Up to 50% of antibiotics prescribed each year are unnecessary, according to a report by the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine (ACP-ASIM). As a result, there is an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains. There is also another concern about heavy use of antibiotics. That concern is the risk for tendon tears.
Certain antibiotics, classified as fluoroquinolones, may increase your risk for severe tendon tears. That is the conclusion many medical doctors are drawing about the use of these drugs by their patients. The risk is evident even several months after patients stop using the drugs.
It is still unknown as to why fluoroquinolones cause tendons to tear. Nonetheless, several theories exist about these antibiotics. Because fluoroquinolones work by disrupting bacteria, the also may disrupt the body's cells. Another possibility stems from the fact that they link up with several minerals. Fluoroquinolones attack bacteria by breaking apart sulfur bonds, which give strength to cell structures.
Some scientists believe the antibiotics also break the sulfur bonds between collagen cells in the tendons, causing severe weakness in the tendons and making them susceptible to tearing.
When prescribed any type of antibiotic, ask your medical doctor about the risks of the drug.
GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law
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