Researchers have reported recently that fluoroquinolone antibiotics may be associated with an increased risk for life-threatening aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection.
A case-control analysis of data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) revealed that adults who had recently taken a fluoroquinolone had an approximately two-fold adjusted increased risk for aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection. Although at this point the study reveals an association and cannot establish cause and effect, “it is not likely that more detailed information on a larger population at relatively high-risk of aortic aneurysm or dissection will be available in the immediate future.” Because there is no definitive data clinicians should remain watchful for symptoms of aortic aneurysm and dissection in high-risk patients treated with fluoroquinolones.
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The frequency of aortic dissection and aortic aneurysm in the U.S. has risen over the last several decades, with approximately 15,000 Americans dying each year from aortic aneurysm alone. Research revealed that patients with congenital disorders associated with defects in the connective tissue protein collagen have a higher than normal risk for aneurysm-related dilation and dissection. Fluoroquinolone use is also associated with several collagen-related disorders, including Achilles tendon rupture, tendinopathy, and retinal detachment.
Since 2008, the FDA has required a boxed warning about the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture from fluoroquinolone use. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics include levofloxacin (Levaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), and gemifloxacin (Factive).
Though these and other major adverse events associated with fluoroquinolone use are uncommon, the prevalent use of the drugs makes them a noteworthy concern. Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP, is committed to helping those affected by dangerous drugs receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us today online or by phone (212) 684-1880 if you have been hurt by a dangerous drup. We help clients across the nation with their dangerous drug cases.
