Proquin XR and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics have been associated with debilitating nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy). It may also increase the risk of aortic aneurysms, which can cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Proquin 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.
What is Proquin XR?
Proquin an extended-release (XR) version of ciprofloxacin (Cipro). It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that treats infections by preventing bacteria from replicating. Proquin XR is also used to prevent or treat anthrax.
Proquin “Black Box” Warning: Tendonitis and Tendon Ruptures
Proquin XR and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics have “Black Box” warning labels about tendon injuries. Tendons are fibrous tissues that connect bone and muscle in the shoulder, hand, back of the ankle, and other parts of the body. Proquin increases the risk of tendonitis (swelling and inflammation) and tendon ruptures during treatment and for several months afterward.
Proquin and Aortic Aneurysms
Proquin can damage collagen in connective tissue, which is why it is associated with tendon injuries. The wall of the aorta also contains collagen, and several recent studies suggest that fluoroquinolone antibiotics could increase the risk of aortic aneurysms:
- In October 2015, a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that current use of a fluoroquinolone antibiotic was linked to a 2.4-fold increased risk of aortic aneurysms, and past use was linked to a 50% increased risk.
- In November 2015, the British Medical Journal published a study linking fluoroquinolone antibiotics with a tripled increased risk of aortic aneurysms.
What is an Aortic Aneurysm?
Aortic aneurysms occur when there is a bulge in the wall of the aorta, which is the largest blood vessel in the body. In severe cases, the aorta “balloons” outward and rips open, causing sudden internal bleeding or even death. Aortic aneurysms can occur near the heart or in the abdomen.
Proquin and Nerve Damage
Proquin increases the risk of peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that can occur rapidly and cause permanent muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, burning, chronic pain, and problems feeling temperature or texture.
Evidence linking fluoroquinolone antibiotics and nerve damage has been growing for over a decade. In 2001, researchers published a study of 45 cases of antibiotic-induced nerve damage. More than half of the victims still had symptoms one year later, and many reports were “severe events that typically involved multiple organ systems.”
FDA Safety Communication: Peripheral Neuropathy
The FDA added peripheral neuropathy to the label on all fluoroquinolone antibiotics in 2004. However, the agency issued a Safety Communication in August 2013 to emphasize the rapid onset of symptoms and potentially permanent complications. One year after the FDA warning, Neurology published a study in which researchers found that fluoroquinolone antibiotics doubled the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy.
Proquin Side Effects
- Aortic aneurysms
- Severe allergic reaction
- Tendonitis and tendon rupture
- Seizures
- Intestinal infection
- Nerve damage
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Sensitivity to light
- Low blood sugar
- Hallucinations, paranoia, or nightmares
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts or acts
- Confusion and anxiety
- And more
Proquin Class Action
Our lawyers are nationally recognized for filing class action lawsuits, but 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 severe side effects. We believe there is no excuse for drug-makers who fail to warn about side effects. If you were injured by Proquin XR, you could be entitled to compensation for your injury, medical expenses, and more.
Do I have a Proquin Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Proquin 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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