ANTIBIOTIC TEQUIN TO DISAPPEAR SOON

An antibiotic plagued by serious blood-sugar complications is coming off the market. Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. confirmed yesterday that it plans to stop making and selling Tequin. Spokesman Eric Miller said the company acted after a commercial evaluation of the product, as well as transition in the company's focus.

The company will return rights to the drug to Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co. in Japan, said Miller.

Approved for sale in 1999, Tequin has faced questions about its effects on blood sugar, being associated with both high- and low-blood sugar in some patients. In February, the Food and Drug Administration required increased warnings on the drug's label.

The manufacturer has said it should not be used by diabetics, and that the elderly and those with kidney disease are more likely to have problems.

Miller said that although Bristol-Myers Squibb will stop making and selling the drug, stocks currently available are not being recalled.