CAN THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE DISEASE?

BY FRED G. ARNOLD, NMD

A recent article in the Arizona Republic on September 17, 2014 used the above title to discuss potent antibiotics such as a group called fluoroquinolones. Fluroquinolones are one of the best-selling classes of antibiotics, and are intended for serious infections. 1 There are six fluoroquinolones approved by the FDA and commercially available: Levaquin, Cirpro, Noroxin, Avelox, Factive and the generic Floxacin. The FDA has found the antibiotic’s labeling is inconsistent with details of risk of peripheral neuropathy, or how damage may potentially be permanent.

In a 2001 study by Dr. Jay Cohen, the following reaction rates were documented in patients: nervous system symptoms in 81%, musculoskeletal symptoms in 73%, sensory symptoms in 42%, cardiovascular symptoms in 36%, skin reactions in 29% and gastrointestinal symptoms in 18%. 2

Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections and when used properly, antibiotics definitely save lives. They either kill bacteria or keep them from reproducing. Your body's natural defenses can usually take it from there.

Although antibiotics are useful in a wide variety of infections, it is important to realize that antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics are useless against viral infections (for example, the common cold) and fungal infections (such as ringworm). If a virus is making you sick, taking antibiotics may do more harm than good. Each time you take antibiotics, you increase the chances that bacteria in your body will be able to resist them. Later, you could get or spread an infection that those antibiotics cannot cure.

Because of their popularity, doctors now prescribe fluoroquinolone antibiotics from sinus congestion to urinary-tract infections. “Because they are so powerful in treating bacterial infections, they are the drug of choice for many illnesses when they shouldn’t be”, said Dr. Ray Woosley, founder and president of Credible-Meds, an Oro Valley-based independent research and education non-profit that advocates for medication safety. Antibiotics are far more frequently prescribed and their use grows so quickly that government can’t keep up. This means that is the responsibility person prescribed the drug to research its side effects.

Our office will see at least one patient every 3-4 months who claims their musculoskeletal problem is related to taking a fluoroquinolone. I have treated achilles tendon problems, neuropathies, spinal and extremity problems related to these medications. Although, I was not the prescribing physician and I cannot say they should not have taken the fluoroquinolone, there does appear to be a direction correlation to the patients presenting condition after they took the medication.

Some suggestions when you become ill and an antibiotic such as a fluoroquinolone has been prescribed:

1. Do you truly have a bacterial infection: Antibiotics cure bacteria, not viruses such as colds or flu; most coughs and bronchitis; sore throats not caused by strep; and runny noses. A culture and sensitivity test can be run on your mucus or throat lining to determine the nature of the infection and which antibiotic would be most effective if you have a bacterial infection.
2. Is your illness truly serious enough to warrant an antibiotic or could it be treated with natural antibiotic remedies. Long before there were pharmaceutical antibiotics – developed in the 1940s, there were foods and herbs that helped guard against infection and disease on a daily basis. Many of these natural defenders are still in use today with holistic healers around the globe. Some of the natural antibiotic treatments have included Garlic, honey, cabbage, grapefruit seed extract, raw apple cider Vinegar, extra virgin coconut oil, Echinacea, fermented food, ionic silver, and oil of oregano.
3. Another Antibiotic: can another antibiotic be used to treat your serious bacterial infection without the degree of side effects found with a fluoroquinolone.
4. Are you aware of the potential side effects of the antibiotic. It is the responsibility of each patient prescribed an antibiotic, such as a fluroquinone to be aware of the side effects. RXList.com is a website that describes the nature of drugs and their side effects.
5. Vitamin C: Numerous bacterial infections have being handled by the use of vitamin C. This all natural antibiotic should be employed in high amounts to be effective. Some illnesses such as whooping cough, diphtheria, polio and tetanus may be treated by employing vitamin C. This natural antibiotic may also help in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by AIDS. Vitamin C has a crucial role in the formation of white blood cells; for that reason, the immune system is able to fight bacteria easier. High dose Vitamin C can be given through Intravenous therapies at doses not possible orally. Vitamin C IV’s may be used in conjunction with antibiotics.
6. Ozone and Ultraviolet Light: Numerous studies have demonstrated the anti-microbial effects of Ozone (O3) and ultraviolet light to treat viral, bacterial and other infections. Like Vitamin C, Ozone and Ultraviolet light may also be used in conjunction with antibiotics to increase their effectiveness.

It has been said that the best treatment is a great prevention. When it comes to the immune system this is especially true. Maintaining a strong immune system with diet, exercise, rest and positive attitude with help to support the body’s defenses against disease.

For more information on antibiotics and antibiotic information research contact The Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics (APUA) and their partner lab at the Center for Adaptation Genetics and Drug Resistance.

1. The Arizona Republic, Can the Cure be Worse Than The Disease, Wednesday, September 17, 2014
2. Dr. Mercola, Antibiotic Alert: The Drug the Doctor Ordered Could Cause Deadly Side Effects, articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/.../fluoroquinolones-side-effects.aspx