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Avelox Aortic Dissection

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Aortic dissection is a dangerous complication that recent studies have linked to the use of Avelox and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics. An Avelox-related aortic dissection is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Fluoroquinolones May Double Risk of Aortic Dissection

Avelox and other fluoroquinolones are prescribed to millions of people every year to treat pneumonia and other serious bacterial infections. However, these drugs been tied to a number of dangerous side effects, prompting the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to warn against their use in patients with certain uncomplicated infections if other treatment options are possible. Complications associated with fluoroquinolones can involve the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves and central nervous system. They may occur together, and they have the potential to become permanent. Read More

Some Avelox complications, such as tendon ruptures, are thought to be the result of collagen degradation. In October 2015, researchers writing in JAMA: Internal Medicine suggested that this side effect may extend to the arteries, possibly resulting in a weekend aorta and a greater risk of aortic dissection and aortic aneurysm.

For their study, the authors of the report analyzed data from 1,477 individuals who were hospitalized with aortic aneurysm or dissection from January 2000 through December 2011 and 147,700 controls. They found that the use of fluoroquinolones was associated with an approximately 2-fold increase in the risk of aortic aneurysm and dissection within 60 days of exposure.

“While these were rare events, physicians should be aware of this possible drug safety risk associated with fluoroquinolone therapy,” they concluded.

 What is Aortic Dissection?

The aorta is the most important artery, and is responsible for supplying the body with oxygenated blood from the heart. When the inner layer of this vital artery rips, blood can surge through the opening, resulting in the separation of the inner and middle layers of the aorta. This is known as aortic dissection.

Victims of an Avelox aortic dissection may experience symptoms similar to those of a heart attack, including:

• Sudden severe pain in the chest or upper back that radiates to the neck or down the back.
• Loss of consciousness
• Shortness of breath
• Stoke-like symptoms, including difficulty speaking, loss of vision, weakness or paralysis of one side of the body.
• Weak pulse in one arm compared with the other.

Avelox patients who experience these symptoms should contact 911, as aortic dissection is a medical emergency.  Should the aorta rupture, organ damage, stroke and death may occur.

Attorneys Evaluating Avelox Lawsuits

Our attorneys are currently evaluating Avelox lawsuits and other fluoroquinolone cases that involve aortic dissection. To discuss your potential claim with a member of our legal staff, please call (888) 994-5118.