A new study has found that certain antibiotics prescribed for infections can, in rare cases, cause permanent disabling side effects.
Health Canada's recent safety review of oral and injectable fluoroquinolones, a class of antibiotics, found that in rare cases some known side effects may be persistent or disabling, said a release from Health Canada. The side effects include muscular issues such as tendonitis and Achilles tendon rupture, nerve damage such as peripheral neuropathy, and central nervous system issues such as anxiety, dizziness and confusion.
Health Canada is working with manufacturers to include information found from the review concerning this rare but serious risk in the product labelling of these drugs.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are used to treat several types of infections, including respiratory and urinary tract infections. The side effects in question can occur hours to weeks after taking a fluoroquinolone.
There are several oral and injectable fluoroquinolones available in Canada, both generic and brand name, including ciprofloxacin (Cipro), moxifloxacin (Avelox), levofloxacin, norfloxacin and ofloxacin.
Health Canada is also working with the Drug Safety and Effectiveness Network and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health to conduct additional studies in regards to the use of these antibiotics in Canada.
If new safety information is identified, Canadians will be updated.
Before taking a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, consumers should tell a health care professional if they have previously experienced a side effect related to fluoroquinolone use. Consumers may consult a health care professional if they experience side effects such as joint and muscle pain, numbness, tingling or confusion while taking a fluoroquinolone. Discuss any questions or concerns about fluoroquinolone treatment with a health care professional.
It is recommended that health care professionals consider the potential for disabling and persistent serious adverse events when choosing to prescribe a fluoroquinolone. Fluoroquinolones should not be prescribed to patients who have previously experienced serious adverse reactions to fluoroquinolones. Professionals should stop a fluoroquinolone treatment if a patient reports a serious adverse reaction and substitute with a non-fluoroquinolone antibacterial drug, if required, to complete the patient's treatment course.
Those who wish to report a side effect to a health product to Health Canada may call the toll-free number or visit Health Canada’s webpage titled Adverse Reaction Reporting.
