FDA Alert: Fluoroquinolones Increase Risk for Peripheral Neuropathy

The FDA is requiring a label update to reflect this lesser-known adverse effect.

The U.S. FDA is requiring that the labels of fluoroquinolone antibiotics warn that the drugs increase the risk for peripheral neuropathy. The risk has been observed with oral and injectable fluoroquinolones, but not topical agents. Patients could experience peripheral neuropathy any time during their treatment, and it could persist for months or years or be permanent. The FDA recommends that patients contact their healthcare providers if they develop symptoms consistent with peripheral neuropathy, including pain, burning, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs; change in sensation to touch, pain, or temperature; or change in the sense of body position. Patients who develop these symptoms should stop taking the antibiotic and receive alte…

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Michael Benatar, MD, MS, PhD

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Grant / Research supportNIH NeuroBioBank; ALS Association; NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; NIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; FDA; Department of Defense

Editorial boardsCochrane Collaboration

Leadership positions in professional societiesMuscle Study Group Executive Committee

Michael Benatar, MD, MS, PhD

Disclosures

Editorial boardsCochrane Collaboration

Leadership positions in professional societiesMuscle Study Group Executive Committee

FDA Alert: Fluoroquinolones Increase Risk for Peripheral Neuropathy

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