Manufacturers of Raxar voluntarily withdrew the drug from the market in 1999 after it had been linked to several serious injuries and deaths. Raxar caused arrhythmias in some of the patients who used the drug, and it was pulled from the market because the therapeutic benefits of the drug were outweighed by its potential to cause injury and death. Raxar was used to treat bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections and gonorrhea.
Raxar is no longer available on the U.S. market. Manufacturers of the drug pulled it from the market in 1999 after deciding its potential for causing injury outweighed any benefits. Raxar caused arrhythmias and sudden death in patients.
Raxar is in a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones, which are drugs that can cause serious damage to the nervous system, as well as to tendons and cartilage. Some links have been traced to fluoroquinolones and multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid diseases and heart problems.
Raxar was used to treat bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections and gonorrhea.
Bronchitis is an inflammation of air passages in the lungs. Bronchitis causes coughing and leakage of the thin mucous lining inside the air passages. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Urinary tract infections are infections of the bladder that can spread to the kidneys and become very serious. UTIs make going to the bathroom very painful. Gonorrhea is a sexually-transmitted disease that is curable with treatment.
Raxar caused arrhythmias and sudden death. An arrhythmia is when the heart beats irregularly and can lead to heart failure. Signs of an arrhythmia include:
- change in heartbeat
- heart palpitations
- chest pain
- nervousness
- sweating
- fainting
- paleness
- heart attack
You should contact a doctor immediately if you ever experience the signs listed above. If you were injured by Raxar, you should be treated for your injuries and you should contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your options.