Cipro Nerve Damage

The antibiotic Cipro has been linked to nerve damage, including a debilitating disorder called peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms may appear quickly, and may persist for months or years. Permanent nerve damage has also been reported among people taking this and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

What is Cipro?

Cipro (ciprofloxacin) is a widely used antibiotic that was brought to market by Bayer in 1987. It belongs to a class of medications called fluoroquinolones, which also includes Levaquin and Avelox. These antibiotics have been prescribed to millions of people, despite the significant risks associated with their use.

The prescribing information for Cipro includes warnings regarding side effects like tendon injury and nerve damage. In 2016, the labels for Cipro and other fluoroquinolones were modified to include a new boxed warning stating that the risks associated with fluoroquinolones generally outweigh the benefits for patients with sinusitis, bronchitis and uncomplicated urinary tract infections who have other treatment options. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) ordered the label update after a review confirmed that the drugs could cause serious complications involving the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves and central nervous system. Read More

Cipro Nerve Injuries

As early as 1992, reports had linked fluoroquinolones like Cipro to nerve damage. In 2001, the Annals of Pharmacotherapy reported on 45 patients who had developed peripheral neuropathy following treatment with fluoroquinolones. More than 80% of cases were characterized as “severe,” while more than half persisted a year or longer. However, it wasn’t until 2004 that mention of these side effects were included on fluoroquinolone labels.

In 2013, the FDA  determined that stronger warnings were needed, as the information added to the labels in 2004 didn’t adequately describe the possible rapid onset of nerve damage symptoms, or the potential for permanent peripheral neuropathy. The FDA also required that statements describing the condition as “rare” be removed.

Cipro Nerve Damage Symptoms

When Cipro causes nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy, symptoms may appear shortly after treatment is initiated, and they can persist long after a patient stops taking the antibiotic. Some sufferers have continued to experience weakness, numbness and pain for years.

Cipro patients should contact their doctor immediately if they develop any of the following signs or symptoms:

  • Numbness in extremities
  • Burning or sharp pain
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch
  • Changes in skin, hair or nails
  • Loss of coordination
  • Muscle weakness
  • Paralysis
  • Intolerance to heat
  • Bowel and bladder problems
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness

Did You Suffer From Cipro Nerve Damage? Learn More About Your Legal Options.

Victims of Cipro nerve damage may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more. If you or a loved one were diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy following treatment with Cipro, please call (888) 994-5118 to arrange for a free legal review of your case.

  1. Consumer Reports (2016) “Fluoroquinolones Are Too Risky for Common Infections” http://www.consumerreports.org/drugs/fluoroquinolones-are-too-risky-for-common-infections/
  2. FDA (2013) “FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA requires label changes to warn of risk for possibly permanent nerve damage from antibacterial fluoroquinolone drugs taken by mouth or by injection.” http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm365050.htm.
  3. NIH (2015) “Peripheral Neuropathy” http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/peripheralneuropathy/detail_peripheralneuropathy.htm#3208_1
Last Modified: June 17, 2016

Get the latest news and litigation updates about this case by following us on Facebook. Click the "Like" button below.

 
 
 

Follow Us

RXInjuryHelp.com on Google+  RXInjuryHelp.com on Facebook  RXInjuryHelp.com on LinkedIn  RXInjuryHelp.com on Twitter  RXInjuryHelp.com on YouTube  RXInjuryHelp.com on Pinterest

Skip to content