Tequin (gatifloxacin)

Tequin (gatifloxacin) is an antibiotic medication used to treat adults with lung, sinus, or urinary tract infections, as well as certain sexually transmitted diseases caused by bacteria. Manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Tequin works by stopping the growth of bacteria and belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics.

Tequin only treats bacterial infections. It does not work for viral infections, e.g., the common cold, flu. Tequin does not kill viruses which attack the lungs and sinuses, and while it treats gonorrhea, it does not treat other STDs like syphilis and non-gonococcal diseases.

Why Prescribed

Tequin is prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

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FDA Approved Uses

Tequin was approved for use by FDA in 1999 as a quinolone antibiotic used to stop the growth of bacteria in a variety of infections.

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Side Effects

Side effects commonly associated with Tequin include vaginal itching, swelling or discomfort, stomach pain, loss of appetite, change in the way things taste, heartburn, diarrhea, fatigue, muscle or joint pain, leg cramps, and ringing in the ears.

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Warnings and Alerts

In 2006, the FDA notified healthcare professionals about proposed changes being made to the prescribing label ‘Warnings’ section for Tequin, noting that hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) have been associated with use, and that the drug is contraindicated in diabetic patients. Other serious side effects include severe allergic reactions, seizures, dizziness, confusion, tremors, hallucinations, depression, suicidal thoughts, or pain, heart attack, stroke, and death. Public Citizen, the public interest group founded by Ralph Nader, filed a petition with the Food and Drug Administration demanding a Tequin recall. The petition made reference to 388 patients with blood-sugar irregularities associated with Tequin, including 20 deaths and 159 hospitalizations since January 2000.

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Drug Contraindications

Tequin is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus.

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FAQ's

What is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is the term used to describe the condition caused by abnormally low blood sugar levels. If you are taking Tequin, medical attention should be sought immediately if you experience:

• Confusion
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

What is Hyperglycemia?

Hyperglycemia is the term used to describe abnormally elevated blood sugar levels, a condition classically associated with diabetes.

Has Tequin been recalled?

No. Although Bristol-Myers Squibb no longer manufactures the drug, there is no plan to recall existing product in the market. In fact, the manufacturer is warning Tequin users not to stop taking it without first discussing the matter with their doctor.

Who should NOT take Tequin?

You should not Tequin if you are allergic to it or any 'quinolones' such as:

• Ciprofloxacin
• Gatifloxacin (Tequin, Zymar)
• Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
• Lomefloxacin (Maxaquin)
• Moxifloxacin (Avelox, Vigamox)
• Gemifloxacin (Factive)
• Norfloxacin (Noroxin)
• Ofloxacin (Floxin)

You should also not take Tequin if you:

• Are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or nursing
• Have diabetes
• Have heart problems
• Have or had liver problems
• Have kidney problems
• Take other prescription or non-prescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements -- especially those for controlling blood sugar, or treating irregular heartbeat, as well as antidepressant or antipsychotic medicines, diuretics ("water pills"), diabetes medicines, Videx (didanosine), or antacids and multivitamins that contain zinc, magnesium, or iron.

If I have suffered injuries from using Tequin, do I have a right to financial compensation?

Patients injured by defective drug products are ordinarily entitled to recover monetary damages for all losses and expenses suffered from use of the product. Depending upon the particular circumstances of your case, damages may include recovery for any of the following:

• Medical bills
• Lost income, including overtime wages
• Pain & Suffering
• Physical Disability
• Emotional Trauma
• Mental Disability

For more information, contact an experienced defective drug litigation lawyer to discuss your legal claim and your right to compensation.

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