Yes - you are right Sally, I imagine there was a lot of stuff going on before the initial withdrawal of the drug - and in the early stages thereafter. I guess it probably only became common knowledge after the problem became to unwieldy to hush up (as lots of these things do). For those people who were affected, then they deserve everything they can get. I am just saying that for people like me, I know the risk profile (or at least I think I do ).

It has a black box warning,right? Does that mean that patients who agree to take it have to sign a waiver?

Meds with a black box warning only require documentation that the prescriber reviewed the target, risks, benefits and alternatives with the patient. Any prudent prescriber makes very certain to cover this clearly both to be fair to the patient and also cover their license.

Unfortunately I can tell you that I have been prescribed 2 drugs with black box warnings for different conditions. The drugs are Cipro (antibiotic) and Elidel cream (for dermatitis). The doctor said absolutely NOTHING. There are more black box drugs out there then you think.

My friend just told me that her healthy co-worker can hardly walk and has to use a cane after taking Cipro because she got a ruptured tendon.

I wish doctors were more on top of things so people can make informed decisions about pharmaceutical meds.

Over 30 years ago a severe reaction to some medication for peritonitis had my doctors hurrying around because it damaged my liver.
The surgeon told me then that before I take anything ever again, to have my CBC & especially my liver enzymes tested, and then tested within a week after taking it, and then regularly every in 2-4 weeks while taking it for the first couple of months.

Can't tell you how often I have refused medications because the attending physician refuses to order this testing. If I am giving consideration to taking a medication, I request the repeating lab requisition before the MD writes the script.

Since spring of this year, I have basically been 'excused' from the care of my current MS neuro specialist because of me making this a requirement of trying an off lable use of a medication that he is doing a study on.
I got the sense that his main concern was that if it was found to have an adverse effect on what he calls 'atypical liver hypersensitivity", that it might have messed up his over-all test results.

It is possible that some drug companies & MDs don't mention possible side effects of meds for similar reasons.

With love, Erika

Wow....this has been a very informative thread...Cipro is off my list!

Great idea to get all the info about a new med being added to our often long list of meds we take.

thanks all!!

Cipro, avelox, and another antibiotic in the same class (I think it begins with a L) can all cause the same tendon problems. I just remembered the other drug is levaquin. My sister has had ongoing Achilles issues after being put on levaquin several times for sinus infections. She eventually had sinus surgery. I had to take my mom to the ER when she was on avelox because the pain in her legs was so bad. It says right on the warning to exercise caution in prescribing it to the elderly.

Debbie, since this drug is given IV, I'm not sure the patient sees the Black Box. They certainly should know from materials they get and a discussion w their MD.

Hi Jules! Cross-post.
ANN

But my thoughts are whenever a new medication comes to market, especially with a disease as tricky as MS and when you are fiddling around with immune systems, it is fair to expect the consumers are fairly well versed on the possible risks of a brand new medication having dangerous side effects as time wears on.

I am so thankful and my heart breaks for those brave souls who try drugs early on and are the ones who pave the way for others however I do not think it is a matter of malpractice on any level unless there were indications during the trials that were covered up.

These kind of lawsuits scare me because I believe they hinder future trials of new medications.