Study: Antibiotics Linked to Liver Injury in Seniors

A new study suggests that two widely prescribed antibiotics are linked to an increased chance of hospitalization for liver injury in senior citizens.

Researchers at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Toronto Canada analyzed data from the administrative healthcare databases in Ontario from 2002 to 2011. They looked at the records of outpatients who were at least 66-years-old and had no history of liver disease and were hospitalized for acute liver injury within 30 days of being prescribed one of five antibiotics: (Avelox) moxifloxacin, (Levaquin) levofloxacin, (Cipro) ciprofloxacin, (Ceftin) cefuroxime axetil, or (Biaxin) clarithromycin, according to Med Page Today.

The researchers found that the odds of being admitted were higher with Avelox and Levaquin compared to Biaxin.

"Although our results require confirmation in other settings, they suggest that both moxifloxacin and levofloxacin be considered for regulatory warnings regarding acute liver injury," researchers wrote.

The European Medicines Agency recently raised concerns about the possibility for hepatotoxicity with Avelox, according to Med Page Today. Soon after, Health Canada came out with a warning about liver injury with the drug. 

Researchers noted that their study was limited due to the lack of administrative data, lack of information on actual medication use, liver function, and use of nonprescription drugs, or cause of death, among other factors.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous drug, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a dangerous drug lawsuit may be able to help you. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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