Cipro side effects

I have taken cipro before with no obvious problems and am now starting on it again for 2 weeks (1pill a day). This drug is one of a few that people who are allergic to penicillin and sulfa drugs can take to kill bacteria that penicillin normally does. This is considered a 'last resort' drug for us also. I've had a sinus infection as a complication from a dental surgery that refuses to go away for long enough for my mouth to heal - since July 10 (it is now 19Dec). I was prescribed Avelox for the first time yesterday which led me to this website while trying to find pricing info. $168 for 12 pills? at a Walmart? absurd. So I had the doc switched to cipro. They want me to try this 'type' of drug since the others haven't been able to completely eliminate the infection. I will keep in mind everyone here's side effects but I definitely have plans to do a heavy duty DETOX the minute my mouth is healed and I am off the drugs whether I have problems or not. I concur with the constipation though, all antibiotics seem to give me that problem while taking them. Another good reason to do a detox.

I took Cipro for a UTI and from the first pill I took I felt like I was going to die. My head hurt so bad that I thought it was going to explode. I thought maybe it was just fighting the infection so I kept taking it. The more I took the more I felt sick my tendons in my legs hurt so bad and my neck and shoulders hurt like nothing I ever felt before. On day three I phoned the pharmacist and he told me that side effects from cipro never happen and that if I was really concerned go to the doctor and get a new antibiotic which I did. I was so mad when I went online and read the side effects of this terrible drug.
I stopped taking the Cipro and felt much better within a day but it took weeks for my muscles to feel better.
I will never take this drug again nor will I let my kids. I tell everyone I know to ask for a different antibiotic if given this one.

I had a Prostate Infection that Bactrim and Doxycyline would not cure. So the doctor said the only thing that would cure i is Cipro or Levaquin. I was on it for a month. I tuffed it out and I had to take Tramadol to kill the leg pain. One day I accidentally took an extra Cipro pill and within a half hour, I had a hard time walking. I actually could feel my achilles heel pulling when I walked like it had shrunk. I've been off it two months now and I don't feel any better. I am tired and aching all the time. I have no strength. My back and knees hurt everyday to where I can't function without taking some kind of pain medicine. How long does this last? I talked to a lawyer who is doing the Cipro lawsuits and he said unless I had a ruptured tendon or can get a doctor to say I have chronic tendinitis, I have no case. I have never felt so bad in my life.

DRUG: CIPRO FOR UTI. NOV 08. FEMALE AGE 52.

STARTED ON CIPRO FOR UTI ON 11/15/08. I TOLD MY DOCTOR THAT CIPRO IS A EVIL ANTIBIOTIC. I STOPPED TAKING CIPRO ON 11/18/08 WHEN I WOKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT BECAUSE OF THE SEVERE PAIN IN MY JOINTS AND THE RIPPING AND BURNING IN MY CALFS. I FINALLY GOT OUT OF BED AND COULD HARDLY WALK. I DISCOVERED THAT MY TOES, FINGERS, ELBOWS, BOTH KNEES WERE SEVERELY SWOLLEN. AT THIS POINT I HAVE NOW EXPERIENCED ALMOST ALL OF THE SIDE EFFECTS AS LISTED IN THE "PACKAGE INSERT" THAT CAME WITH CIPRO.

BEGINNING MY FIRST DOSE ON SAT. AFTERNOON (11/15) I THOUGHT I HAD THE FLU ALONG WITH THE UTI AND THAT WAS WHAT WAS CAUSING MY FEVERS OF 102.9 WHICH I KEEP DOWN THRU IBUPROFIN. THE BLOATED STOMACH AND TENDERNESS WAS EXPLAINED FROM MY FRIEND WHO WORKS IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY AS PROBABLY CAUSED FROM THE INGREDIENTS IN THE ANTIBIOTIC THAT DESTROY OUR OWN BODIES "NATURAL ENYSEMS"
I ALSO WAS CONSTIPATED FOR 4 DAYS. (I HAVE BEEN DAILY ALL MY LIFE). EXTREME FATIGUE KEPT ME EITHER ON THE COUCH OR IN BED, I NEVER SLEPT SO MUCH IN MY LIFE. I LOSSED ALL MY APPETITE, WAS DIZZY, AND VERY SICK OF BEING SICK. I ALSO HAD PERIODS WHERE I WOULD JUST START CRYING (ONE TIME I REMEMBER OVER THE DOG AND NOT WALKING IT) EMOTIONALLY, I WOULD BEST DESCRIBE MYSELF AS HAVING SEVERE MOOD SWINGS. ALSO HAD HEART PALPITATIONS. , SHORTNESS OF BREATH, ODD TASTE IN MOUTH WAS ANOTHER "EXPERIENCE" WHILE ON MY JOY RIDE WITH CIPRO.

