Cipro | Lawsuits and Side Effects

Cipro is a drug that's known as a general antibiotic, which means that it's used to treat a number of bacterial infections. The medical community classifies Cipro as a synthetic fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It contains a powerful dose of medication that seeks out and kills the bacteria that tends to invade the body and lead to ongoing medical problems.

Why Cipro is Prescribed

Specifically, Cipro has been commonly used to treat the following bacterial infections, among others:

• E. coli
• Lower respiratory infections
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STD's)
• Pneumonia
• Septicemia
• Urinary tract infections
• Prostatitis

Cipro was used for these infections and others for approximately 20 years with a relatively high degree of success.

FDA Approved Uses for Cipro

Cipro was originally approved for use by the FDA in 1987, and in addition to the bacterial infections mentioned above, it was also approved for:

• Acute uncomplicated cystitis in females
• Acute sinusitis
• Skin infections
• Bone infections
• Joint infections
• Infectious diarrhea
• Typhoid fever

As can be seen, Cipro was seen as a medication that was highly effective in terms of seeking out and eliminating bacteria that penetrated the body of a patient.

Cipro Side Effects

Cipro was on the market for approximately 20 years before a high enough volume of negative reports began to surface that prompted public scrutiny. In fact, Cipro was only one of many different synthetic fluoroquinolone antibiotic medications that were linked to a strange and serious set of side effects. Generally, these side effects concerned the tendency of tendons to rupture suddenly inside the body of several patients. Examples of tendons that were affected include:

• Heel (Achilles tendon)
• Shoulder
• Thumb
• Elbow
• Wrist
• Knee

Even though there were reports of ruptures of tendons in all of these parts of the body, the rupture of the Achilles tendon in patients was the most prevalent and the most serious. Generally, recovery from such an injury can take several months if not more than a year, and symptoms of a problematic Achilles tendon include:

• Lack of mobility in the foot
• Swelling near the heel
• Difficulty walking
• Inability to stand or put weight on the toes of the injured foot
• Serious, chronic pain in the area of the injury

Invasive surgery is only the first step towards recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon. Subsequent to the surgery, most patients must endure months of grueling and painful physical rehabilitation in order to regain their use of the injured area.

Cipro FDA Warnings and Alerts

The FDA received reports of these tendon ruptures and responded by requiring the makers of Cipro to affix a "Black Box Warning" on all labels of the medication. This warning must be clearly displayed and directly communicate the specific types of risks involved with use of the product in question.

Cipro Side Effects and Contraindications

Generally, Cipro should not be used by anyone with a history of hyper-sensitivity to either Cipro or other quinolones. The medication should also not be used by anyone under the age of 18, and since its release, there are some bacterial infections that have mutated to the point where Cipro is no longer effective.

Cipro Questions

Should I stop using Cipro if I feel pain in my joints?

You will probably be weaned off of Cipro if you're experiencing problems, but you should not simply stop taking it without help from your doctor. If you do so, the bacteria that Cipro is fighting could reemerge and become more powerful, creating more severe damage inside your body.

Will I feel a ruptured Achilles tendon before it happens?

There are cases where an Achilles tendon will rupture with no warning by way of symptoms, but many ruptures are preceded by extreme soreness and swelling in the area, along with an inability to move the foot normally. If you notice any of these problems, seek medical help immediately.

What should I do if I've been injured after taking Cipro?

If you've been injured because of Cipro, you need to contact the defective drugs attorneys at the Phillips National Injury Group as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation.

How do I file a Cipro Lawsuit?

If you have been injured or have experienced a ruptured tendon because of the Cipro, you may be able to file a Cipro lawsuit.

How do I hire a Cipro Side Effect Lawyer?

If you would like to hire a Cipro side effect lawyer you simply have to fill out the contact form on the right side of this page or pick up the phone and call the toll free number.

How much does a Cipro attorney charge to represent me in a lawsuit?

A good Cipro attorney will review your case for FREE. That's right, you will not have to pay an attorney to review your Cipro injury. Drug injury cases like a Cipro injury are taken on a contingency fee basis will you will not have to pay any money up front. A Cipro injury attorney only gets paid if they win your lawsuit.