Factive FAQ
What is Factive?
Factive (generic: gemifloxacin mesylate) is a synthetic broad-spectrum medication used to treat bacterial infections in the lungs. It belongs to a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones that work by stopping a bacterium’s ability to multiply. Factive is made by LG Life Sciences, LTD., and was approved by the FDA in April 2003.
How is it Taken?
Factive can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed whole with a liberal amount of liquid. The recommended dose of Factive is 320 mg daily. The clinical decision regarding the use of a 5 or 7 day regimen should be guided by results of the initial sputum culture.
What’s the Problem with Factive?
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics like Factive have been linked to disabling and potentially irreversible side effects including tendinitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, aortic aneurysm / aortic dissection, central nervous system (CNS) disorders and more.
Which Side Effects Have Been Linked to Factive?
Factive has been linked to the following serious side effects:
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Tendon rupture / damage
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
- Toxic Epidermal Necrosis (TEN)
- Central nervous system disorders
- Tremors
- Restlessness
- Lightheadedness
- Confusion
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Loss of consciousness
- Cardiovascular collapse
- Life-threatening skin reactions
- And more
What Does the FDA Say About Factive?
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued at least two warnings about the rapid onset of peripheral neuropathy and the risk of permanent nerve damage associated with fluoroquinolone antibiotics like Factive. The first warning came in October 2004, and it was updated in August 2013:
“The onset of peripheral neuropathy after starting fluoroquinolone therapy was rapid, often within a few days,” FDA said. “In some patients the symptoms had been ongoing for more than a year despite discontinuation of the fluoroquinolone. Several patients were continued on the fluoroquinolone drug despite the occurrence of neuropathic symptoms.”
In May 2016, the agency required fluoroquinolone labels to be updated with a warning about an increased risk for damage to muscles, nerves and more. FDA said risks of the medications may outweigh the benefits in patients with sinusitis, bronchitis and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Has Factive Been Recalled?
Despite being linked to severe, potentially life-threatening side effects, Factive has not been recalled and continues to be prescribed to unsuspecting consumers across the U.S.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
Defective drug lawsuits require filing with the court within a designated time period, the so-called “statute of limitations.” Failure to file a claim within this designated time frame will result in an elimination of a victim’s right to recovery under the law. Contact our lawyers today to learn more about how long you have to file a Factive lawsuit.
Is There a Class Action?
No class action lawsuit has yet been filed in the Factive litigation. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you’ve been injured. Our lawyers are currently accepting potential individual lawsuits for people who developed nerve damage, peripheral neuropathy, aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection after taking Factive.
What Damages Could I be Awarded?
Most defective drug lawsuits are based on some form of negligence or strict liability theory. Thus, the damages available in this type of litigation typically consist of compensatory damages, which are meant to compensate the injured party for losses connected with the defective product, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Have There Been Any Settlements?
As a result of the manufacturer’s apparent decision to place profits ahead of public safety, it is expected that it will eventually have to pay substantial compensation to resolve lawsuits filed over injuries alleged from Factive. However, no major settlements have been reported as of early 2017.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
Absolutely nothing. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you pay nothing unless we achieve a favorable outcome in your case.