One of the most commonly prescribed class of antibiotics are fluoroquinolones (FLQ), known by the trade names Cipro, Levaquin and Avelox. These antibiotics are created with the purpose to fight infections of the bone, joint, skin, sinuses, respiratory tract, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal system – and sometimes even save lives in the process.

A number of published medical studies and patient accounts are linking these wonder drugs to permanent nerve damage referred to as peripheral neuropathy. In 2013, the FDA released a Safety Communication warning about over-prescribing and said current warnings were not clear enough. Specifically, the agency said “the potential rapid onset and risk of permanence were not adequately described,” and the “permanent damage among patients exposed to these medications cannot be calculated.” One doctor compared the overuse of fluoroquinolones for minor infections, as using an automatic weapon to kill a fly.

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the peripheral nervous system is damaged by injury, illness or exposure to toxic drugs, such as fluoroquinolones. Doctors can perform a multitude of tests to determine the extent of nerve damage. The type of neuropathy is classified according to the nerves that are damaged. Symptoms include of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Burning pain at night
• Muscle wasting
• Paralysis
• Organ or gland dysfunction
• Sweating/ lack of sweating
• Digestive issues
• Poor sexual function
• Poor bowel control