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Tequin Side Effects
Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999, Tequin is an antibiotic that is typically used to treat adults with lung, sinus and urinary tract infections as well as certain sexually transmitted diseases. Tequin is classified as an antibiotic. Widely used, Tequin had worldwide sales of $150 million, including $100 million in the United States, in 2005.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a result of the Tequin side effects, a defective drug lawyer at Finz & Finz, P.C. can determine whether you are entitled to compensation. Contact a New York Drug Lawyer today!
Recent Studies Raise Concern over Tequin Side Effects
Since January 1, 2000, Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy and information organization, indicated that an investigative study showed there have been 388 patients with blood sugar irregularities linked to Tequin use. These cases included 20 deaths and 159 hospitalizations. Such statistics urged some doctors to call for the drug's withdrawal due to its dangerous nature. Thus, continued concern of blood sugar problems associated with the drug caused the manufacturer of Tequin to add warning language to the drug label. These new warning label were added to Tequin's warning label in 2002 to reflect the Tequin side effects risk of low blood sugar and high blood sugar.In a recent March 2006 Canadian study, Tequin was linked to serious cases of diabetes and other blood sugar disorders and determined to have life threatening side effects. The study’s alarming findings raised concern for whether or not the drug should undergo relabeling with stronger warnings or be discontinued. Recent studies have also indicated that Tequin side effects can noticeably increase the risk of diabetes.
As a result, in February 2005, Bristol Meyers Squibb Co., the manufacturer of Tequin, proposed changes to the prescribing information for Tequin, including additional warnings of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). The changes also include information identifying other risk factors for developing low blood sugar and high blood sugar, including advanced age, renal insufficiency, and concomitant glucosealtering medications while taking Tequin.
On May 1, 2006, BristolMyers Squibb stated that it will cease the manufacturing and sale of its antibiotic Tequin. Since Tequin has been linked to serious cases of diabetes and other potentially fatal blood sugar problems, the potential risks of Tequin far outweighed the benefits.
Special Warnings About Tequin Side Effects
- Tequin can alter the heartbeat. It's best to avoid it if you have an irregular or slow heartbeat, suffer from low potassium levels, or are taking medication to treat an irregular heartbeat. If you or anyone in your family has a history of heart problems, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Contact your doctor if you have palpitations or fainting spells while on Tequin.
- Rare cases of peripheral neuropathy (changes or disturbances of the nervous system) have been reported with this type of antibiotic. Contact your doctor if you experience muscle weakness, paralysis, pain or numbness, a burning sensation, or a "pins and needles" sensation.
- Tequin has been known to cause a rupture in the muscle tendons of the hand, shoulder, or heel. Your risk for this type of rupture is greater if you are taking a steroid medication along with Tequin. If you notice any pain and inflammation in a tendon, stop taking this medication and avoid exercise until you have seen your doctor.
- Tequin may cause convulsions, increased pressure in the head, psychosis, tremors, restlessness, nervousness, anxiety, lightheadedness, confusion, depression, nightmares, insomnia, unfounded suspicions, and hallucinations. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately. Before taking Tequin, let your doctor know if you are prone to seizures.
- Tequin may cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or participate in activities that require mental alertness or coordination until you know how Tequin affects you.
- Tequin can disturb blood sugar levels. If you are a diabetic on oral diabetes medications and your blood sugar drops, eat some sugar, stop taking Tequin, and call your doctor. Monitor your blood sugar levels carefully during your entire course of Tequin therapy.
- An increase in blood sugar is also possible, especially among older adults, people with poor kidneys, and those taking medications that tend to increase blood sugar. Check with your doctor immediately if you develop warning signs such as frequent urination, thirst, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.
- Tequin, used in high doses for short periods of time, may hide or delay the symptoms of syphilis. If you are taking Tequin for gonorrhea, your doctor will test you for syphilis.
- You'll also need to be closely monitored if you have kidney disease; your dosage may have to be reduced.
- Some of the other drugs in the quinolone family tend to increase sensitivity to the sun. To be on the safe side, avoid excessive exposure to sunlight while taking Tequin.
- Like all antibiotics, Tequin occasionally causes a severe and even dangerous form of diarrhea. Alert your doctor if you develop this problem.
- Tequin is not recommended for children under 18 years of age.
Legal help for Tequin Users in New York and Nationwide
To facilitate the process and to further understand your rights in New York or in another state, consult with a defective drug lawyer in New York who is knowledgeable regarding the dangerous Tequin side effects.
If you, a family member or friend have suffered a serious illness, injury, or medical condition as a result of the Tequin side effects, please contact a New York Defective Drug Lawyer of Finz & Finz, P.C. today at (888) FINZ-FIRM to speak with an experienced defective drug litigation lawyer now or fill out the Free Case Evaluation form on the right of this page.
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