MHRA Cracks Down on Common Antibiotic Over Suicide Risk

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has instructed doctors to limit the prescription of fluoroquinolone antibiotics due to safety concerns, including a link to suicidal thoughts. These antibiotics should only be prescribed when no other drug is deemed appropriate, and patients are advised to discontinue use at the first signs of serious adverse reactions. The crackdown follows reports of irreversible harm such as tendon rupture, nerve, joint and muscle pain, fatigue, insomnia, and gut problems associated with fluoroquinolones. Patients are urged to carefully read the patient information leaflet and seek immediate medical advice if they experience specific side effects.