Tequin®

Tequin® (Gatifloxacin) is a popular antibiotic used to treat adults with pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus problems, uncomplicated gonorrhea, and infections of the urinary tract, kidneys, and skin. Manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb, Tequin® has been recently linked to dangerous and potentially fatal side effects including hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and diabetic ketoacidosis (severe out of control blood sugar) leading to diabetic coma, severe liver damage, and death. Tequin® has also been shown to cause side effects such as liver injury, irregular heartbeats, fainting, muscle damage, dizziness and nausea.

A recent study showed that patients who took the antibiotic Tequin® were 17 times more at risk of developing hyperglycemia than patients who used an alternative form of antibiotic. Because of these life threatening Tequin® side effects, Bristol-Myers Squibb stopped marketing and manufacturing Tequin®. However, the remaining stock is still available.

Gatifloxacin is in a class of popular antibiotics called fluoroquinolone. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are highly potent. At one time they were considered relatively safe but have since become potentially troublesome with irreversible side effects. Tequin® has been linked to fluctuations in blood sugar severe enough to require hospitalization. Other antibiotics in the same class include ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin (Levaquin) among others. If you have been adversely affected by an antibiotic, please contact us for a free case evaluation and consultation.