ciprofloxacin & related warning for tendon damage by FDA

grams · Post by **grams** » January 9th, 2009, 2:01 pm

Hi folks,

The antibiotic ciproflacin and others in its family have been commonly prescribed for years for urinary tract infections and other illnesses. My doctor said no rowing while taking it, so I am not going to take any more of it ever.

I just found out that ciprofloxacin has now got a 'black box' warning on it by the FDA for possible tendon damage and rupture. A quick web search will fill you in on all the symptoms.

I have had 3 tendons replaced (one in each ankle and one knee) so I know what happens when a tendon breaks. I don't know that cipro contributed to my failures as they were too long ago, but I certainly would stay away from this stuff while exercising. I do know that cortizone shots did contribute to one failure.

I was playing soccer and climbing and skiing during my problems, so I can say for certain that weakened tendons can easily fail during exercise or sports.

grams

Rhubarbarian · Post by **Rhubarbarian** » January 10th, 2009, 12:54 am

I think black box warning is for all the antibiotics in the fluoroquinolone category. I can't think of them all, but levaquin, floxin, avelox are some others.

The risk of tendon rupture is small, but still who needs that if another (and probably cheaper) antibiotic will do the job. If that drug is the best choice for your infection, then you have decide which is more dangerous for you - taking the drug or not taking it.