Generic for Tequin– An Insight

Tequin, generically known as gatifloxacin is an antibiotic reducing bacterial enzymes that are responsible for infections for the urinary tract and sinuses and respiratory diseases. It is also used for treating the sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea. Bristol Meyers Squibb manufactures Tequin. After the reports of severe side effects such as blood sugar swings, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a “Black Box Warning “against this drug. In May 2006, Bristol Meyers Squibb declared that it has halted the production of Tequin.

Use of Tequin Causes Blood Sugar Swings

In a warning letter issued in March 2006, the United States federal Food and Drug Administration warned the healthcare professionals and public about the unknown severe side effects of Tequin, the problem of blood sugar level in the patients using it. Bristol Meyers Squibb, manufacturer of Tequin reviewed the label of the drug in response to the rising no. of cases of side effects among the users of Tequin. Reports of side effects associated with the drug surfaced since the drugs approval in 1999.  However, in May 2006, Bristol Meyers Squibb announced that it would stop the sales of Tequin once the existing stock piles were sold.

Tequin

Tequin, generically known as gatifloxacin is an antibiotic reducing bacterial enzymes that are responsible for infections for the urinary tract and sinuses and respiratory diseases. Tequin belongs to the family of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. . It is also used for treating the sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea. However, it is not used in treating non-gonococcal sexually transmitted infections or syphilis.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved it for the commercial use in the United States in 1999. It is usually prescribed for the treatment of patients suffering from respiratory infections. Tequin is available in an intravenous and tablet form and was linked to the side effects like dizziness, interaction with vitamins containing magnesium or iron, sunburns and skin rashes and photosensitivity.

Side Effects and Blood Sugar

In March 2006, a new label on Tequin indicated additional and previously unknown side effects of blood sugar swings among the patients using Tequin. Tequin was now contradicted for the patients suffering from diabetes as it was associated with extremely high and low blood sugar levels in few patients. These label further stated that the patients taking Tequin may experience blood sugar side effects. These include old age, kidney problems and exposure to drugs affecting blood sugar.

According to a study conducted by Public Citizen, a consumer group, between January 1, 2001 and June 30, 2005, there were reports of 20 deaths and above 150 cases hospitalizations among the patients using Tequin. Symptoms of Tequin side effects included coma, hyperglycemia, stroke and even death. This study also indicated that 46 percent of the patients experiencing the side effects of blood sugar while consuming Tequin were non-diabetic.  A study conducted in 2006, determined that non diabetic patients using Tequin were at an increased risk of developing hyperglycemic to that of the patients taking other antibiotics.

Although, Bristol Meyers Squibb, manufacturers of Tequin declared to stop the manufacture of Tequin once the existing stockpiles were sold, no effort has been taken to remove the drug from the market. FDA has issued “Black Box Warning” against the drug but has not recalled Tequin from the market.

If you are experiencing blood sugar side effects of Tequin, you are eligible to recover the compensation for lost wages and current and future medical expenses by filing a lawsuit against Tequin. After getting proper medical care, contact an experienced unsafe drugs attorney who will assist you in filing a lawsuit and will tell you whether you are eligible for monetary compensation or not.