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LAWSUITS NEWS & LEGAL INFORMATION

Generic Cipro Antibiotic Under Fire, Guliani Steps Up

. By
Washington, DCIt's bad enough when a popular medication begins rearing its dark side—the Cipro antibiotic, manufactured by Bayer A.G., has the potential for ruptured tendon and other side effects. But a generic version of the Cipro drug, manufactured in India, is also under scrutiny for reasons of quality control, which could further compound Cipro side effects.

Joint PainCiprofloxacin is a synthetic antibiotic belonging to the fluoroquinolone family used to treat lower respiratory tract, and urinary tract infections, among other indications. However, Cipro antibiotic has also been known to unleash a host of side effects in some patients. Various manufacturer-funded studies reveal that approximately 9 percent of patients taking the Cipro drug experience side effects relating to metabolic-nutritional problems and the central nervous system.

The most highly publicized adverse reaction, however, pertains to increasing reports of swelling to the joints and cartilage, leading in many cases to tendon rupture and chronic pain. In 2005 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated a change to the product labeling for Cipro, acknowledging the risk for tendon rupture together with the development of irreversible neurological conditions.

And yet, there were those who thought the FDA response in 2005 was lacking. Public Citizen, the high-profile consumer advocacy group founded by Ralph Nader, filed a lawsuit against the FDA in an effort to force the agency to mandate a black box warning for Cipro. On July 8th of this year the FDA complied, mandating a black box warning for all medicines in the fluoroquinolone drug family, including ciprofloxacin.

According to Wikipedia, a majority of physicians are inclined to believe that Cipro is generally safe, and that the incidence of side effects is considered acceptable. However, that position is being challenged, given the increasing reports of debilitating side effects, tendon rupture among them. The latter can have serious ramifications to an individual's mobility, and the symptoms and pain can last for months, or longer. Such impairment can affect an individual's livelihood, and capacity to earn a living.

And now there's another kink in the Cipro cog. It seems that a generic version of Cipro manufactured by Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd.—India's largest pharmaceutical manufacturer—is among 30 drugs that have been barred from import into the United States by the FDA due to what the agency refers to as various violations of good manufacturing practices at two of its facilities there. While specific violations were not reported, there was concern expressed with regard to quality.

For the patient, it only compounds the adverse reaction profile for Cipro, given the possibility that generic Cipro manufactured by Ranbaxy and already in hand, could further compound the existing adverse reaction profile for Cipro.

For its part, Ranbaxy is not taking this sitting down. It was announced this week that it has retained former New York mayor and Presidential hopeful Rudi Giuliani to help protect its turf. According to a statement from Ranbaxy, Giuliani Partners, a consulting and investment firm, will provide advice and review compliance issues.

Ranbaxy has much at stake, with 23 percent of its total revenue derived from US sales of generics.

What's at stake for the patient? The potential for debilitating adverse affects from Cipro, including the possibility of ruptured tendon, compounded by the possibility of poor quality if the Cipro in your cupboard is a generic manufactured by Ranbaxy.

All the more reason to consult a Cipro lawyer if you have experienced pain and suffering from Cipro side effects—generic, or otherwise.

READ ABOUT CIPRO LAWSUITS

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If you have suffered losses in this case, please send your complaint to a lawyer who will review your possible [Cipro Lawsuit] at no cost or obligation.

READER COMMENTS

Posted by

on
I have taken generic cipro over several yrs also. Now Neuropathy , Bladder does not fuction( chronic Urinary retention) and pain. Someone needs to go after these guys. I was a healthy and productive person all my life. No competely disabled. I belive becoz of generic cipro.

Posted by

on
My father took cipro it causes SJS and TEN please search it as it is a severe allergic reaction. Here is his story please share it to everyone youcaring.com/inocencio-martinez-656320

Posted by

on
I have taken the generic Ciprofloxacin numerous times for UTI's. I was told by a lawyer that only the name brand Cipro was included in the law suit. I have perifial neuropathy in my legs and feet. I also have chronic pain and lots of ligament issues. Numerous tendinitis issues now and in the past.
Last week I had another UTI . My doctor prescribed it again. I asked her if that was the med that was in the lawsuit she said she had not heard of a law suit onl the ciprofloxacin . I had forgotten the name of the generic ciproflixacin .
So again I was prescribed this medicine . I ojust finished it yesterday.
Yesterday my local news station told about the bad possible side affects of the Cipro and generic. Last night I checked my bottle and boom this was the medication I was taking . I will definitely remember now . I will not take it again. We recently watched a documentary on the history channel. It was about how medications were being made in Indiav and China in filthy conditions. I did not know this med I was taking was made in India. Does anybody know if all generic brands of medications have been lifted so that law suits can be filed. Sorry this is so long but I had a lot to say.

Posted by

on
Yep, me too Carol. I contacted a lawyer because I am disabled from neuropathy, but it was after taking GENERIC Cipro, so my lawyer says that I don't have a case. I took the manufacturers brand Levaquin about a year before the generic, but I guess that doesn't matter. On top of neuropathy, I'm taking cortisone shots in my elbows ever 6 months to a year. Its scandalous what these people are allowed to get away with

Posted by

on
After taking 3 doses of generic Cipro inside a month for UTI within 48 hrs my toes were painful and numb. I know I'm lucky compared to many with far worse neuropathy. 7 months have passed and the pain and numbness remain, and I no longer can wear closed toe shoes. I spoke with one attorney, but was told since I took generic (as required by my insurance) they could not assist me, but strongly recommended that I continue my search for good legal council. Thanking you in advance...

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