Wednesday's Article of the Week: Cipro and Tendon Injuries

Every cold season I have one patient at least who tears a tendon in their foot or ankle while on, or just coming off, Cipro. I tell my patients to be very conservative in their workouts up to 2 weeks after they have stopped the antibiotics.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22035890

http://orthopedics.about.com/b/2008/07/09/fda-warning-some-antibiotics-cause-tendon-ruptures.htm

Cipro and Prednisone's Negative Impact on Tendons

Hi Rich,




A friend said I should tell you I'm finishing cipro (for stomach bug) and was on prednisone recently (related to shingles) in case that makes me more prone to a tear or injury. I guess that happens with some corticosteroids and antibiotics.



I'm taking it easy. Let me know if this changes anything.



Thanks very much.   Dr Blake's comment:   Hey Nakima (name changed), You are suspectible for 2 weeks after stopping Cipro to injury tendons. Please finish the medications, wait 2 weeks, and then increase activity and exercises. You have a double whamy with both those meds. Lucky you. rich