The Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Research Foundation

 
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Letters to the FDA and Congress    See downloads for: Adobe Files



Dear Sir:
I am writing to express my concerns about severe reactions associated with a class of drugs called Flouroquinolones.
On May 23, 2002, our 38-year-old daughter was prescribed the medication, Cipro, for an upper respiratory infection. Her Physician suspected either bronchitis or pneumonia, and rather than waiting for results from a chest x-ray to confirm or rule out this suspected diagnosis, The Doctor prescribed Cipro. Two days later the Physician called in a prescription for Methyl-prednisolone for our daughter's cough, and said she should be much better in a couple
of days. Six hours later our daughter complained of being extremely tired, went in to take a nap, and within seconds, stopped breathing. The Paramedics were unable to revive her, and she was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Our daughter's Physician said he was not able to determine the exact cause of death, He stated he would put "Circulatory Collapse due to Acute Myeocardial Infarction" on her Death Certificate, even though our daughter had no history of heart problems. Our daughter did have kidney problems, having only one functioning kidney, a condition of which her Physician was aware. Two close friends (each of whom are a nurse) and who knew our
daughter, expressed concern about the cause of her sudden death, as they felt the medications may well have been instrumental in causing her death. Further research showed Cipro should ONLY be given to an individual with kidney problems if it was the 'drug of last resort'.
Our daughter was never advised by her Physician that there was any risk in taking Cipro, and our daughter had no reason to question the doctor's choice of medication. Representative Holt, we will always believe the use of this
medication contributed to our daughter's sudden and unexpected death. Over the past year and a half we have found many cases where individuals have suffered acute, disabling reactions to a number of medications in the group called Flouroquinolones. In most cases these individuals are not told of any risk involved in taking these medications and thus, assume they are safe medications. I am quite concerned about what appears to be the indiscriminate
dispensing of these Flouroquinolones, with the possibility of severe side effects. In many instances, a different antibiotic, with less chance of adverse reactions, would be the preferred drug of choice. I have filed a complaint with the FDA, as well as with the State Health Department, asking for stricter guidelines for Physicians
dispensing these medications. The response has simply been a form letter, acknowledging my complaint.

I feel it is extremely urgent that an investigation be conducted by the FDA to ascertain whether these drugs should be taken off the market, or at least, their use limited to cases where they are the "drug of last resort".
Commissioner, although it is too late for our daughter, I respectfully ask that you look into this serious problem. Your help is needed.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Betty J. Crawley