Risk of tendon injury from antibiotics

[Pompal 09.]

Greetings!

I'm on a course of antibiotics to take care of a serious infection. One of the warnings on one of the antibiotics is related to an increased chance of tendon injury.

Here's a brief quote from WebMD

July 8, 2008 -- Federal regulators are ordering new warnings on Cipro and similar antibiotics because of increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture.

The new warnings apply to fluoroquinolones, a class of antibiotics that includes the popular drug Cipro. The FDA has told companies that the drugs must now carry "black box" warnings alerting doctors and patients that the drugs can increase risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture in some patients.

After taking the antibiotics, my joints feel warm and are hypermobile. I'm certain this is the antibiotic doing its work.

My concern is this: Should I be giving massage while I'm on this drug? My instinct says "NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I'm going to trust my instincts on this one, even though I've lost more than a few dollars in declined massage appointments over the past week.

Does anyone here have experience or perspective that I'm missing? I'd love to say, "Screw Western medicine, I'll treat this holistically." However, when I think about it, without these antibiotics, my infection could have resulted in life altering surgery or even death. So, I'm tied to the beast of Western medicine since I do want to make it through a few more of my days.

So, if you're taking Cipro or another fluoroquinolone, please take care of yourself. If you have any experience or input, reply... Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to a return to full health!

t006

 

[patricia]

Risk of tendon injury from antibiotics

Gosh, Randy.... I'm sorry you're going through this.

As far as experience with a medication such as this, I can't say that I have any. I am, however, in a somewhat similar situation- being pregnant with my 10th child, I've already been noticing my ligaments loosening (love that Relaxin!). I have already told my husband that I really don't feel comfortable doing massage, because even though I am very careful with my body mechanics, I just don't feel that I can trust my ligaments. One wrong move, and I could become permanently disabled (or at least feel very close to it!). I love massaging, but not enough to risk my baby or my future mobility.

I wish you the best as you figure out your best course of action- and, of course, complete and total healing for your health situation!

 

[Bob White]

Risk of tendon injury from antibiotics

My Mom had problems with Levaquin affecting the joints especially in her R shldr and knee. It took about 3 months before she got better. She was in a great deal of pain though. I hope you get completely well. (good vibes)