⚠ Antibiotics with the WORST Side Effects (Dangerous Antibiotics) Fluoroquinolones

Summary

Dr. Ken Berry, a family physician, discusses the overprescription of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, which have serious black box warnings for side effects like tendon damage and nerve issues. He highlights that many infections treated with these powerful antibiotics are viral or could be addressed with safer alternatives. Dr. Berry emphasizes the importance of informed consent and questions why doctors continue prescribing such strong medications out of habit or patient expectation. He urges patients to be vigilant and proactive in discussing risks with their doctors before accepting these prescriptions.

Takeaways

• ⚠️ Many doctors overprescribe fluoroquinolone antibiotics, even for mild infections, despite their serious side effects.
• 🦠 Most sinus and bronchial infections are viral, meaning antibiotics like fluoroquinolones are ineffective in 85% of cases.
• 💊 Fluoroquinolones are often used unnecessarily for infections that can be treated with safer antibiotics.
• ⚕️ Doctors should inform patients about the potential severe side effects of fluoroquinolones and obtain informed consent before prescribing.
• 🦵 The black box warning for fluoroquinolones includes risks of irreversible tendon damage, tendonitis, and peripheral neuropathy.
• 🚨 Fluoroquinolones can also cause psychological side effects like anxiety, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts.
• 💡 Doctors may prescribe these antibiotics out of habit or because they feel pressured by patients expecting a prescription.
• 🧠 If a doctor prescribes fluoroquinolones, they should clearly explain that there are no safer alternatives for the specific infection.
• 🏥 These antibiotics are only appropriate in severe, life-threatening cases, such as hospital or ICU settings, where no other options work.
• 📋 Patients should memorize or keep a list of fluoroquinolone drugs and discuss risks with their doctor if prescribed one.

Q & A

What is the main concern Dr. Ken Berry raises about certain antibiotics?

Dr. Ken Berry raises concerns about the overprescription of fluoroquinolones, a class of antibiotics, which are often prescribed for infections that do not require such strong medications. These antibiotics carry serious risks, including irreversible tendon and nerve damage.

What are some common infections fluoroquinolones are often prescribed for, according to Dr. Berry?

Fluoroquinolones are often prescribed for sinus infections, bronchitis, skin infections, and bladder infections, even though these are frequently viral and do not require antibiotics, or could be treated with safer antibiotics.

Why are fluoroquinolones considered risky, as per the video?

Fluoroquinolones come with a Black Box warning, the most severe type of warning by the FDA, due to their potential to cause irreversible damage to tendons (tendonitis, tendon rupture) and peripheral nerves (peripheral neuropathy).

What percentage of sinus and bronchial infections are viral, and why is this significant?

According to Dr. Berry, 85% of sinus and bronchial infections are viral, which is significant because antibiotics, including fluoroquinolones, do not treat viral infections. Prescribing them in such cases is unnecessary and risky.

What should a doctor do before prescribing fluoroquinolones, according to Dr. Berry?

Doctors should thoroughly evaluate whether fluoroquinolones are truly necessary. They must also discuss the potential risks with patients and obtain informed consent, ensuring the patient understands the possible irreversible side effects before prescribing these antibiotics.

What does Dr. Berry mean by 'informed consent,' and why is it important?

Informed consent refers to the doctor discussing the serious risks associated with fluoroquinolones with the patient before prescribing. It ensures the patient is fully aware of potential side effects, such as irreversible nerve damage, before agreeing to take the drug.

In what situations does Dr. Berry believe it is appropriate to use fluoroquinolones?

Fluoroquinolones should only be used in serious infections when no other antibiotic will work, or in life-threatening situations where the benefits outweigh the risks. They are inappropriate for outpatient settings where other, safer antibiotics are available.

What are some of the other serious side effects of fluoroquinolones mentioned in the video?

In addition to tendon and nerve damage, fluoroquinolones can cause muscle pain, joint swelling, psychosis, anxiety, insomnia, depression, hallucinations, and gastrointestinal issues like C. difficile-associated diarrhea.

Why do some doctors overprescribe fluoroquinolones, according to Dr. Berry?

Dr. Berry suggests that some doctors overprescribe fluoroquinolones out of habit, convenience, or due to pressure from patients expecting antibiotics. He also mentions that some doctors may not take the time to explore safer alternatives.

What advice does Dr. Berry give to patients prescribed a fluoroquinolone?

Dr. Berry advises patients to ask their doctor why a fluoroquinolone is being prescribed, inquire about the Black Box warning, and discuss whether there are safer alternatives. He emphasizes the importance of informed consent before accepting the prescription.