TODAY IS SATURDAY, 1 WEEK LATER - ANTIBIOTIC FREE FOR 4 DAYS. I STILL HAVE EXTREME SWOLLEN JOINTS AND FIND IT DIFFICULT TO MOVE AROUND ALTHOUGHT ITS BETTER. TODAY I CAME DOWN IN THE BASEMENT TO LAUNDRY FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE LAST SATURDAY. (I DIDN'T CARE ABOUT MY HOUSEHOLD CHORES ALL THIS TIME). RIGHT NOW, MY HIPS AND BUTT ARE SORE FROM SITTING - MAYBE BECAUSE LAST Night I WENT TO BED AT 7:00 pm AND WOKE UP AGAIN AT 6:00 AM OR IS IT BECAUSE OF THE SWOLLEN JOINTS SIDE EFFECT. I DO FEEL BETTER AND AM HOPEFUL THAT ALL OF MY ACHES AND PAINS WILL GO AWAY. I STILL AM NOT 100%, I STILL AM EXPERIENCING PERIODS OF WANTING TO PUKE, AND HEADACHES COME AND GO.

I WILL NEVER TAKE CIPRO AGAIN. WHAT I REALLY WOULD LIKE IS TO TAKE THE COMPANY DOWN THAT PRODUCES THIS DRUG. THIS DRUG SEEMS TO ATTACK A INDIVIDUALS "WEAK SPOTS" AND MAGNIFY THE SYMPTOMS. I AM PRAYING THAT ALL OF THESE SYMPTOMS ARE TEMPORARY.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR WEBSITE AND BLESS EACH ONE US WHO HAVE BEEN A VICTIM OF THE EVIL ANTIBIOTIC "CIPRO".

My dog was prescribed Cepro on 10/8/2008
500 mg 2 capsules am
1 capsule pm

Stopped giving him the drug after he started to vomit three days later
Symptoms:
Vomiting, heavy breath, exhaustion.

13 Oct --
Refuses to eat.
Sudden drop in quantity of urine.
Refuses to drink.
Bloating of stomach.
A bit of seizures.
Death.

I was prescribed Cipro for 2 surgeries I had last week. When I picked it up from the pharmacy, the pharmacist told me to drink a lot of water as much as possible because it has a dehydrating effect and he told me it makes you more sensitive to the sun so if I have to be outdoors, to limit my time and apply sunscreen with a high spf as often as possible. I didn't go outdoors because of that, but Cipro made me very thirsty, but I expected it and drank plenty of fluids. Other than than, I did not have any problems. I never got constipated, it didn't bother my stomach but I always eat something when taking medications because I can't take them on an empty stomach. I didn't have any allergy problems, diarrhea, breathing problems or anything else. In fact, I liked this antibiotic much better than any other one I've ever been on.

I took Cipro three weeks ago for a UTI. Within days I felt bloated and my bladder felt numb. Doctor attributed it to my UTI. But after seeing a urologist she wondered if it wasn't the Cipro. I've had two ultrasounds, a CT Scan and an XRay. I am bloated, constipated, look 2-3 months pregnant, back ache, hip bones feel so much pressure. I am miserable. I get out of breath easy. Until this, I was a VERY healthy person. I had never had a UTI and I wish I would have known about this drug. Now they want me to see a Gastroenterologist to see what it wrong with me. I am SO ticked off that nothing has been done about this drug yet after reading the horror stories on the net about it.

I took cipro 500 mg just this past thurs Sept 25/2008 only 3 pills. One thurs lunchtime, one that evening and then another fri lunchtime. By Friday morning I was starting to experience a sore throat and flu like pains.When it came to that evening my throat had red really red blisters and swollen glands. I didn't take that pill friday night. I stayed up all that night and at 4 am realized my sore throat and swelling had subsided. I called my pharmacy Sat. morning and told them what I had experienced. They said I did the right thing. I then had to contact my doctor to get another RX for my kidney infection. I have since had pain that hasn't went away. I have had a ultrasound on sept 9 and bloodwork on Oct 1 and a CT scan. All tests were ok. I was told just now on the phone to finish the new antibiotic and then 48 hrs later get another urine culture. I had to be given pain relief patches from the doctor.

i was prescribed cipro on may 9th, 2008. It is now September 27th 2008. i have not had a really good day between these dates. have been hospitalized. lost lots of body fluids. pain, weakness, depression, emotional problems,no appetite, no energy, agitated constantly, lost 15 lbs.,so far. have seen specialists because i have diminished eye sight and hearing loss. no patience with family. i haven't moved my bowels on my own since first dose. have to take laxatives every week to empty my bowels. i live with full body pain and stiffness every single day, all day. lost interest in my life. i am forgetting the happy, active strong, energetic positive 48 yr old woman I used to be. i know it's the cipro that's killing me. i think my dr. believes me. the other dr.s think i should either that's where I discovered what was hurting me so badly]. I looked up cipro on the computer after i saw a warning about taking cipro and found the truth of why i was so sick. accidentally found out. no symptoms, no pain. Most doctors don't want to believe me. I've told several drs., nurses, and anybody who would listen. I'd tell you more but I can't remember right now. cipro stole my memory too. May God be with us. Betty M.

