Cipro

Cipro is in the group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones, and it used to fight bacteria in the body. Cipro has been used to treat bacterial infections, and has even been known to prevent or slow anthrax after exposure. Cipro, which is generically known at Ciprofloxacin, was developed by Bayer, A.G. Cipro was patented in 1983 and was approved by the FDA in 1987. The FDA approved Cipro for 12 different uses, but it has been prescribed for a variety of unapproved uses.

The FDA added a black box warning in 2011 that stated that fluoroquinolones may cause the worsening of myasthenia gravis symptoms—such as muscle weakness and breathing problems. This reaction may be life-threatening or require ventilator support.

Bayer has been accused of false advertising and failing to provide adequate warnings to consumers about the risks that are involved with taking Cipro.

Serious side effects may include:

• Severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats
• Sudden pain, snapping or popping sound, bruising, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or loss of movement in any of your joints
• Diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• Confusion, hallucinations, depression, unusual thoughts or behavior
• Seizure (convulsions)
• Severe headache, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes
• Pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, weakness
• Urinating less than usual or not at all
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Numbness, tingling, or unusual pain anywhere in your body
• Skin rash
• Severe skin reaction — fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling

Less serious Cipro side effects may include:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Feeling nervous, anxious, or agitated
• Sleep problems (insomnia or nightmares)