Tequin Questions
 Q: What is Tequin?
A: Tequin is an antibiotic drug used to treat adults with lung, sinus, or urinary tract infections. Tequin is made by Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and was approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December 1999.
Q: How popular has Tequin been?
A: Over the next six years, 1.2 million prescriptions for Tequin were filled. Bristol-Myers Squibb made about $150 million per year on sales of this drug.
In 2006, Bristol-Myers Squibb was told to revise the labeling on Tequin after people taking it suffered hypo- or hyperglycemia.
Q: What is the recent news about Tequin?
A: On February 15, 2006, the FDA instructed Bristol-Myers Squibb to revise the labeling on Tequin because some people taking it experienced hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia (low blood sugar or high blood sugar).
Q: Have there been any deaths from use of Tequin?
A: Yes. According to the watchdog group Public Citizen, there have been at least 20 deaths and nearly 160 hospitalizations. Elderly people may be especially vulnerable to Tequin’s side effects.
Q: Who should not take Tequin?
A: You should not take Tequin if you have low blood potassium, take medicines for irregular heartbeat, or have diabetes or high blood sugar.
Q: What should I tell my doctor before he or she prescribes Tequin?
A: Prior to taking Tequin, tell your doctor if you are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, are nursing, have diabetes, have heart problems, have or had liver problems, have kidney problems, or take any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
Q: What side effects are associated with Tequin?
A: The more dangerous side effects associated with Tequin include blood sugar changes, allergic reactions, central nervous system side effects, and pain, inflammation or rupture of tendons.
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