Serious side effects, prescriptions for tourists… fluoroquinolone at the heart of an antibiotic scandal

Fluoroquinolones are the subject of an investigation opened by the Paris prosecutor's office on March 27, 2024. Around twenty patients have filed complaints for serious side effects and the ANSM is alerting on these antibiotics that should only be prescribed if absolutely necessary.

We know them under the names Oflocet, Ciflox or even Tavanic… Fluoroquinolones are antibiotics accused of causing serious side effects in around twenty patients, reports France Info .

On Wednesday, the Paris prosecutor's office opened an investigation for "unintentional injuries and deception". In 2023, the& rsquo;case broke out thanks to the filing of complaints by around twenty alleged victims.

What is it about?

"Fluoroquinolones are a class of antibiotics that may be used in serious bacterial infections", pose l’ANSM (National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products).

She deplores that these antibiotics are prescribed too often and reminded doctors last year that they should carefully consider their use. She also advises against prescribing it to people before a trip, to prevent "tourista", note our colleagues.

According to a patients' association, six million unjustified prescriptions have emerged over the last four years, most often for trivial infections such as as otitis, cystitis or sinusitis.

The Ministry of Health reacted, always to France info, claiming to have requested that warning messages be visible in prescription assistance software.

What side effects are we talking about?

The ANSM refers to damage to the nervous system, neuropsychiatric disorders, and conditions of the musculoskeletal system (pain and swelling in the joints, inflammation or even rupture of tendons, pain and/or weakness in the muscles). These side effects have a "lasting character over time, disabling and potentially irreversible".

According to Philippe Colville, president of the association for aid and information on the harmful effects of fluoroquinolones, some victims of side effects"are poly-handicapped for life, recognized as such by disability centers", he explains to France Info< /em>.