After going to the ER for abdominal pain, I was given a CT scan and told
I have Diverticulitis, my colon was inflamed and I had an infection.
They gave me Ciprofloxcin 500mg twice a day for 5 days. My body has never tolerated drugs very well and I'm allergic to most antibiotics, but the doctor insisted if I didn't take it, I would end up in the hospital with the possibility of having surgery to remove part of my colon. So I made myself tough it out. Fortunately, I didn't get any side effects that I couldn't handle, so I did the full 5 days. Unfortunately, after two days off the Cipro, I'm feeling ill. I'm nauseas, after eating or drinking, lightheaded and out of breadth, when I stand up, and have a burning sensation after urinating that lingers till I want to scream. My muscles ache and I feel depressed. I am a 58 year old woman, very active and I don't do well with being ill. I have another Dr. appointment later today to see if I may still have an infection.
I WILL NOT TAKE ANYMORE CIPRO!

For the first time in 10 years I chose to go to a medical doctor instead of my usual Homeopath to receive treatment for a UTI. 2-3 weeks after taking Cipro My knee would suddenly give out while I was walking (no pain, yet). A week or so later the tendon behind my knee starting hurting. Another week the front of my knee hurt. Another week and it’s as if my muscles & tendons in my calfs completely froze. I could not walk. Excruciating pain at even resting feet on floor...could not bear any weight or pressure. Also swelling, strange crawling sensations, pinching pains, dull ache in leg bones, stabbing pains, tearing sensations in calfs...it seems to be a little different every day. Also some insomnia and anxiety, shortness of breath, and a strange sensation that my throat or tongue was swollen so I had to sleep in a raised position because it felt like I was suffocating when I laid down. Now 8 months later...only very slight improvement. I can grocery shop for about 20 minutes before I’m so exhausted and in so much pain that I’m sweating. Cannot lift or carry anything that’s even slightly heavy because it puts too much strain on my legs. When I can walk, I walk funny - kinda like Frankenstein’s monster (straight-legged) and also limp. I never thought at the age of 44 that just grocery shopping would be enough to wipe me out for 2 or more days. And yes...depression too. Who would’nt be? If you have any advice please share it with me.

i took cipro for a UTI over 10 years ago and have had floaters, neuropathy, tingling, and numbness in my hands and feet ever since then. it was not until THIS YEAR that i stumbled upon information on the internet about CIPRO and its side effects. but immediately following my use of the drug i went to a doctor who insisted i had carpal tunnel and i asked then why is it in my feet? then a neurologist who found nothing and patted me on my little college girl head, told me it was "just stress," and prescribed me narcotics to calm me down. i threw the prescription in the garbage on the way out of his office... then was tested for diabetes and briefly thought i might have MS. eventually, after many docs finding nothing and my family thinking i was a total hypochondriac, i just decided to ignore the symptoms. pain in my joints, floaters in my eyes, numbness and tingling in my hands and feet. after years i figured if i wasn't dying from whatever it was and it wasn't getting any worse, then i would just live with it. one day when it was particularly uncomfortable i did an internet search and came up with CIPRO info. there was a class action law suit at one time because right around the time i took CIPRO, it was a new drug and had not been sufficiently clinically tested. there's no recourse for me now, but i feel better having solved the mystery.

i am appalled to see so many people still suffering in 2008 and this drug still being prescribed. i'm sorry you're all going through this. i tell everyone i know not to ever take this drug. i feel lucky to be still functioning. i am very healthy, just have the annoyance of these symptoms that never go away.

My personal experience with Cipro is what they say is a mild case. To me I felt I would die. I've documented everything blow by blow on a new website ****** I was so angry with the medical profession for crippling me, so I took the time and channeled it into the only thing I could. My daily report. 6 weeks and I'm well on the road to recovery. To all of you who say it can't be done, it can. To all of those who say it will recur, perhaps, but I have great faith in the power of natural supplements to heal and support the body in it's repair. If you are suffering and reading this, make sure you visit my site and make your own decisions on what course of action you will take.

The experience has changed me forever, I will no longer have blind faith in the medical profession. We can't fight in the courts, but people have power in numbers. Share your experience, share your pain and help warn others about the toxic substances doctors hand out like candy.

YOU call the shots with YOUR healthcare.

