Cipro and Levaquin Aortic Complication Lawsuits

A recent study conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that fluoroquinolone antibiotics can increase the chance of a severe aortic rupture. These types of rare but severe ruptures of the aorta can cause dangerous levels of bleeding and even death. The use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics through an injection or via the mouth has been linked to dangerous side effects that increase the likelihood of a person experiencing an aortic rupture.

Doctors have prescribed fluoroquinolone antibiotics for over thirty (30) years to treat bacterial infections. Over time, the medical community has learned that patients with a history of aneurysms or blockages, with high blood pressure, with certain genetic disorders that involve blood vessel changes, and elderly patients, are at a higher risk for developing aortic complications. Those with aneurysms are blockages of the aorta or other blood vessels also face a high risk of aortic bleeding.

On December 20, 2018, the FDA issued a statement advising healthcare professionals not to prescribe fluoroquinolone antibiotics to any patients who were at risk of developing an aortic aneurysm. The FDS warned that patients with the following pre-existing conditions were at a higher risk of suffering serious injuries than healthy patients:

• Those with blocked blood vessels;
• Those with high blood pressure;
• The elderly;
• Patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, or other genetic conditions.

The FDA recently issued a new safety alert warning that the use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics can double a patient's risk of suffering a potentially fatal aortic aneurysm. The risk of suffering a fatal aortic aneurysm increases as soon as an at-risk patient begins taking the drug, and the increased risk can extend for as long as sixty (60) days after a patient stops using the drug.

Manufacturers of the following types of fluoroquinolone medications have faced thousands of product liability lawsuits. Plaintiffs have alleged that the manufacturers' medications have caused ruptured tendons, aneurysms, aortic dissection, and other severe injuries. The affected medications and manufacturers include:

• Cipro (ciprofloxacin) manufactured by Bayer;
• Levaquin (levofloxacin) manufactured by Janssen and Johnson & Johnson;
• Avelox (moxifloxacin) manufactured by Bayer;
• Factive (gemifloxacin) manufactured by Merus Labs;
• Noroxin (norfloxacin) manufactured by Merck & Co;
• Floxin (ofloxacin) manufactured by Daiichi Sankyo and Johnson & Johnson.

If a person is experiencing any of the side effects listed below, it is essential that the person discuss the side effects with a medical professional as soon as possible, especially if the person has been taking a medication containing fluoroquinolone. In addition to aortic rupture, fluoroquinolone antibiotics can also cause the following side effects:

• Vomiting and nausea;
• Itching;
• Vaginosis;
• Diarrhea;
• Headache;
• Watery diarrhea;
• Facial swelling;
• Difficulty breathing;
• Rash;
• Allergic reactions;
• Fluid collection or swelling;
• Changes in the rhythm of the heart;
• Sudden pain or tingling;
• Confusion;
• Unusual behavior;
• Severe anxiety;
• Severe nervousness;
• Fainting;
• Sudden dizziness.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics have been linked to a risk of fatal cardiac complications, including aortic dissection and aortic aneurysm. Researchers have concluded that conditions occur when collagen formation is interrupted.

The aorta is supported by collagen and is a rigid vessel. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the human circulatory system. The aortic blood vessel carries oxygenated blood from the heart to a patient' s tissues.

When collagen production becomes compromised, the aorta may bulge, tear, or become too thin. When a bulge forms in the aorta, an aortic aneurysm can occur. Aortic dissection occurs when a tear begins in the aorta' s inner lining and then splits away from the middle layer of the aorta.

When dissection occurs, the aorta can rupture, causing a massive hemorrhage. Even with immediate medical treatment, a patient can experience loss of such a massive amount of blood that the condition proves fatal.

The legal professionals at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, can hold the manufacturers of dangerous medications accountable to the innocent victims injured by the manufacturers' products. If you or someone you love has suffered an aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, or death while taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics, contact our Charlotte product liability law firm to schedule your free initial consultation.