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Health Advisory
Health Canada advises diabetic patients not to use the antibiotic
Tequin
February 16, 2006
Health Canada is advising diabetic
patients, as a precaution, not to use the
antibiotic Tequin due to concerns about blood
glucose disorders. This advice is based on recommendations
submitted by the manufacturer of the drug,
Bristol-Myers Squibb to the department.
Tequin is an antibiotic prescribed for
the treatment of respiratory infections,
urinary tract and bladder infections, and
sexually transmitted diseases.
In December 2005, Health Canada asked the
company to submit revised product information
for Tequin, following evidence indicating
a possible link between the antibiotic and
blood glucose disorders. The company submitted
this information and Health Canada is currently
reviewing it. The public and health professionals
will be informed of the results of the review
once it is complete.
In the meantime, given the availability
of other antibiotic medications, Health Canada
recommends as a precaution that patients
with diabetes be prescribed alternative therapies.
Diabetic patients currently taking Tequin
should contact their physicians if they have
any concerns.
The manufacturer has also recommended that
doctors who prescribe Tequin to non-diabetic
patients take enhanced precautions and do
close medical monitoring especially if those
patients have certain risk factors, such
as being 75 years of age or older, having
kidney problems, or taking diabetes medications.
In December, the manufacturer, in consultation
with Health Canada, issued a letter
to health professionals and a public
advisory about a possible link between the
antibiotic and blood glucose disorders, after
serious cases of both low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) were
reported in patients worldwide. An article
about glucose disorders associated with Tequin
was issued by Health Canada in the Canadian
Adverse Reaction Newsletter in July 2003.
Managing marketed health product-related
adverse reactions depends on the active participation
of healthcare professionals and consumers
reporting them.
To report a suspected adverse reaction
to Tequin or any other drug, please contact
the Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring
Program (CADRMP) of Health Canada by one
of the following methods:
CADRMP
Marketed Health Products Directorate
Health Protection Building, Tunney’s Pasture, AL 0701C
E-mail: cadrmp@hc-sc.gc.ca
Telephone: 866-234-2345
Facsimile: 866-678-6789
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