Sadly, I am just another case among many it seems. I am a 26 year old female who was prescribed ciprofloxacin for a UTI at my urgent care center. I have health problems to begin with and did not want any more. You know, I’ve had to take all kinds of meds over the years, including harsh ones, but it was never so bad as to prompt me to write comments on the internet about it. What does that say about Cipro? When I got home from the doctor I read the paper before swallowing the pill, which included the description of side effects. Unfortunately, it did not include the truth about what could happen to you while even taking this drug for a short time. If there had been some kind of warning about the strength and potential risk of taking this drug, I most likely would have steered clear from it since I am sensitive to medications and already suffering. The paper led me to believe false information, listing some common antibiotic side effects, and I ended up starting treatment. Some of the negative effects I experienced while on this medication for only 2 days were: severe muscle/overall body weakness, difficulty breathing, fatigue, mental confusion, difficulty concentrating, anxiety/nervousness, restlessness, mild carpal tunnel pain, slight vision change, stiffness, pain, an overall feeling of terrible heaviness, including of the chest, and possible heart palpitations. It felt like the medication was damaging my body; like it was eating away at my muscles or something. I've never had chemotherapy before, but some how that's how I would imagine it. It felt like it was doing damage to every cell in my body. The worst part is the weakness and altered thinking right now. I hope these symptoms go away completely. I felt better after quitting the drug, but not completely. I am just thankful for my hope in Jesus Christ. Even if things don't improve, I am comforted that He cares for me. I am going to be praying for this terrible situation where doctors are just handing this out for common problems without giving proper warning. May fewer and fewer people have to suffer because of Cipro and this class of drugs. I am also going to report this to the FDA and hopefully to my doctor’s office. I would like to see clear and extensive warnings on this drug, if not for it to be taken off the market. My personal advice to any one who is currently on this medicine and experiencing side effects would be to: drink milk or eat other dairy products to lessen the symptoms. It seemed to temporarily help me.

Cipro is a chemotherapeutic agent that is stored in fat cells and is reabsorbed into the bloodstream when burned and can potentially damage any system it comes in contact with. I took this for two weeks.and had horrible pains and kept having what could best be described as partial seizures and heart palpitations as well as peripheral neuropathies. As the drug recycles every few months back into my blood the symptoms start over and sometimes new ones occur. I am currently experiencing floaters, brain fog, vision problems, burning sensations, panic attacks, partial seizures, dizziness, depersonalization and extreme fatigue even nine months after taking 27 pills over the course of two weeks. Cipro is used to kill anthrax and should not be used on people even though Bayer is making a killing in its sales. You don't have to look far to find thousands of people who have had their lives destroyed by this drug. Remove from the market ASAP.

This is so upsetting to me,i have a son that was born with spina bifida,along with that came bladder issues,he used to walk well only a slight limp,after years on cipro,well really the only thing i knew for sure was photo sensitivity and exaggerated taste and smell,but i was accustomed to this and knew i couldn't use fabric softener etc when he was taking it as it would make him puke,he would tell nurses they smelled and vomit if they had on purfume etc,but now i wonder as the years have gone by,and he has been on this drug so much,he is now completely dependent on a wheel chair i constant pain with his stomach unable to use his feet because of pain...could it have been cipro...we will never know

Nine months after given CIPRO via IV at the Hospital, I am still crippled.

I was a healthy 58 years old working full time. Now my tendons, muscles, ligaments hurt all over my body. I have very limited flexibility.

I am sooooooo aggravated that doctors don't believe you and they want to treat you with prozac.

I am sooooo mad that nothing I can do but suffer.

Lawyers said unless doctor diagnosis Tendinitis nothing they can do and doctors insist it is Fibromyalgia.

I took CIPRO for an inflamed gall bladder for two weeks. Two days after I stopped I started to get pain in my left ankle, both elbows, neck and shoulders. I could hardly sleep at night as the pain would not leave. I never knew that CIPRO did this much damage to your body.
J.Nunez
Violet, LA

I took Cipro many times but in November I took it with a prednisone dose pack, this seems to make the tendon issue worse according to todays report.

I have had severe achiles tendon pain for 7 months now. I can't bend my ankle when I walk. I also had surgery for a torn rotator cuff in December, no injury to my shoulder, it just tore.

I have wide spread tendinitis an now I know why. Is this a temporary situation? I hope!!!
ksquared

I took Cipro and had a persitant leg twitch, and did not think anything at the time. many symptoms came around a month later. all over body twitching, burning skin, muscle pain, tendon pain. maily on left side of body. Also, insomnia, dark circles under eyes, horizontal depressions in fingernails...just to name a few. It has been almost 2 years and I have sense been diagnosed with fibromyalgia by PC, I need to go to a ruemy. I have never had these pains until cipro and I still have all of them most of the time.
I told my mother not to take Cipro or any in the same class. She was prescribed Levaquin and called the nurse and said she did not want anything in the same class as Cepro, and thew nurse said "Oh no it is not, I did hear Cepro was bad". So she took them unaware. She was so sick after first pill. she thought it was severe flu. She could not even move her arms because of terrible shoulder pains.

