Anyone ever get numbness or tingling in the arm or hand from Cipro? I started taking Cipro yesterday (prescribed by my doctor's office, which was fortunately open yesterday morning) for a bladder infection. Last night I developed tingling and numbness in my right hand and arm. So this morning I looked at the warnings and side effects literature that came with it. I admit I often don't look at that stuff because most of the side effects are so rare and they have to tell you everythng and it can be overwhelming. Numbness and tingling in the limbs is listed as a side effect for which you should call your doctor. So I did. Since it's Sunday I got a nurse's line and she sounded annoyed that I was calling. She basically said she didn't really know much about it, but to have it checked at Urgent Care. This evening is the earliest I can get to Urgent Care because I am the only one available to drive my son to his mandatory church camp two hours away. He needs to be there this afternoon and my husband is out of town. I thought about calling the pharmacy, but the one I used is closed on Sundays.
Urgent Care seems like overkill to me, but I will do it tonight if necessary. Anyone ever experience this? Is it really something that I need to go to Urgent Care for?
I'm not really worried about cardiac issues. I was more concerned about nerves, tendons, etc. since those kind of things are listed as possible side effects. Although it is never a guarantee, I am not at high risk for heart disease. I also don't have any other symptoms--no pain, nausea, dizziness, etc. I am active and yesterday at the doctor my blood pressure and pulse were in the low normal range. My weight and cholesterol are all normal. I will keep that in mind though and understand their CYA attitude.
Thanks--I have connected with a pharmacist and she is advising me. If anyone else has ever had this as a possible allergic reaction or side effect I would still like to hear about it. Thanks for everyone's concern.
I am off the Cipro and my arm is recovering, just a little residual numbness and discomfort in my right hand. The doctor's office doesn't seem to know for sure if the two are related, but it does seem highly suspicious. They have prescribed a new antibiotic for me. This was definitely a learning experience for me. I knew about the usual side effects of antibiotics and am allergic to two others, but I had no idea you could have this type of reaction. I assume it is rare to react like this, but Cipro users beware! I know it is often prescribed for people traveling, etc. I won't be taking it again and would just warn others to be aware of this unusual but possible reaction.
Call a pharmacist at a different pharmacy. Chances are that you'll be told to stop taking it and see your doctor for a new Rx. Don't forget to get this reaction to Cipro in your medical records.
yes!!!! And mine then moved into extreme joint ache like I just worked out really hard. ITs very scary when you find out it is a side effect of the med that you have already taken. Mine DID go away however I have read many stories online from people whose did not and have poor quality of life from it. Google it and you will find out how bad this seemingly innocent drug can be.
Incidentally I had taken it many times before with no problem so it can happen any time. I would suggest you get your doc to prescribe something else.
I'm allergic to Cipro, and what you're describing sounds like it might be an allergic reaction.
I would say screw camp and get to a doctor.
The first time I took Cipro, I had mild itching/tingling, and didn't make the connection. The next dose I took, I went into respiratory distress.
<grin> here's your middle road... So I won't be worried about you dying taking your son to camp:
Call Urgent Care. Find out if this is something you can wait till tonight for or need to come in immediately. If SO, call the church camp and tell them you're in the ER and see if anyone can come pick up your son.
Good deal?
Obviously, we aren't doctors here, but if it's listed as a side effect and it started right after the medication, and you've never had it before, you might wait to see what happens.
The only risk is if you think it might be cardiac in nature. Women have different symptoms from men.
Sounds like you should file a complaint about that nurses line...why have it if they aren't going to give advice.
The next best advice is to talk to a pharmacist where you got the meds. If not open, call a different pharmacy. It's part of their job to know these medicines, side effects,etc. The only problem is that they all follow the CYA rules...if there's a chance that it's cardiac, they don't want to be responsible for telling you not to have it checked.
my side effects were very different: psychotic, to be honest.
I kept imagining killing people.
My dr also had weirdo dreams with Cipro....he had wet dreams.
I HATE Cipro & have not had it since. 100% refusal to take it ever again.
As for you, yes....I would seek tx.
I wouldn't take any more Cipro, first off. FORGET camp, tell them you were at the emergency room and it was unavoidable. Get to the ER.
