Dangerous Antibiotics: Part Two

In our last post we discussed the very serious stories of some patients who had been improperly prescribed powerful antibiotics. Complications such as blindness and kidney failure are only the tip of the iceberg as far as permanent disabilities that can result from an adverse reaction to a powerful antibiotic.

While antibiotics have been an incredibly important discovery and the development of powerful drugs in this category has saved countless lives, regulators and physicians have long expressed concerns about the widespread use of these medications.

One category of antibiotics in particular, called fluoroquinolones, has proven to produce severe reactions. One drug in this category was the best-selling antibiotic in the country in 2010, but also resulted in more than 2,000 personal injury lawsuits brought by patients who had severe adverse reactions.

Many of the patients who suffer from these intense reactions are given the drug as treatment for a mild condition even though it is meant only for severe illnesses. In our last post we discussed a young man who was diagnosed with mild pneumonia and given a strong antibiotic. His reactions occurred after taking an antibiotic in the fluoroquinolones category.

It’s important for consumers to be aware of these dangerous drugs and the possible side effects that can come from taking them. In addition to being an informed patient, New Jersey residents should also know that they can seek a remedy under the law if a doctor proscribes a powerful antibiotic that causes injuries.

More information about New Jersey medical malpractice claims can be found on our website.

Source: The New York Times, “Popular antibiotics may carry serious side effects” Jane E. Brody, Sept. 10, 2012