In 2005, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals received approval for a new type of antibacterial medication which they named Tygacil (Tigecycline). Hailed as a significant breakthrough for treating drug-resistant bacterial infections to the skin, stomach/intestines, and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, the medication was fast-tracked by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make it available to consumers.
Tygacil was the first type of antibacterial medication to inhibit bacterial growth instead of trying to destroy the actual bacteria. It was believed that this method could effectively combat drug-resistant strains of bacteria. Administered either by injection or intravenously, the drug quickly became popular in clinical settings to treat these diseases.
First Indication Of Problems
In 2010, the FDA announced that recent studies indicated that people who were given Tygacil had a 30 percent higher chance of dying from the treatment than those who were treated for the same infections using different medications. The FDA also stated that patients using the medication saw significant increases in occurrences of:
- Liver Failure, requiring a transplant.
- Pancreatitis, a very painful and debilitating condition that can reoccur over time.
- Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a serious skin disease that occurs when the auto-immune system is compromised.
- Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, a deadly skin disorder that is directly attributed to taking certain medications.
All of these conditions are very painful and can lead to death. In some instances, the side effects from this medication have been more severe than the actual disease it was used to treat\.
The FDA continued to keep the medication under close surveillance. Additional studies were conducted, and in September of 2013, the FDA placed a Black Box warning on this medication, indicating that the risks of death or serious injury were very common with this medication. New studies indicated that those who received the medication intravenously had an even higher risk of dying from the medication.
A FDA Black Box warning indicates that the medication should only be used as a last resort and when all other options have been used unsuccessfully. The FDA has stated at this time that it does not intend to pull this medication from the shelves at this time, but that it may do so in the future.
What You Need To Know
When you are being treated for a very serious bacterial infection, you may have several options for treatment that do not include the use of this medication. Make sure that you discuss with your physician the risks associated with this medication and your desire to seek other treatment options.
Am I eligible for a Tygacil lawsuit?
If you or a loved one was given Tygacil and suffered from severe side effects after taking the drug, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering. Contact our experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorneys for a free consultation by calling 1-800-677-3784 or by using the contact form provided.