I was prescribed CIPROFLAXACIN 500 mg 28 tablets twice a day. I developed Achilles tendon on my right leg
while playing volleyball. I am using crutches and off from work with short term disability. This drug did not cure my existing problem
but created new problem. Even when such side effects were known to the Physicians and Pharmacists I was not made aware of this. As a United States of American citizen I am requesting FDA to please ban such drugs
that cause such side effects.

Took Cipro for 7 days for a UTI....three days after ending Cipro UTI returned. Now on Cipro for 10 days and have been having severe abdominal pains under belly button and above bladder. No pain if I lay down. Pain returns in the morning after I pee and have a bowel movement. Feels like gas pockets that move from side to side. If I sit or bend forward feels like a balloon filled with gas that is going to pop.

Anyone else with this type of pain. Have 4 more days of Cipro remaining.

I was prescribed 500 mg, twice a day for 5 days for a UTI. Immediate side effects were insomnia, restlessness and feeling sick to my stomach when taken without food - but I didn't really think twice about it. Approx 2 days after my first dose I woke up, was making coffee and got a sharp, VERY painful feeling in my abdomen. Ran into the bathroom and was shocked to see blood in the toilet, along with what appeared to be mucous. The pain went away and I just didn't feel "good" the rest of the day. Went to the bathroom twice with nothing until it happened once again. I went from thinking I had hemorrhoids, cysts, diverticulitis, etc. and almost went to the emergency room until we read the insert that came with my prescription. All of these were clearly listed in it. I stopped taking immediately and it has not happened since. I feel back to normal.

I am a healthy and active 26 year old who couldn't believe this happened. I am now taking Florastore (a probiotic you can buy behind the counter at any pharmacy) and eating Activia yogurt. Wish I had seen this message board before I began taking Cipro.

Wow, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia several years ago. Instead of getting on medication, i decided to watch my diet. I noticed i only had fibromyalgia when my cholesterol was high. I keep my cholesterol down and myself thin and toned and i am healthy with no fibro. However, i recently began to take Cipro, and all of a sudden i feel fibromyalgia coming on again. I decide to look this up online and find out there is a connection!

I was recently prescribed Cipro for a UTI. I've been on it for 6 days now. The first night was crazy. I felt excitable and when I finally did fall asleep I had the most intricate, amazing dream, almost lucid. The next day I felt a boost of energy and was running circles around my husband while doing yard work. The third day was when the pain hit, soreness in my elbows, knees, feet and hands. I attributed it to my previous day of insane energy. Right now I'm feeling quite bloated and I have this dull pain that feels like it's in the marrow of my bones. I have a tingly sensation in my muscles and my mind is a foggy, yet racing haze. Two more days of this and I'm hoping for the best. I didn't even know I had a UTI. I just know I was feeling very lethargic and had horrible pains in my left side and bad back aches, which now leads me to believe I had a kidney infection. Hate to say it, but I think I am experiencing the lesser of two evils. What's worse, raging, possibly life-threatening bacteria, or anti-biotic over kill with severely inconvenient side-effects?

Ciprofloxacin is a highly dangerous drug and should be banned. My son (18) has developed twitching, jerking movements which came on a month or so after stopping it. He took it for 6 weeks and towards end of treatment came out is a terrible rash on his back. No doctors or consultants will accept that that is where the twitching has come from. Thousands of people all over are saying they developed devastating side effects after taking this drug and because the side effects come on some time afterwards doctors will not believe you. The more people highlight the dangers of this drug the more someone will listen.

I was prescribed the Cipro, 250 for UTI....within 24 hours was having a headache which did go away within 3 days, cleared the UTI...made sure I took the Cipro with meals. Within 1 week of being off of the Cipro started having extreme stomach issues....burning, irritation.... took approx 2 more weeks taking Heartburn MD supplements with meals to "heal up" the stomach lining from the Cipro. Took Amoxicillin for past UTI's now the docs don't want to give Amox only Cipro. Was told by the doc that the UTI's have managed to build a resistance to the Amoxicillin.....I could understand that if you took Amoxicillin regularly. Hmmmm!

I was prescribed Cipro for a UTI on 1/25/08. I took 500 mg for 7 days. About day four I began to experience intermittent "little pains" in my hands and feet. I thought it could be a side effect of Cipro but no big deal and would subside when I finished the prescription. Boy was I wrong. It has been two months and every week that goes by I feel worse. I have pain and mild cramping in my arms, hands, legs and feet on and off all day. The muscles in my neck and the back of my head tighten up and I get very lightheaded. When I get up in the morning I am extremely stiff and do not feel like myself most of the time. I have read many comments by others who have used this drug on several websites and I am quite worried at this point. Can I expect these symptoms to gradually subside or am I on the road to becoming an invalid? Sorry to sound dramatic but this is very upsetting. Has anyone found anything to help with these sort of symptoms or does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

I was given Cipro 500mg twice daily for a UTI. After 4 days on the medication I developed severe joint and tendon pain. Every joint in my body was in pain! I have called the doctor and they had me stop taking the medication. I continue to have pain in my joints. By the end of the day, my knees are killing me! Will this ever go away. I am seeing the doctor tomorrow, I am so upset over this, I am in my mid-30's and am feeling like I am 80! I am a grade 1 teacher and have 3 young kids at home, I hope things will get better!

