Tequin Overview - FindLaw

What is Tequin?

Tequin (gatifloxacin) is an antibiotic used to treat adults with lung, sinus, or urinary tract infections, as well as certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) caused by germs called bacteria. Tequin does not kill viruses which attack the lungs and sinuses, and while it treats gonorrhea, it does not treat other STDs like syphilis and non-gonococcal diseases.

Tequin is a drug made by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and was approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 1999.

Tequin FDA Alert

In March 2006, the FDA announced that Bristol-Myers Squibb Company revised the labeling on Tequin because it caused some people to have serious blood sugar problems (low blood sugar or high blood sugar). Click here to see the FDA alert.

Who Should Not Take Tequin?

You should not take Tequin if you are allergic to it or any 'quinolones' such as:

• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
• Gatifloxacin (Tequin, Zymar)
• Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
• Lomefloxacin (Maxaquin)
• Moxifloxacin (Avelox, Vigamox)
• Gemifloxacin (Factive)
• Norfloxacin (Noroxin)
• Ofloxacin (Floxin)

You should not take Tequin if you:

• have (or have family history of) a rare heart condition called congenital prolongation of the QT interval
• have low blood potassium sometimes caused by medicines called diuretics or "water pills"
• take medicines for irregular heartbeat
• have diabetes or high blood sugar

Before you start taking Tequin, tell your healthcare professional if you:

• are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or nursing
• have diabetes
• have heart problems
• have or had liver problems
• have kidney problems
• take other prescription or non-prescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements -- especially those for controlling blood sugar, or treating irregular heartbeat, as well as antidepressant or antipsychotic medicines, diuretics ("water pills"), diabetes medicines, Videx (didanosine), or antacids and multivitamins that contain zinc, magnesium, or iron.

Tequin Health Risks

If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking Tequin and call your doctor:

• serious blood sugar changes including low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• severe allergic reactions (trouble breathing; closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or hives)
• central nervous system side effects including: seizures, dizziness, confusion, tremors, hallucinations, depression, or suicidal thoughts
• pain, inflammation, or rupture of a tendon

Common side effects associated with Tequin use include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach Pain
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Abnormal blood sugar level (too low or too high)

Other Recommendations When Taking Tequin

When taking Tequin, it is recommended that you:

• Do not drive or operate dangerous machines until you know how Tequin affects you. Tequin can cause dizziness.
• Avoid long exposure to sunlight, since Tequin makes skin more sensitive to sunlight and may cause severe sunburn.

Also, Tequin for oral suspension contains phenylalanine. This is important to know if you have a condition called Phenylketonuria.

Tequin - Getting Legal Help

While all medications have certain anticipated side effects, a drug manufacturer has a duty to make its products as reasonably safe as possible, and to inform the medical community and the public of known risks associated with its drugs. If a manufacturer fails to do so, it can be held legally responsible if patients are injured as the result of inadequate warnings or the unreasonably dangerous nature of the drug, under a legal theory called "product liability."

If you or a loved one have experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions while taking Tequin, you should first contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. You may also wish to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and to protect your right to a legal remedy for any injury caused by Tequin use.

• Go here to learn more about an attorney's role in a pharmaceutical liability case.
• To find an experienced attorney, use the "Find a Lawyer" tool on this page, or click here.

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