Friends, on a recent heli ski trip to Annapurna I got sick in Kathmandu and took some Cipro for what I thought was a routine case of “Delhi Belly“. Unbeknownst to me Cipro carries a “Boxed Warning”. This is the most serious warning from the FDA, and it means that the FDA considers the drug to be potentially dangerous in some capacity. The boxed warning for Cipro specifically states that this fluoroquinolone antibiotic may increase the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture in people of all ages, which can lead to serious side effects, such as nerve pain, chronic pain from induced myalgia, burning, numbness, or weakness in the joints and muscles, and swelling and pain in the joints and tendons. “These symptoms may come on after just one or two doses and may last for years. It is unknown yet whether some of the symptoms and changes, especially nerve changes, are permanent” – Geez. # Although I did not experience any tendon rupture, I experienced most of the other symptoms and for over five weeks when I first got home I could barely walk. I was starting to think that this might be permanent, however in the last two weeks I have been feeling much better and am starting to train again for some upcoming adventures. Still after two and a half months, I have not fully recovered. The strange thing is that I have taken Cipro before on previous expeditions and did not experience any side effects. # So, to my fellow adventurers I offer you a word of caution as to what you decide to take for some of the infections that you encounter during your travels and advise you to consult with your doctor in advance. I have learned through my research that these adverse symptoms occur often enough for the FDA to release a warning that doctors should only use fluoroquinolones, such as Cipro, when no other treatment options are available. Unfortunately , now I understand why. Just a quick share so you don’t have to experience what I went through. Have fun, be safe - Bill #tbw #climbersofinstagram #climberslife #climbing #neverstopexploring #climbingrocks #climbing_pictures_of_instagram #adventurenthusiasts #adventurers #climb #climbon #climbers #yosemitenationalpark (at Yosemite National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/BynLzkaANHp/?igshid=wh3z6fhyca1u
