Mateo Ramirez’s story is a devastating example of the life-changing effects of antibiotics prescribed without proper warning. The 28-year-old New Englander was given ciprofloxacin, also known as cipro, for a suspected urinary tract infection (UTI) after catching a food poisoning bug in Panama in 2017.
The antibiotic cleared his infection, but within days, Mateo experienced extreme pain and swelling in his arms, which quickly worsened to partial paralysis of his legs. He lost function in his legs, needed a wheelchair, and suffered partial vision loss, rendering him legally blind.
Mateo is one of tens of thousands of Americans who have been left with life-changing injuries after taking fluoroquinolones, a group of antibiotics that includes cipro. Patients call it being “floxed.” Despite public awareness, physicians continue to prescribe the drug to over 2 million people every year.
The FDA has warned about the risks of fluoroquinolones, including damage to nerves and tendons, but its approval in 1987 and subsequent black box warnings have not been enough to stop widespread use. The agency has received 60,000 reports of patients suffering harm while on the medication since 2008.
Mateo’s case highlights the need for transparency about antibiotic side effects. He tried to sue his hospital, but a law firm dropped the case due to public support for healthcare staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, Mateo still needs a wheelchair and struggles with limited mobility due to his injury. His story serves as a reminder that patients have the right to know about potential risks associated with their medications.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14322497/antibiotic-ciprofloxacin-disabled-blind-legs-paralyzed.html