The antibiotic Cipro is linked to many severe side effects that can cause permanent disability or even death. In recent years, thousands of lawsuits have been filed by people who were injured.
Cipro and Heart Valve Damage
Cipro and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics were linked to serious heart valve problems in a study published in September 2019. The authors of the study believe that Cipro can damage tissues in the valves and cause a side effect called “aortic or mitral valve regurgitation,” in which the heart valves leak blood with every beat.
Cipro and Heart Problems
Unfortunately, damaged heart valves can lead to other serious heart conditions, including heart failure and heart attacks. When the heart valves leak, the heart must work harder to supply the body with enough blood. Over time, the heart muscle gets thicker and stiffer, until it is too weak to circulate enough blood.
Cipro and Aortic Aneurysms
Cipro damages connective tissues all over the body, including tissues in the wall of the aorta. In some patients (particularly those with high blood pressure) a weak spot develops in the wall of the aorta and causes it to bulge outward. The patient may have no symptoms until the aorta suddenly rips open, causing massive internal bleeding. This side effect is called an aortic aneurysm or an “aortic dissection.”
Cipro and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
The label on Cipro includes warnings about Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). These allergic skin rashes can occur after a single dose of Cipro. They cause the top layer of skin to peel off, leaving the body vulnerable to infections.
Cipro and Nerve Damage
In August 2013, the FDA warned that Cipro and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics were associated with an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy, which is a type of nerve damage. The label on Cipro has carried warnings about nerve damage since 2004, but these warnings were inadequate. The label stated that nerve damage was “rare” and made no mention of the rapid onset of symptoms or potentially permanent complications.
Common Side Effects of Cipro
The most common side effects of Cipro include nausea, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, vaginal yeast infection, changes in liver function tests, and pain or discomfort in the abdomen.
Serious Side Effects of Cipro
- Heart failure
- Heart valve problems
- Aortic / mitral valve regurgitation
- Heart attack
- Hospitalization for heart problems within 60 days of taking Cipro
- Aortic aneurysm (aortic dissection)
- Nerve damage
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
- Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)
- Erythema Multiforme
- Skin rash
- Allergic reaction
- Seizures
- Central nervous system side effects (dizziness, hearing voices, restlessness, tremors, anxiety, nervousness, confusion, depression, trouble sleeping, nightmares, paranoia, suicidal thoughts or actions)
- Heart rhythm changes (QT interval prolongation, torsades de pointes)
- Intestinal infection
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Joint problems
- Death