The Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Research Foundation

 
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To: The Honorable Rush Holt
Dear Sir:
I am writing to express my concerns about severe reactions
associated with a class of drugs called Fluroquinolones.
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
deat 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
tho 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 th 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 indivual 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 Fluroquinolones.
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 Fluroquinolones, 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
Members of Congress 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".
Repesentative Holt, although it is too late for our daughter, I
respectfully ask that you look into this serious problem. Your help
is needed. (sic)
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Betty J. Crawley