FDA Warns Antibiotics Can Cause Aortic Tears

The FDA has warned that fluoroquinolone (FLQ) antibiotics can cause aortic tears or ruptures.   The condition is called aortic dissection and it can cause uncontrolled bleeding. The aorta is the main artery of the heart. The FDA is now requiring a change of the label alerting users and doctors of the increased risk.  Though there has been substantial controversy over FLQ since the early 1990’s.

See FDA Warning: Increased Risk of Rupture of the Aorta

Common fluoroquinolones are: Avelox®, Cipro®, Levaquin®, Factive®, and Baxdela.

Aortic Dissection: How Fluroquinolones May Contribute

Researchers speculate that fluroquinolines (FLQ) affect the collagen fibers in an adverse way. Collagen is a unique structure and is stronger than steel. It is found through the body in cartilage, blood vessels, muscles and the gastrointestinal tract. (For more information on Collagen see this link: Fluoroquinolones)

Medical studies postulate that FLQ’s such as Levaquin adversely affect collagen fibrils found in Type I collagen.  The aorta is the largest artery in the body and it is composed of collagen with type I and type III compromising the majority.  When the strength of the aortic wall is weakened by a degradation of type I collagen then an aortic aneurysm is a substantial risk factor.

A major medical study titled: Fluoroquinolones and collagen associated severe adverse events: a longitudinal cohort study” the authors found an increased hazard ration of aortic aneurysms of 2.72.  Pathology sections of aortic aneurysm and aortic dissections of users fluoroquinolone users in the study demonstrated abnormalities of collagen concentrations and ratios.

We Can Help

If you or a loved one suffered an aortic tear, rupture or aneurysm after or while using Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox, Factive and Baxdela you may have questions and may be entitled to compensation. If you would like to discuss your situation call 800-745-4050.  We have helped thousands of individuals and families recover from life altering injuries. We Can Help You Too. Contact us Today.