Tequin Users v Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Pulls Antibiotic Tequin
Bristol-Myers Squibb confirms that the antibiotic Tequin, which has been linked to serious blood sugar complications, is being taken off the market. The company will stop making and selling the drug and return its rights to Kyorin Pharmaceutical Company in Japan.
Company spokesman Eric Miller said the company decided to remove the antibiotic from the market after a commercial evaluation of the product as well as changes in the company's focus.
Tequin, approved for sale in 1999, has faced questions about its effects on blood sugar, being associated with both high and low blood sugar in some patients.
In February, the Food and Drug Administration required increased warnings on the drug's label. The manufacturer has warned that it should not be used by diabetics and said the elderly and those with kidney disease are more likely to have problems.
Public-interest group Public Citizen petitioned the FDA to ban the antibiotic. In its petition, Public Citizen said there have been 388 patients with blood-sugar irregularities associated with the drug, including 20 deaths and 159 hospitalizations since Jan. 1, 2000. Public Citizen urged the FDA to order a recall of the drug.
"This drug carries unique risk but has no unique benefits and therefore should not be on the market," said the director of Public Citizen's Health Research Group.
Tequin is prescribed for chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, urinary tract and other infections.
Have you or a loved one experienced blood sugar complications during or shortly after use of Tequin? If so, please click on the above link to have one of our attorneys contact you.
