Consumer groups that have been hounding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to admit the dangers of fluoroquinolone antibiotics must be cheering over a recent, if minor, victory. The FDA issued an advisory on May 12 that “the serious side effects associated with fluoroquinolone antibacterial drugs generally outweigh the benefits for patients with acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections who have other treatment options.” Note the varying degrees of caution in news stories cited below regarding the potential degrees of danger associated with Levaquin (levofloxacin), Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Avelox (moxifloxacin), medications that are taken by more than 26 million Americans each year.

ISSUE: Are you fully aware of the side effects of the prescription drugs in your medicine cabinet?

AHHA strives to maintain a neutral position on issues. For those interested in learning more about this month’s issue, the following online articles have been compiled to get you started on your research. You will note that this month we have not categorized articles as “Pros” and “Cons.” Instead, we present articles on a variety of aspects related to this issue.

FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA advises restricting fluoroquinolone antibiotic use for certain uncomplicated infections; warns about disabling side effects that can occur together (5/12/16)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration

FDA Says Risks May Outweigh Benefits for Antibiotics Levaquin, Cipro (5/16/16)
by Michelle Llamas
DrugWatch

Fluoroquinolones Are Too Risky for Common Infections (5/16/16)
by Teresa Carr
ConsumerReports

Think Twice About That Fluoroquinolone Prescription (6/3/16)
Stanford Healthcare

FDA Finally Admits Popular Antibiotic May Be Dangerous & Deadly. What To Watch Out For (6/25/16)
by Robert Oliva
Collective Evolution

New FDA Warning For Popular Cipro and Levaquin Antibiotics! (5/12/16)
by Joe Graedon
The People’s Pharmacy

We encourage you to post your comments. Use this opportunity to share additional resources you have found relating to this health-related issue.

To review past ISSUES, visit the Special Update eReport Archives.