Fluoroquinolones Linked to Increased Risk of Aortic Aneurysm

What’s the risk of having an aortic aneurysm, which can be deadly, after taking a fluoroquinolone if you are simply 35 or older? Apparently, there is increased risk beyond an FDA warning in 2018 that aortic rupture could be caused by fluoroquinolones only in people with high blood pressure or a history of blockages or artery issues. Recent research out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, led by Melina R. Kibbe, MD, FACS, FAHA, found that there was a link to this larger population. More than 9 million prescriptions were studied and 6,752 cases of aortic aneurysm had occurred within the next 90 days after taking a fluoroquinolone. Although the risk is small, said Kibbe, 20% appeared more likely to suffer a rupture than those who didn’t use a fluoroquinolone. Kibbe suggested that doctors should be more careful about writing fluoroquinolone prescriptions, even for patients who are not at high risk.