Comment from C Flora

In February 2026, I was prescribed Ciprofloxacin 500mg for misdiagnosed diverticulitis. My family doctor did not wait for bloodwork or CT results prior to prescribing. Nor did he inform me of possible adverse side effects (when I have history of lower extremity muscle/nerve issues). On day 2, there was onset of severe pain and weakness in bilateral hamstring, calf, ankle joint and Achille’s. On day 4, there was onset of severe pain, weakness, and restricted motion of left shoulder and elbow. Sporadic swelling, diffuse redness, and hot burning sensation presented in calves and feet. Significant atrophy was visible in left shoulder/axilla and calves after a week. Another physician took me off Ciprofloxacin after early onset of symptoms. Early weeks, it was difficult or impossible to change clothes, shower, cook, or even walk to the bathroom at times. It was excruciating trying to move around our 1 bedroom apartment. I was either in bed or sofa. My partner was a full-time caregiver for me – a previously active and independent mid 30’s female. Nearly 6 months later, the same issues persist with limited recovery despite physiotherapy. There is persistent tearing pain in bilateral hamstring tendons when weightbearing. I cannot walk outside home for more than 5 mins (using poles or 4-wheel walker). Anything beyond 5 mins, my partner pushes me on a wheelchair. I spend 90% of my time at home, and feel isolated. I’ve lost career, friends, autonomy, recreation/hobbies, and likely the ability to have kids. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics have stolen the lives of many globally – with persistent, disabling, and widespread multi-system effects on the body. There is an enormous gap between fluoroquinolone toxicity research and medical practices and education. Despite numerous national health agencies publishing Black Box Warnings and restricting prescribing practices, many physicians are still unaware of or refusing to acknowledge fluoroquinolone toxicity (ie. continue to freely prescribe, and/or unwilling to formally diagnose and support patients). I’ve had one family doctor and gastroenterologist acknowledge a suspected diagnosis of fluoroquinolone toxicity. But those who disregarded: primary family doctor, internal medicine, emergency doctor, neurologist, pain-clinic doctor, and sports medicine doctor. To make matters worse, I also experienced medical gas-lighting from several of these specialists. Fluoroquinolone toxicity is being cited as “rare”, but there is evidently mass under-reporting of cases. Especially with overlap of symptoms with other conditions, non-existent diagnostic criteria and testing, previous prescribing practices, lack of enforcement from Health Agencies, and most importantly, lack of acknowledgement from medical practitioners. I support this Citizen Petition in that (1) informed consent is key to tightening prescription practices, risk disclosure and patient safety, and (2) acknowledgement of mitochondrial dysfunction associated with fluoroquinolone toxicity, to better diagnose and treat patients with persistent symptoms, and (3) review of pharmacovigilance to prevent unnecessary prescribing and minimize harm to patients.