Drug Warning: Tequin

Generic name: gatifloxacin (class of drugs known as fluoroquinolone antibiotics)

Manufactured and marketed by: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

Purpose: An antibiotic that is prescribed to patients suffering from sinus, lung, or urinary tract infections.

Side Effects Reported

• The fluoroquinolone antibiotics in general, including Tequin, have been linked to additional harmful side effects including peripheral neuropathy and pseudomembranous colitis.
• Peripheral neuropathy is a general term referring to damage done to the peripheral nervous system, which consists of those motor and sensory nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.
• The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may include pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Pseudomembranous colitis, also referred to as antibiotic associated colitis, may also be linked to Tequin.
• Bacteria in the intestine may overgrow and release toxin while taking antibiotics. This effect may cause the lining of the colon to become raw and bleed.

Industry Report

Recently, the FDA has reported that Bristol Myers Squibb has made changes to the labeling of Tequin regarding the risk of negative effects on patient's blood sugar. The new warning label changes strengthen previous warnings concerning blood sugar problems including the risk of both hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar, and hyperglycemia, which is high blood sugar. The company has strengthened the warnings due to the continued reports of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in patients taking Tequin.

Seeger Weiss is not currently pursuing lawsuits on this drug, but its drug warnings will remain on our radar.

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