Antibiotics like Proquin XR have been linked to rare but severe side effects like permanent nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) and aortic aneurysms that can cause major bleeding.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Proquin XR induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with an aneurysm or nerve damage, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Proquin and Nerve Damage
In August 2013, the FDA issued a Safety Communication to update warnings about nerve damage from fluoroquinolone antibiotics like Proquin XR. All drugs in this class have carried warnings about nerve damage since 2004, but the FDA was concerned that patients were not being adequately warned about the rapid onset of symptoms or potentially permanent complications.
In 2001, a study of 45 cases of antibiotic-induced nerve damage, many people developed symptoms within a few days and 55% still had symptoms after one year. Researchers warned that many cases were “severe events that typically involved multiple organ systems.”
The type of nerve damage is peripheral neuropathy and it primarily affects sensory nerves in the arms and legs. Symptoms of peripheral nerve damage may include:
- Muscle weakness and atrophy
- Twitching
- Numbness or feeling like you are wearing gloves or socks
- Tingling, prickling, or “pins and needles”
- Chronic pain (especially at night)
- Loss of sensation of touch, texture, temperature, or pain
- Trouble balancing or sensing body position
- And more
Proquin and Aortic Aneurysms
An aortic aneurysm is an enlarged or “ballooning” section of the aorta. It can occur in the chest or deep inside the abdomen. Many aneurysms produce no symptoms until they suddenly rip open and cause massive internal bleeding or death.
Proquin XR and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics can damage collagen in connective tissue, which is why they have “Black Box” warning labels about tendonitis and tendon ruptures. Collagen is also found in the wall of major blood vessels, including the aorta, and recent studies have raised concern about aortic aneurysms.
Two recent studies have found evidence that aortic aneurysms are more likely to occur in people on fluoroquinolone antibiotics:
- In October 2015, researchers in Taiwan JAMA Internal Medicine published a study of 150,000 people on antibiotics, including 1,500 who had an aneurysm. Current users of fluoroquinolone antibiotics (within 60 days) had a 2.4-fold increased risk of aortic aneurysm.
- In November 2015, the British Medical Journal published a study that found a 3-fold increased risk of aortic aneurysms associated with the use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
What is the problem?
The Schmidt Firm, LLP is nationally recognized as a class action law firm. However, we are not currently filing a class action lawsuit against the makers of Proquin XR. Instead, we are filing individual lawsuits on behalf of people who were diagnosed with nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) or an aortic aneurysm.
About Class Actions
Class actions are designed to resolve a large number of legal claims as efficiently as possible. The lawsuit is filed by a “class representative” on behalf of everyone who was affected by a defendant’s misconduct. Examples include fraud, employment discrimination, or refunds for products that were falsely advertised.
Why Our Law Firm is Filing Individual Lawsuits as Opposed to a Class Action
For people with severe injuries, class actions can have disadvantages. It is uncommon for consumer class actions to go to trial. Even if compensation is awarded, everyone who joins the class action must share the payout. Members may also have to accept higher attorneys’ fees or “low-ball” settlements.
Instead of a class action, our lawyers file individual lawsuits. We specialize in maximizing compensation for people with serious injuries, medical expenses, and permanent injuries. We believe there is no excuse for drug-makers who sell medications without warning about dangerous side effects.
Do I have a Proquin Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Proquin XR induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with an aneurysm or nerve damage, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