My name is Eric , and 7 months ago I took Cipro for a minor UTI , since then I have had ear-ringing , headaches , tendon/joint pains , stomach problems and various other problems too numerous to mention . Understand I was a very healthy 47 yr. old male who was never in the hospital or doctors office . These drugs are very powerful and full spectrum , effecting every cell in your body , If your doctor wants to put you any Fluoroquinolone drug , refuse at all cost !! The pain and suffering I am still going thru is not worth it !! Go to FQresearch.Org. to see the damage these antibiotics cause .

For all of you suffering on this board I strongly suggest you log unto www.fqresearch.org where you will find over 4000 medical journal entries, case reports, etc., that detail the horrendous damage these drugs are capable of. You will also find a link there for a support forum hosted by yahoo that everyone here is invited to join.

We have been fighting with the FDA since 1999 to get "Black Box" warnings as well as "Dear Doctor" letters sent. Had this been done I doubt that most of you would be suffering like this. This class is a drug of LAST RESORT, and it is not approved as a first line agent for ANY disease state.

It is both shocking and appalling that we see people coming on this site promoting the use of these drugs and chasing you for suffering a reaction. I can assure you this is not "in your head" by any means. These severe adverse reactions have been documented since 1982 within ALL of the leading medical journals. They are THE most toxic and dangerous antibiotic in clinical use today.

But the FDA refuses to provide adequate warnings within the package inserts and Public Citizen has had to SUE them in Federal Court to even have them review their petitions seeking, once again, "Black Box Warnings and Dear Doctor Letters."

Recently Bayer issued a "Dear Doctor" letter in Europe regarding the severe adrs to Avelox. But we find no such letters being written here in the United States.

Anyhow, just a brief note to let you know that you are no alone, your name is "Legions", and we have been fighting on your behalf since 1999.

Regards,

Mr. David T. Fuller
Director
Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Research Foundation
www.fqresearch.org

After being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, I was given Cipro at the hospital. My heart started racing to the point that it was hard to breath. After a while, this symptom went away. Three days later, after continuing to take Cipro, I started to feel tingling sensations all over my body, and a fiery burning sensation on my right lower back. I also had patches of numb areas all over, and suffered from muscular spasms. I developed horrible agitation episodes and tachycardia. I had rushing thoughts going through my mind and felt like running away. At some point, I felt as if I was about to have a convulsion. The doctors deny that these are side effects of Cipro and think I am suffering from anxiety. I have had anxiety before, but who hasn't? It is too much of a coincidence to have all these symptoms together right while taking Cipro.

I am a healthy 33 yr old woman who was prescribed Cipro after a miscarriage ciprng was 1000mg per day. One day after beginning the course I felt weak, lethargic, severe headaches, itching all over resulting in large bumps all over, had diarrhea, nausea and now two days after coming of the meds I am getting pain with burning in my chest. I am afraid it is because of the Cipro and don't know what to do. My doctor seems to think its all in my mind and is unwilling to admit its the Cipro. Not surprising since she prescribed it. Don't take this drug I wish now that I had done research before taking this poison.

DON'T TAKE FLUOROQUINOLONES. THERE ARE SAFER DRUGS TO TAKE. THIS STUFF IS POISON. ANYONE WHO HAS HAD A REACTION, PLEASE SEND IN A MED WATCH REPORT TO WWW.FDA.GOV SO THAT IT CAN BE TAKEN OFF THE MARKET. WE ARE BECOMING A COUNTRY OF CRIPPLES BECAUSE OF THIS CLASS OF DRUG.

Had My gall bladder removed in April 2007 and I was fine for months I had more back pain and went in for a cat scan and they said I have a Kidney stone and I was put on Cipro XL 1000MG for 7 days ever since now I have yellow liquid coming out of my backside all day and I have really Loose Diarrhea, Does anyone else have these symptoms from taking this??

I had a UTI and was given Cipro. I wake up shaking and having chest pain. My elbows hurt and my toes. I had diarrhea and stomach cramps as well as leg cramps. I am almost feeling like I have a panic disorder now, because I am so nervous about nothing. I wake up every night with either the palpitations in my heart. I thought I was having a mitral valve prolapse which I had almost twenty years ago. Now I have developed a spot in my eye like spider webs which now it has turned into a flash of light on the side of my right eye. I believe all this is from the Cipro. I was fine before it.

