Avelox Antibiotic Linked to Tendon Ruptures

Avelox antibiotic tendon ruptures can involve the Achilles heel, shoulder, hand, bicep or thumb and is especially increased in patients older than 60, or people who have received kidney, heart or lung transplants, as well as people on steroid therapy. It has also been in the treatment of skin and skin structure infections and intra-abdominal infections caused by certain bacteria.

In 2006, Public Citizen and the Illinois Attorney General’s office petitioned the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to place a black box warning on Avelox and Moxifloxacin, but the FDA didn't respond until July 8, 2008. (A black box warning is in bold type and surrounded by a black box to make it stand out.)

The agency notified all manufacturers of fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drugs including Bayer's Avelox that a Boxed Warning in the product labeling concerning the increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture is necessary.

According to Bayer's website, Avelox has been used to treat 109 million patients worldwide.