Avelox may rupture athletes' Achilles tendons

New York, NYAthletes, both professional and amateur, who suffer from respiratory problems may want to avoid the medication Avelox, which has been associated with adverse reactions such as an Achilles tendon rupture.

Those who have experienced a torn tendon have been able to treat it with surgery, but must also endure a long recovery time. According to the Mayo Clinic, rehabilitation of an Achilles tendon rupture can take as long as six months.

While athletes can sustain this injury through the sport they play, those who suffer from respiratory problems and use the antibiotic Avelox may be at an increased risk of being injured.

The medication was developed to fight infections and has been traditionally prescribed to people with bacterial sinusitis, chronic bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia. It has also been reported that Avelox side effects include tendon ruptures and tears.

Athletes who develop tendonitis or a tendon rupture can be inactive for a significant amount of time, given the length of recovery time that is needed for the injury to heal.

Recently, Utah Jazz guard C.J. Miles underwent surgery to repair a ruptured tendon, unrealted to Avelox, in his left hand, the Associated Press reports. The team said it was not sure when Miles could return to play.