Tasahra Christian
AssociateWith every claim, I do everything possible to ensure my clients are shown the compassion they deserve, are listened to and are always kept up to date in regards to the progress of their claim.
Ciprofloxacin Side Effects and Fluoroquinolones in Australia – What You Need to Know.
If you’re suffering from the side effects of Ciprofloxacin or another fluoroquinolone antibiotic, you’re certainly not alone. Although side effects are listed as being rare, the wide use of these antibiotics means there are many thousands of people around the world who have suffered adverse reactions to them, and many have reported severe and long-term health problems.
If your symptoms are severe, you might be finding it hard or even impossible to work, which leads to financial stress of top of dealing with your health issues.
This guide includes a information and advice on the most common symptoms and adverse reactions to Ciprofloxacin or another fluoroquinolone antibiotics, where you can get support, and how to find out if you’re entitled to financial compensation.
What’s Ciprofloxacin?
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic, in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. Fluoroquinolones are strong prescription antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections including respiratory and urinary tract infections.
Ciprofloxacin is often referred to as ‘Cipro’. It’s the most widely used of all the fluoroquinolone antibiotics, with over 4 million prescriptions in the US alone in 2020. In Australia, fluoroquinolone prescriptions are restricted to infections that are resistant to all other recommended drugs, due to the potential for serious adverse effects.
What are the adverse reactions associated with Ciprofloxacin and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics?
The three fluoroquinolone antibiotics marketed in Australia are Ciprofloxacin, Moxifloxacin and Norfloxacin.
Disabling, long-lasting and potentially irreversible adverse reactions affecting musculoskeletal and nervous systems have been reported with these antibiotics. They include:
- Peripheral nerve damage
- Central nervous system effects
- Anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction
- Tendon rupture or damage
- Aortic aneurysm or dissection
Call 13 15 15 for free expert legal advice or
Register your interestHow do I know if I’m suffering an adverse reaction?
If you’ve been prescribed one of these antibiotics and you’re concerned about an adverse reaction, here are the symptoms to keep any eye out for:
- Sudden pain in tendons, muscles, arms or legs
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Changes in consciousness
- Changes or loss of sensation in arms, legs or skin
According to the Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), these antibiotics have also been associated with an increased risk of psychiatric adverse reactions including:
- Toxic psychosis
- Psychotic reactions progressing to suicidal thoughts
- Hallucinations or paranoia
- Depression, or self-harm behaviour
- Anxiety, agitation, or nervousness
- Confusion, delirium, disorientation
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Memory impairment
These reactions may develop over time or occur following the first dose. So if you experience any of these symptoms, you should inform your doctor immediately and stop taking the medication.
What should I do if I’m suffering from any symptoms?
In general, remain vigilant for symptoms such as tendon or abdominal pain and report these to your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor about all your symptoms and tell them if you’ve stropped taking the antibiotics.
However, many long-term suffers of adverse reactions to fluoroquinolone antibiotics find it difficult to get a treatment plan that works for them, especially if they have multiple symptoms. For this reason, many turn to other sufferers to learn what has worked for them.
Call 13 15 15 for free expert legal advice or
Register your interestWhere can I get advice and support?
There’s a large online community of people sharing their stories and experiences through forums, websites and Facebook groups. So large, in fact, that the term ‘Floxing’ has been coined to describe the adverse events that can occur during or after taking one of these antibiotics. Floxing is also commonly referred to as Fluoroquinolone Toxicity, FQ Toxicity, or FQTS. The term Fluoroquinolone-Associated Disability or FQAD is a term used to refer to those affected with chronic, long-lasting disability caused by multiple symptoms.
Although you should take care not to take medical advice from people who are not medical professionals, it can be helpful to connect with others who are in a similar situation to you, and to hear about their journeys.
Can I get financial support?
If your adverse reaction to Ciprofloxacin and another fluoroquinolone antibiotic has caused you to stop working, you may be entitled to a total and permanent disability lump sum payment. You can call 13 15 15 to find out if you’re eligible.
In the US, a number of consumers are pursuing product liability claims against Ciprofloxacin maker Bayer Healthcare for adverse reactions caused by the fluoroquinolone antibiotic drug. There have also been class action claims relating to aortic dissection and aneurysms and peripheral neuropathy caused by fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
Law Partners is Australia’s largest specialist personal injury firm. We’re currently investigating a potential class action in relation to the serious side effects caused by fluoroquinolone antibiotics. You can read more about this and register to be part of it here.
If you or a member of your family has suffered a severe complication after taking a fluoroquinolone antibiotic in Australia, you can call Law Partners on 13 15 15 for a free, confidential conversation with one of our specialist personal injury lawyers. We’ll listen to your story and advise you on whether you may be entitled to compensation for your physical and psychological suffering.
You’re in safe hands with Law Partners.
The class action is being investigated by our medical negligence team, which has a strong track record of successful claims. Our lawyers are back by a team of specialists including paralegals, medico-legal experts, forensic accountants, and barristers.
Your team will work hard for you, check in with you regularly and always keep you up to date. You’re in safe hands with Australia’s largest specialist personal injury firm.
Register your interest.
Our senior lawyers will assess your case for free.
