This article is from the WebMD News Archive
Stronger Warning for Antibiotic Tequin
FDA Warns People With Diabetes to Avoid Tequin
Reviewed by
Louise Chang, MD
Feb. 24, 2006 - The FDA has added a warning against the use of the antibiotic Tequin in people with diabetes after reports of problems with high blood sugar and low blood sugar associated with the drug.
Tequin is an antibiotic used to treat various infections including pneumonia, bronchitis, some sexually transmitted diseases, and infections of the urinary tract, kidneys, and skin.
The FDA and the manufacturer of the drug, Bristol-Myers Squibb, have received reports of serious cases of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people receiving Tequin. Since Tequin was approved in 1999, there have also been rare cases of life-threatening side effects associated with the drug, but most of these were reversible when properly managed.
Information about the possible risk of low blood sugar and high blood sugar was added to Tequin's label in 2002.
Yesterday, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. announced that it will change Tequin's labeling information to strengthen the warnings section about these possible side effects as well as add a warning against the use of the drug in people with diabetes.
The label will also include information on identifying other risk factors for developing low blood sugar and high blood sugar, such as decreased kidney function, use of glucose-altering medications, and advanced age while using Tequin.
The FDA says it will continue to monitor Tequin's safety to ensure that its benefits outweigh the risks to patients.
© 2006 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Is This Normal?
Get the Facts Fast!Answer:
Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia). |
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
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