I went to the Er last week and they told me I had a UTI and they gave me Cipro and Pyridium. Well I started taking the Cipro on thanksgiving and by the next morning I was so sick to my stomach and my heart was beating very irregular and I was having palpitations. well I have a bad heart valve so I thought I was that but now I am beginning to think it was the Cipro. I had only taken it for a few days when I really started feeling bad. muscle cramps so bad at night I could hardly stand it, irregular heartbeats to the point I could not sleep and nausea and diarrea. I am still not feeling good and having all kind of problems after a week. this the second medicine I have had a bad reaction to. the other one was Bactrim for a UTI back in October. I think I will just stick to over the counter medicine.

My experience is also not a good one. At the end of June 2007 I was prescribed Cipro XL 500mg for 3 days for a bladder infection, at an immediate care clinic. Over the next two weeks I experienced abdominal inflammation to the point I looked 6 months pregnant. I returned to the same clinic where I was again prescribed Cipro XL but this time 1000mg for 14 days and waited for a urine analysis to come back. As this showed no infection I was told to continue the CIPRO and contact my gynocologist who could find nothing wrong. I was sent for abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds. Both came back clear but I was still in considerable pain and the inflammation had not gone down but was worse. In addition I was constipated constantly, a problem I had never had. From my gynocologist I was sent to my family doctor. Blood work was done as well as a barium enema. Nothing found, everything normal. As at this point, October 3rd I was having constant diarrhea with blood I was sent with a stool culture. Cipro XL has caused me to have a strain of C-difficile. As the diarrhea has stopped my family doctor feels I should not be given medication (not antibiotics) to clear the virus. With lots of fluids, probiotic yogurt, etc it will take time but it will go away. I will just have to put up with the cramping, bloating, head aches and general malaise I have felt since it was prescribed at the end of June. I only hope anyone prescribed CIPRO XL will think twice before taking it and perhaps request a different medication. There are others.

I started Cipro about a month ago for a bladder infection. I did not go to my regular dr. but to an immediate care center.
I felt sick initially from taking the Cipro. I assumed it was the bladder infection. I began having extreme muscle weakness and pain. I was dazed and confused. I was unable to eat or sleep. I had leg cramps so bad I could barely walk the next day. My left arm has numbness and tingling pain. My fingers barely function. My right wrist is weak and feels achy all the time. I got a terrible yeast infection after the 2nd day of taking Cipro. I cry very frequently. I am not myself. I am tired, weak and pale. By the way. I was a vibrant, healthy 37 year old female. I took Cipro for 5.5 days. Please Please do not take this antibiotic.
Lea Ann

I am a Diabetic with a Kidney Transplant and of course alergic to Penicylin. I have before taken Cipro and have had reactions to it. It actually does work, I do feel pretty sick for 10 days, but I really cannot take anything else that works. I do feel bad, but for some reason it does make me feel good after a month after the prescription is out of my system.

I was prescribed Cipro for a bacterial infection... 4 days ago. Almost immediately I felt like my stomach turned to stone. Zero appetite. I feel like I can't get out of bed in the morning, with a feeling of morning sickness as if I were pregnant. I had nightmares, but I wasn't sure if it was this or a combination of Cipro and Lomotil.
I was also given Nexium to counteract the burning feeling from the Cipro. The combo made it worse, making my entire stomach and esophagus turn to steel.
It has to be the Cipro that is making me feel this way. It has been 13 hours since the last dose and I still feel like my stomach is full. I find it uncomfortable to even sit down, if I do, I must sit up straight. Or I must stand, but then my back hurts and I have to sit again.
I am, for the most part, a healthy 39 year old woman .. Had an antibiotic one year ago after being spurred by a rooster and before that, 7 years ago, for a sinus infection. Pills just aren't for me. Especially this one.

Thanks

I was prescribed Citro for a ear infection so after 10 days of taking Cipro 500mg 2 times a day, less than 2 days after that I broke out with a fever ranging from 104. - 102.4 for about 3 days at the same time I had joint pain all over my body and pain in my upper legs. On the 4th day after that I broke out in a rash all over my legs and buttocks area, I called the doc that prescribed me Cipro and she said my symptoms had nothing to with the Cipro. I see my dermatologist 5 days after and I find I have a allergic reaction to Cipro. So beware and always get a second, third opinion.

