The attorneys at Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault are investigating allegations that fluoroquinolone (FLQ) antibiotics, commonly used by many people, can cause Peripheral Neuropathy, which can be permanent. If you or someone you know developed Peripheral Neuropathy after using any of the FLQ antibiotics, contact us today. Find out if you can seek compensation for your injuries by completing our free case evaluation.

Allegations are that the FLQ manufacturers knew of the potential link between their drugs and Peripheral Neuropathy and failed to warn doctors and patients.

On July 26, 2016 the FDA revised the Boxed Warning, their strongest warning, to address these serious safety issues. In addition, FDA updated other parts of the drug label including the Warnings and Precautions and Medication Guide sections.

FDA has determined that FLQs should be reserved for use in patients who have no other treatment options for acute bacterial sinusitis, acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections because the risk of these serious side effects generally outweighs the benefits in these patients. For some serious bacterial infections the benefits of FLQs outweigh the risks, and it is appropriate for them to remain available as a therapeutic option.

Millions of Americans are prescribed FLQ antibiotics every year to treat illnesses such as pneumonia, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, skin infections, urinary tract infections, kidney infections, and more. The different types of FLQs include:

• Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
• Levaquin/Quixin (levofloxacin)
• Tequin (gatifloxacin)
• Avelox (moxifloxacin)
• Ocuflox/Floxin/Floxacin (ofloxacin)
• Noroxin (Norfloxacin)

In 2001 the FDA posted its first safety review of Levoflaxin,one of the FLQ drugs, linking 28 cases of Peripheral Neuropathy with its use. Peripheral Neuropathy is pain/burning, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness, usually in the hands or feet. In 2003, the FDA identified 108 cases of Peripheral Neuropathy associated with cirpofloxacin, levofloxacin and/or ofloxacin use. They recommended this same year that the label be changed to convey the true nature of these adverse affects.

Much later in 2013, the FDA required all FLQ antibacterial drugs to better update their labels in regards to the serious side effect of Peripheral Neuropathy, which can be permanent. Although labels were changed in 2004, the FDA found these labels to not be truly indicative of the risk of Peripheral Neuropathy. The manufacturers failed to issue a letter to doctors informing them of these label changes, leaving doctors and patients unaware of these serious side effects.

Recently in August of 2015, an MDL was established for fluoroquinolone cases, and as of June 2016 there are four hundred and eighty-four pending cases. These lawsuits are claiming the FLQ manufacturers knew of the potential link between their drugs and Peripheral Neuropathy and failed to warn doctors and patients.

If you or a loved one have experienced Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms following the use of a FLQ antibiotic, please contact our firm at 1-800-Gallon1 (1-800-425-5661) or fill out a free case evaluation form. We want to help you get the compensation you deserve.