unfortunately, these antibiotics have been linked with a number of concerning Avelox side effects, some of which may even become life-threatening.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration discovered a number of potentially serious Avelox side effects since its introduction to the market in the 1980s. The FDA has warned about some of these serious Avelox complications, including aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection.

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that Avelox and similar drugs may be linked with aortic aneurysm or dissection.

An aortic aneurysm is a serious and painful complication in which the aorta bulges as the artery’s walls weaken. This often causes chest pain, and has the added risk of a potential rupture.

An aortic dissection is a similar complication, involving the layers of the aorta breaking down or tearing apart, and is potentially more dangerous than an aortic aneurysm.

Both of these antibiotic side effects, however, are serious and usually require surgery. These conditions can both become fatal if left untreated.

According to the study, taking Avelox or another fluoroquinolone as much as doubles a person’s risk of suffering from these serious Avelox side effects.

Other Serious Avelox Side Effects

The FDA has also warned the medical community about nerve damage that can come as a result of using Avelox or a similar fluoroquinolone antibiotic. This nerve damage, the FDA warns, can even be irreversible.

Symptoms of Avelox nerve damage include pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and weakness.

Avelox side effects may also include tendon rupture. Avelox patients are reportedly seven times more likely to suffer from an Achilles tendon rupture than people who are not taking Avelox or another fluoroquinolone medication.

In 2012, retinal detachment was also added to the list of possible Avelox side effects.

Antibiotic Side Effects Lawsuits

The FDA held an advisory hearing over reports of these Avelox side effects, and has since issued a drug safety warning, recommending that Avelox and other fluoroquinolones not be used to treat uncomplicated infections with safer alternatives.

Avelox and other fluoroquinolones, including Cipro and Levaquin, have been targeted in an increasing amount of litigation over a variety of serious complications.

Lawsuits claim that patients have suffered from serious and even life-threatening Avelox complications, but that drug manufacturers failed to adequately warn the public and the medical community about the possibility of such serious complications.

While filing a lawsuit can never take away the pain and suffering that patients experience due to Avelox side effects, it can help to compensate for financial expenses that may have been incurred by medical bills and lost wages.

If you or someone you love has taken a fluoroquinolone drug like Avelox and have since been diagnosed with one of these serious Avelox side effects, you may be able to file a lawsuit.