Texas Factive Aortic Aneurysm Lawyer

The fluoroquinolone antibiotic Factive has been linked to a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of aortic aneurysm. This serious medical condition may produce no symptoms until the aorta rips open and causes massive internal bleeding.

Need a Texas Factive Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

Factive and Aortic Aneurysms

Factive (gemifloxacin) is an antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone class. All drugs in this class carry a “Black Box” warning about tendonitis and tendon ruptures. They have also been linked to other side effects involving connective tissue, such as retinal detachments and aortic aneurysms.

Studies Linking Antibiotics and Aneurysms

In October 2015, researchers in Taiwan published a study linking past use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics with a 50% increased risk of aortic aneurysms, and current use (within 60 days) of a 2.4-fold increased risk.

In November 2015, another study involving 650,000 adults who took fluoroquinolone antibiotics found a 3-fold increased risk of aortic aneurysms. The study included data on 18,500 adults who had an aortic aneurysm after taking antibiotics.

What is an Aortic Aneurysm?

An aortic aneurysm is a blood-filled bulge or “ballooning” in the aorta. It can occur in the chest or abdominal area. The aorta originates in the heart and extends downward into the abdomen, supplying the body with oxygen-rich blood.

Aortic aneurysms are often associated with uncontrolled high blood pressure. Over time, the wall of the aorta weakens and blood causes it to rip open. Aortic dissection occurs when the inner wall rips open and blood pools within the aorta itself.

The most dangerous complication is an aortic rupture. In most cases, symptoms begin suddenly and include severe chest pain. It may feel like a heart attack, but symptoms are actually caused by severe internal bleeding.

Symptoms of an Aortic Aneurysm

Aortic aneurysms can grow for many years without causing any symptoms. In the early stages, it may only cause mild pain in the back or abdomen. Some people feel like they have a pulse in the stomach area.

Once an aneurysm ruptures, symptoms become severe. Patients can rapidly go into shock, in which blood pressure drops very quickly and cuts off circulation to vital organs. Other symptoms may include:

• Severe chest pain (stabbing, tearing, or ripping feeling)
• Pain may radiate to other parts of the body
• Fainting or dizziness
• Heavy sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pale skin (pallor)
• Fast but weak heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Dry mouth and excessive thirst

Need a Factive Lawyer in Texas?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Factive lawyers for a free lawsuit review.