In August 2014, the FDA released a statement stating the dangers of fluoridated antibiotics and the effects of nerve damage on the body. All of the drug labels on these medications have been updated to better describe the serious side effect of peripheral neuropathy. According to this announcement, “The risk of peripheral neuropathy occurs only with fluoroquinolones that are taken by mouth or by injection.” Some of the FDA approved drugs are Cipro, Levaquin, and Avelox. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include; pain, burning, tingling, numbness or weakness of the arms and legs. Side effects could also exhibit as change in the sensation to touch, temperature, or sense of body position. These medications should be stopped immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
What are Flouroquinolones And Why Are They So Dangerous?
Flouroquinolones, synthetic antibacterial drugs, are commonly used to treat a variety of illnesses including urinary tract infections. More than 23 million patients received one of these six medications in 2011. These medicines include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and ofloxacin (Floxin).
Fluoride is a known neurotoxin. The molecule fluoride acts as a transporter to penetrate into the sensitive tissues of your body, including your brain. This ability to cross barriers and soft tissues makes fluoride a highly potent neurotoxin.
Side Effects Of Fluoroquinolones Include
Central Nervous System:
- toxic psychosis
- panic/anxiety
- insomnia
- seizures
- tremors
- dizziness
- confusion
- depression
Peripheral Nervous System:
- numbness
- pain
- burning
- tingling
- stinging
- weakness
Musculoskeletal System:
- joint pain
- tendon pain
- tendon rupture
- muscle pain (rhabdomyolysis – a potentially fatal, rapid muscle wasting condition which may include dark or pink urine)
Cardiovascular System:
- torsades de pointes (a fatal arrhythmia)
- heart attack
- palpitations (irregular heartbeat)
- bradycardia (slow heartbeat)
- tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
Immune System:
- anaphylactic reaction (potentially fatal allergic reaction)
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (potentially fatal autoimmune reaction where the immune system attacks the skin)
Additional Medical Conditions:
- renal (kidney) failure
- liver failure
Many of these terrible side effects can occur long after the patient has discontinued the medication!
Even as I define this long list of symptoms, it doesn’t mean that other physicians and patients will pay attention to the warning signs or labels! Drug companies are fully aware of the toxicity that is within the bottles they market to physicians and patients. Understanding the risks associated with the types of medications that you take is the most important step to avoid the potential life-threatening adverse side effects of flouroquinolone antibiotics.
Be Informed
Keep your health a top priority and stay informed about the types of medications that your doctor is prescribing. Despite multiple warning signs, the FDA didn’t take action until 2008. Some flouroquinolones have been taken off the market based on their adverse side effects, however six of these medications still remain in use today. Remember: the word “APPROVED” does not mean that they are safe or proven as such!
Use Sparingly And Report
Even though drug companies claim to have low rates of death or adverse reactions to these medications, other studies show a much more serious problem. It’s important to not take these reports from drug companies as entirely truthful; instead, understand the types of medications that you are taking to the full extent. If a doctor of yours prescribes a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, discuss the alternatives. If your condition requires this type of medication and warrants the risk of taking such medication, proceed with caution. In my opinion, this type of medication should only be used when treating the most serious of cases that are unresponsive to alternative treatments.
Do not use these types of medications if you have had serious side effects with similar drugs in the past. Also, make sure to report any adverse reactions immediately to your physician and quickly seek medical attention. You should also report the adverse reactions to MedWatch, the FDA’s safety information and adverse event reporting program, in order to serve the public with more information and accurate records. It’s up to the public to continue their vigilance and create positive change in order to increase the safety and regulations of such dangerous medications.
For more information on medical product information and recent safety alerts from the FDA, visit http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/default.htm
For news and alerts about vaccines, disease control and prevention visit : http://www.cdc.gov/
To get help if you are a victim of FQ drug reaction, visit: http://fqvictims.org/fqvictims/index.htm
