I've read a bit about cipro and neuropathy, but I can't find a concrete answer on a timeline. I was given cipro for a UTI in October of 2014, but my neuropathy didn't begin until a year later. From what I've read, most people have immediate issues while taking or right after completing cipro. Is it possible to end up with PN a year AFTER taking cipro or should I cross it off of my list of possibilities? I only ever took it that once and I think it was a week long, twice a day type of thing. I didn't know a thing about it, but I sure wish I had.

thanks!

I would say yes, it is possible.

Cipro and the other fluoroquinolones can cause tendon ruptures within that time frame easily. In fact they were doing this for a long time before the ruptures were linked to the drugs. As the story goes, it was doctors who used samples given to them by drug reps, who developed the ruptures first and figured out it was the drugs and a delayed reaction.

Warning Signs of Fluoroquinolone Toxicity | Floxie Hope

The fluoroquinolones disrupt DNA of cells, so this damage may take some time to manifest. Some people may be more sensitive than others, and therefore get the problems at different times.

Some have immediate effects, mostly CNS brain effects. In fact high doses are known to affect the elderly rather quickly. Seizures, confusion etc.

It is also possible that your effects are additive. You may have been exposed to another trigger, since there are so many causes of PN.

Some of the reports on the net say this damage is permanent. But some doctors are telling patients that perhaps there can be healing changes in 2 yrs or so. I think that this is pretty sketchy and variable.

Thanks for the reply, MrsD. I went to my first neurological appointment yesterday and the neurologist was not helpful at all. I also saw a rheumatologist because I'm suspected of having rheumatoid arthritis, but she said she doesn't often see PN with RA. I was under the impression that PN can result from an autoimmune disease. I can't get an answer and I'm starting to realize that I probably never will.

I apparently have both autonomic and sensory PN from a toxic reaction to antidepressants -- there is virtually nothing in the literature about it. One neurologist I saw (who is an expert in dysautonomia and toxicity) thought my abrupt withdrawal (which I had to do because of serotonin syndrome: a hypertensive crisis and intense neurological symptoms) may have triggered the PN. My newest neurologist told me she has seen this all before from over-prescription of the medication alone.

I also had a lag time: of just about six months. Yet here is the good news...my autonomic neuropathy -- that had me bedridden because of severe orthostatic intolerance ... is now resolving (along with my other dysautonomic symptoms including gastroparesis, GERD, dry mouth, eyes, etc.) My sensory neuropathy - which is tolerable, is not abating.

I had a slew of testing for an autoimmune disorder (IA)-- all negative results, although I still feel the jury is out -- and I will see how I feel in the fall to decide whether I'll have a lumbar puncture, etc.

I encourage you too to investigate whether you have an IA...it can't hurt and you may be a candidate for treatment.

Best of luck and don't give up - I saw five (5!) neurologists before I found one that seemed very knowledgeable and empathetic!

PS: I've never heard about the DNA theory and would love to read about it!

This is how Fluoroquinolones work:

Mechanism of Action of Quinolones and Fluoroquinolones | Animations | PharmaXChange.info

While searching this today, I found that these drugs are now implicated in causing aortic anyeurisms as well as other collagen difficulties like tendon ruptures.

I get neuropathy symptoms from it when I am taking it but they do resolve in a few days after I stop. I am trying to avoid it whenever I can because I worry one day they will not go away.

There are two similar chemicals with similar names.

1)propylene glycol --- used in foods, drugs etc, has 3 carbon atoms in it.

2) polyethylene glycol --- also called PEG--has 2 carbons. Also added to foods and drugs. This is what is used in Miralax and other laxatives medically.
Polyethylene glycol - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Here is a site that gives the types of food with propylene glycol in them:
13 Things to Avoid which Contain Propylene Glycol — The Allergista

As an example on my shelf I have AlkaSeltzer anti gas antacid chews with propylene glycol listed (among a boatload of other things).
And Arthritis strength acetaminophen by WalGreen's with
polyethylene glycol in it.

This naming is similar for alcohols too.

Ethanol = 2 carbon alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol= 3 carbons

Both are used today for disinfecting surfaces and skin to kill bacteria and other organisms.

Fluoroquinolones and Peripheral Neuropathy - David Perlmutter M.D.

There are links that read: this class of abx drugs should be Last Resort class prescribed.

Fluoroquinolones Too Risky for Common Infections - Consumer Reports

This article in the latest issue of Nature is interesting in this context.

When antibiotics turn toxic

I took Cipro and Flagyl in combination while suffering from Diverticulitis several years ago. I had many attacks in a one year period and was on these antibiotics for 3 weeks during every attack. I had no side effects from the drugs at the time (no quick onset), and surgery eventually provided relief from the DV, but over time, my PN came on and then progressed. I often wonder if the antibiotics were the cause? I have no way of knowing, but I do know that those medications saved my life during the attacks. If they were the cause of the PN, I suppose it's the price I had to pay...