U.S. FDA calls for urgent warning on tendon risks

WASHINGTON Thomson Financial - Federal drug safety officials have imposed the government's most urgent warning on Bayer AG's Cipro and similar antibiotics, citing risks that they can cause tendon ruptures, a serious injury that leaves some patients incapacitated. The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday ordered makers of flouroquinolone drugs -- a potent class of antibiotics -- to add a 'black box' warning to their products, which include Cipro, Levaquin, Floxin and other medications. Patients should immediately stop taking the medications if they develop any tendon pain, swelling or... [read full story]