Tequin
Tequin, also known as gatifloxacin, is an antibiotic taken to treat urinary tract, lung, and sinus infections as well as evident signs of sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria. On some occasions, though, viruses, not bacteria, infect the lungs and cause sinus infections. Tequin, similar to other antibiotics, does not kill viruses and cannot be used in this manner. Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease, can be treated by Tequin, but non-gonococcal diseases and syphilis cannot. It is also prescribed to those patients who have bronchitis and pneumonia.
In March of 2006, a Canadian study, sent to the New England Journal of Medicine, claimed that Tequin has side effects that can be life threatening to anyone who uses it. This includes serious diabetes, blood sugar complications, and other glucose-related side effects. Several testimonials were issued against the drug, intended as a warning to patients who takes it. In most instances, the side effects may last for two or three days. Other side effects include headaches, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
However, the side effects mentioned above are minor cases when compared to the more serious health risks the drugs can impose. Other risks may include severe allergic reactions, such as rashes, swelling of face, tongue, lips, or throat, and trouble breathing. Similarly, the drug has been known to cause central nervous system complications leading to hallucinations, confusion, depression, suicidal thoughts, and irritation or rupturing of tendons.
Due to a series of glucose-related concerns and the increasing questions about whether or not it is safe for medical uses, Bristol-Myers Squibb, the major pharmaceutical company that issued the drug, took major steps to resolve these concerns. In order to save the brand, they issued a letter urging physicians to take precautionary measures before prescribing the drug to their patients. They also suggested that doctors should not prescribe the medicine to those patients who have a history of blood sugar problems.
Despite the intention to save Tequin, the issue has already attracting the attention of the media, and in May 2006, since its release date in December of 1999, Bristol-Myers Squibb took Tequin off the market and, interestingly, they were able to sell it to a Japanese pharmaceutical company, where it could presumably be marketed to other parts of the world.
You should be aware of your rights, and gaining knowledge about all possible harmful side effects of new drugs is a necessity. Legal claims should be filed immediately if symptoms and severe side effects are discovered after taking this drug. Many lawyers can help you protect yourself, providing you with information needed to file a product liability or personal injury claim. They are equipped with knowledge and provide consultations that are essential to you, a loved one, or anyone you know who has become a victim of this drug. Keep in mind that you must contact an attorney sooner, rather than later. Limitation laws enforce strict guidelines regarding the amount of time you have to file a claim after the discovery of an illness. Most time frames are within two to three years, but some are as short as one. Even if your injuries were not deemed life threatening, but you were forced to seek medical attention, pay for additional treatments, or take time off of work, compensation may be available to you.
When searching for an attorney to represent you, be sure to locate a firm that offers free consultation services. If an attorney is willing to take on your claim and is confident in his or her ability to reach a settlement, it may be possible to have fees waived until you win your case, depending on policies outlined in your contract. If you lose the case, you may not have to pay any fees at all. These are inquiries to be discussed at the time of your consultation. Above all, your chosen attorney should be willing to answer all your questions, stand up for your rights, and work to reach a reasonable settlement to cover your losses.
