Fluoroquinolones gain boxed warning

The FDA has announced that a boxed warning is required for fluoroquinolone antibiotics regarding the increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. The risk of developing fluoroquinolone-associated tendonitis and tendon rupture is higher in patients >60 years of age, in those taking corticosteroids, and in kidney, heart, and lung transplant recipients.

Marketed fluoroquinolones include Avelox (moxifloxacin), Cipro (ciprofloxacin), Cipro XR and Proquin XR (ciprofloxacin extended-release), Factive (gemifloxacin mesylate), Floxin (ofloxacin), Levaquin (levofloxacin), and Noroxin (norfloxacin).

For more information visit www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm089652.htm.