Black Box Warning: May Cause Permanent Nerve Damage

I have been harping on this for years! So glad that it is finally getting the attention it deserves! I truly believe that thanks to the internet, people are not only becoming more informed, they are also sharing their experiences, finding similarities and putting two and two together.

The over "abuse" and "over-use” of this class of antibiotics puts me into a rage; I cannot believe that they are so freely prescribed when in truth, Cipro was originally "designed" to combat Anthrax. It is a powerful antibiotic, that when used as prescribed; as a "Last Drug of Choice", can be lifesaving.

When over used and abused to treat UTI's, kidney and sinus infections, the medical field is inadvertently creating an entire population that will learn what it is like to live in severe, chronic pain; some of these people will be crippled for life, others will just require surgery to repair torn tendons and ligaments.

I certainly wonder how many people have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis or Fibrolmyalgia or had an unwarranted Achilles tear that are actually suffering from the side effects of these antibiotics; without ever realizing it, I mean who in their right mind would ever think that an antibiotic could cripple you? When you think of a reaction to a drug, you think, stomach ache, diarrhea, rash, can't breathe, not: "I cannot walk."

People are often given these drugs prior to dental work, or after developing a fever, following surgery. 

Many of these people begin to experience extreme pain and have no idea why. Typically they go to a doctor who typically prescribes a cortisteriod, or cortisone, which inadvertently exasperates the damage done by the antibiotics. Of course, the doctor does not ask if the patient has possibly taken a floroquinolone; which would explain the extreme pain; and hopefully change his plan of attack.

Even orthopedic surgeons that repair all of these tears rarely ask whether or not a patient has taken this class of drug; they do not care about the "why" an injury happened. I often wonder how many top athletes injuries are caused by these drugs. Kidna' like Kobe Bryants; “I didn't do anything I haven't done thousands of times before" maybe he had recently taken a floroquinolone.

Of course, then these same people have more dental work and the cycle continues. These drugs have DESTROYED my mother's life and body. It wasn't until a few years ago that I actually put two and two together, and yes, she had seven, almost empty bottles of Levaquinn in her medicine cabinet. I was infuriated and stunned!

Anyway, it is with the birth of the internet and the grace of all who have shared, as well as have searched for "cures" that the damage that these drugs can cause, is now becoming more recognized. I implore each and every one of you to read the following information and to store it in your memory bank. The pain that these drugs can cause is excruciating, and may be permanent.

By Dr. Brent Hunter

Posted Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 11:03am EDT

Keywords: antibiotic alternatives, antibiotics, black box warning, Cipro, FDA, nerve damage,Peripheral neuropathy, vitamin d, Wellness Achiever, Wellness Lifestyle

Certain antibiotic drugs cause permanent nerve damage. Here is what you need to know about the risks and what you can due to help your body heal naturally.

Black Box Warning: May Cause Permanent Nerve Damage

A certain class of antibiotics have been issued a new black box warning because they cause serious nerve damage. Black box warnings are the most serious and often deadly side effects of drugs that are literally outlined in a black box on the package insert. Fluoroquinolones, such as Cipro, Levaquin, and Floxin were prescribed to over 23 million people in 2011 alone. They are commonly prescribed for respiratory and urinary tract infection. These are relatively simple conditions that have many natural and safe treatment alternatives. However, antibiotics are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in America. Those hoping to find health from a pill are in for a very serious and very dangerous surprise. 

These drugs cause peripheral neuropathy within a few days of starting the medication. The nerve damage may last for months or it may be permanent even when the drug is stopped. They do not cause this nerve damage in every person who takes them; however, you are playing Russian Roulette every time you take most prescription drugs. You may be the one who is permanently affected. Is it worth the risk simply for a possibly quicker recovery from an infection?

Peripheral Neuropathy Explained

Peripheral nerves are nerves that run from your spinal cord to every muscle and organ in your body. They are the lines of communication between your brain and the rest of your body. Neuropathy is a general term referring to nerve damage; nerves that no longer work properly.

While peripheral neuropathy is commonly diagnosed in the arms and legs because those areas are easier visualized, it also occurs in the nerves that control your organs. Pain and numbness are common early signs of peripheral neuropathy in the arms or legs. It then progresses as muscle problems such as weakness and loss of muscle control.

Ever wonder how something as simple as an antibiotic can cause death? One of the many ways is their effect on the autonomic nervous system – nerves controlling the organs that keep you alive. Peripheral neuropathy nerve damage affects these nerves as well. This causes problems with digestion, heart problems, breathing problems, and kidney and liver dysfunction. Ultimately, this can lead to death due to organ failure.

Other Side Effects of These Antibiotics

This particular class of antibiotics also carries another black box warning issued by the FDA in 2008. That warning was for sudden rupture of tendons, the tissue that connects your muscles to your bones. As if this two side effects are not enough, antibiotic drugs, like Cipro, have pages and pages of additional side effects from allergic skin reactions to deadly anaphylactic shock. Antibiotics also cause deafness in infants, children, and adults alike. Cipro causes sensitivity to sunlight that makes it difficult to be in direct sunlight. Of course, this reduces your body’s production of Vitamin D, further weakening your immune system, which allowed the infection to develop in the first place!  We could go on and on about the various, dangerous effects of antibiotic drugs. However, I think that we have already covered enough ways that they can kill you. See Drugs.com for more.

Healthy Alternatives to Antibiotics

If you have a bacterial infection, what can you do to heal without the potentially deadly side effects of antibiotic drug treatment?

1. Wait it out.

While most infections are not pleasant, they usually pass with few problems and no permanent damage.

·         Side note: Your child’s pediatrician may have told you that certain infections may cause deafness in your infant child if not aggressively treated with antibiotics. The truth is that there is no research comparing the risks. There is, however, ample research documenting that aggressive antibiotic treatment does cause deafness in infants. The vast majority of cases of deafness associated with childhood illnesses are in those who were treated with high doses of antibiotics.

2. Get some sunshine.

Vitamin D is a strong immune system supporter. Adequate vitamin D levels are essential for a healthy immune system. Your body’s only natural source of vitamin D is sunshine. If you are in an environment where this is not possible, it is easy and inexpensive to supplement your diet with vitamin D3.

3. Eat more Antimicrobial foods.

Many foods are designed with the natural ability to kill off dangerous bacteria. These include Coconut products like coconut oil, coconut milk, and coconut butter; raw, unpasteurized honey; and vegetables such as garlic, onions, and cabbage.

4. Eat fermented foods.

Raw, fermented foods, such as raw sauerkraut, raw pickles, and cultured vegetables contain probiotics that strengthen your body’s normal immune response.

5. Consume antimicrobial herbs and spices.

Many herbs and spices have antibacterial properties. A few antibacterial heroes in this category are turmeric, ginger, and chili peppers.

6. Exercise in short, quick bursts.

While an infection may cause you to feel tired and rundown, exercise – especially in short bursts – actually increases your energy levels and stimulates your immune system to speed natural healing.

7. See your chiropractor.

Stress on your nerves weakens your immune response drastically and increases your risk of most infections from UTIs to the flu. Receiving chiropractic adjustments regularly – especially when you are sick – removes this nerve stress and dramatically increases your rate of healing.

The best thing about these natural alternatives to antibiotics is that none of them will kill you and they will actually make you healthier!  Including all of these as part of a wellness lifestyle creates a strong, disease-proof body that has no need for antibiotic drugs.

Did you find this article helpful?

Please share this information with your friends and family on Facebook and Twitter. Please also go to the source of this article WellnessAchiever.net and subscribe for regular email updates. You will see a box on the right side to enter your email address. See you there!