I was prescribed Cipro XL 1000 x1 per day for 14 days for a first time acute prostae infection. First night felt a little dizy and moderately depressed. After a few days I noticed that when I was waking up I felt like I was having a mildly nervous twitchy feel. After a week or so I started to have unexplainable arm pain deep in what I now know as to being a tendon. Near the end of my treatment the soles of my feet started hurting regardless if I am standing or sitting. My hands feel stiff and sore however they do in the morning anyways, but the palms of my hands have a tingly burning feel to them as well. About 2 days after finsihing the Cipro I had one of the worst nightmares of my life, and 2 days of headaches, and more depressive moments resulting in making crazy statements to family and friends.
Its been 7 days since I finished the Cipro now and my arm is about 75% better but my feet are still very sore with a burning feel.
I'm 49 with no chronic illnesses and in excellent physical condition. I have never had a reaction to anything before and am not allergic to anyhting that I know of.
I sure hope that this drugs side effects are not long lasting and or life altering in a negative way ?
In my opinion this is a drug that should only be given when absoulutely nessasary
Take care

Cipro turned my daughter into an invalid. These side effects can be permanent, or they can resolve quickly. they are not rare, and may come on at any time within the first year after use of cipro. It is likely the most dangerous drug on the market. there are many web pages on the side effects of cipro and its class of drugs. Specifically see http://www.fqresearch.org/ and http://www.fluoroquinolones.org/

In April 2006, I began urinating blood every time I did something strenuous. After seeing many specialists and receiving CT scans and Ultrasounds on abdominal area and testicals my Dr. wrote the symptoms off as a urinary tract infection. He prescribed Cipro, I took the drug for 2.5 days and have not been the same since(was supposed to take the drug for ten days). Now December, I have had severe gut-wrenching pain in my left side, stomach and back. This pain is that of passing kidney stones every day, still peeing blood and waking up with so much pain that I can barely move. I was very much into weightlifting, now I can barely lift my kids, (55, 40 and 35 lbs.) I have had every test known to man and the Dr.'s have no idea what is wrong with me. Just coincidence that this all started after taking Cipro? I have no choice after reading the testimonies on this drug, that this has added to the health problems in my own life. I too will tell all my Dr.'s from this point on that I'm allergic to Cipro and Levaquin. Do yourself a favor and stop taking this drug before you have similar or worse health issues.

I was prescribed Cipro for a UTI and about an hour after taking the first pill (1000mg) I began to feel sick. My face went red and really hot. My tendons in my neck amd shoulders were in so much pain. I could barely swallow juice as it felt as though my arms were being ripped from my shoulders when I did. I thought it may be the flu and went to bed. The next morning, I tried to get up, but my arms and legs were so badly inflammed that I could not even stand without collapsing and I couldn't even hold a piece of paper. I was taken to the hospital and they had no idea what it was. I was in a semi vegetative state by the time I got to the hospital. The Dr. gave me morphine to help me, but that did absolutelt nothing. After hours of test and IV's, they sent me home with nothing but to stay in bed and drink lots of fluids, to flush the Cipro out of my system. They couldn't answer if this tendon pain could be permanent or why it was so bad. I would definately tell people never to take this drug. I seriously, have never been in so much pain in my whole life. And I have had a number of surgeries and broken bones. I would take them over this any day. ! and a half weeks later, I am still in some pain in my legs and forearms and head.

15 years agoI was on cipro.....bad shoulder pain and back pain.. instantly one day.. after I was off of it.....over these years severe nerve and muscle pain in left chest and back. debilitating pain nothing helps...cant exercise at all so muscle tone completely left....

I did a ten day course of cipro for a UTI. at about day 6 my thighs started hurting a little and by day ten my calves hurt as well. a few days after that my achilles tendons were killing me and I was put on prednisone for ten days, it actually helped the pain. after the steroid course ended the pain returned and now encompassed the bottom of my feet, ankels, knees, left shoulder, and carpal tunnel in both wrists. My DR said he wasn't sure what to do when this kind of reaction to cipro occurs. as of now I am almost disabled, I can stand only for a few minutes at a time, and I am in constant pain especially in my feet. I don't know what the solution to this is, but I think that Bayer should be held responsible when their product disables someone. I am not trashing Bayer, cipro did exactly what it was supposed to do for the UTI, I just had a bad reaction to it.

this is the worst drug i have ever experienced, finished 28 day cycle in november 05 for prostate problems, since then i have been on buspar and xanax for anxiety and twitching! I have limbs that will go numb for no apparent reason, insomnia, terrible dreams, shortness of breath and so on. I have good days and bad...some days i feel normal and the next i will have internal shakiness, muscle spasms, feeling of fear and anxiety. I am a 39 year old male who used to be up for just about anything, now i cannot even make it through most days without wanting to curl into a ball....DO NOT TAKE THIS CRAP....I will suffer before ever taking this again!!!!!

I was prescribed Cipro for a UTI and after taking for 1 day I started having rapid heart beats and heart palpatations. By the 4th day of taking it I had insomnia and heart palpatations that were so strong I couldn't sleep if I could. I stopped taking it as advised by my MD and after 3 days of being off it I still am feeling some heart flutters and heart palpations. Still having trouble sleeping.
I WILL NEVER TAKE THIS MEDICINE AGAIN!!!!