Antibiotics are meant to help people dealing with illnesses and conditions, but they are not always safe.
Antibiotics can help individuals overcome bacterial infections, but some are safer than others. Certain antibiotics such as Cipro and Levaquin have been shown to cause nerve damage after a person takes them. Worse, it has been alleged that the manufacturers of the drugs knew of the danger they posed, but they did nothing to warn doctors or consumers. If you have suffered nerve damage after taking antibiotics, it is important to speak to a Florida mass tort lawyer that can help.
What Antibiotics Cause Nerve Damage?
Not all antibiotics have been shown to cause nerve damage. The focus of the mass torts involving nerve damage are antibiotics that contain fluoroquinolone. Fluoroquinolone is often used to treat a number of infections, including those that affect the urinary tract and the respiratory system. Antibiotics that contain fluoroquinolone include:
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
- Moxifloxacin (Avelox)
- Ofloxacin
- Gemifloxacin (Factive)
- Delafloxacin (Baxdela)
The FDA has issued several warnings about these drugs. In 2016, the agency recommended that fluoroquinolone not be used to treat bronchitis, sinus infections, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections, when possible. It was not the first time the FDA had spoken out against these drugs.
In 2013, the FDA required manufacturers to change the labels on fluoroquinolone drugs. The agency required the labels to include very clear warnings about the risk of nerve damage the drugs posed. The FDA had come to this conclusion after reading several reports about adverse events that described the development of peripheral neuropathy in individuals who took the medications.
Symptoms of Nerve Damage
If you have taken antibiotics that contain fluoroquinolone, it is important to recognize the symptoms of nerve damage so you can take action right away. The most common include:
- Burning
- Pain
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Tingling
- Nerve spasms
- Sensitivity to pain, touch, and temperature
If you have experienced these symptoms after taking certain antibiotics, it is important to seek medical attention and speak to a lawyer.
Liability in Nerve Damage Lawsuits
Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe, and that includes pharmaceutical companies that manufacture drugs. They are also responsible for warning consumers about any dangers their medications may pose. The manufacturers that have created antibiotics using fluoroquinolone were negligent in meeting that responsibility and have caused many patients harm. The fact that it is possible they have known about the dangers for years and did nothing about it is even worse. Through a personal injury claim, you can hold these manufacturers liable and recover any damages you incurred as a result.
Call Our Florida Mass Tort Lawyer Today
If you have developed nerve damage after taking certain antibiotics, our Boca Raton mass tort lawyers at Ged Lawyers, LLP, are here to help. After reviewing your case free of charge, we will advise on whether you can join a class action or file your own claim. We will then pursue it with you to help ensure you receive the maximum damages you deserve. Call us today at (561) 995-1966 or contact us online to speak with one of our skilled attorneys.
