As of May 1, 2006 Bristol Myers Squibb recalled Tequin at the behest of both the FDA and the Public Citizens, a consumer advocacy group. It seems that despite the drug’s amazing ability to cure bacterial infections, the unwarranted side effects of Tequin involving the blood sugar levels of patients.
From 2000 through 2005, over 375 cases of both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia were reported. Collectively referred to as dysglycemia, it seems that Tequin played a direct role in the irregular blood sugar levels and over 20 reported deaths.
This link between Tequin and blood sugar irregularities was not a new side effect. Physicians advocated for a black box label on the popular antibiotic to warn patients of the possible side effects involving hypoglycemia. However, the implications and reach of this side effect were not truly known until 2005.
The problem with the Tequin recall is that the product has been pulled from the market for new use, but the existing stock of Tequin still remained on the shelves of pharmacies across the US. This left hundreds if not thousands of patients still taking Tequin despite the recall and the risks.
As a popular and profitable antibiotic, it’s easy to see why BMS was hesitant to recall and pull Tequin from the shelves. The antibiotic accounted for over $150 million in sales worldwide, with over $100 million coming from US sales alone.
Another major reason for the Tequin drug recall, though not as widely noted, is a high link to muscle problems and tendon ruptures in those taking Tequin for a prolonged period of time.
If you are currently taking Tequin, you should speak with your physician about changing medications, and if they don’t already know about the Tequin recall, you should consider changing doctors as well. If you feel you have suffered permanent health damage from taking Tequin, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a personal or class action Tequin lawsuit.