Conditions and symptoms
What Is Tendon Rupture? Why Antibiotic Labels Warn
Tendon rupture · say it: TEN-dun RUP-cherAlso written: torn tendon, ruptured tendon, Achilles tendon rupture
Short answer
A tendon rupture is a tear in a tendon, the cord joining muscle to bone. It often causes sudden pain and trouble moving, and needs prompt medical care.
What it means
A tendon rupture is a partial or complete tear of a tendon. The Achilles tendon at the back of the heel is the most common one involved with medicines. People may feel a sudden snap or pop, sharp pain, and then find it hard to walk, push off or move the joint. A suspected rupture needs prompt medical assessment.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic labels warn about tendon rupture in their boxed warning. It can happen during treatment or months after it ends, and can affect both sides. Risk is higher in older people, those taking corticosteroids and those with organ transplants. Labels advise stopping the antibiotic and avoiding exercise of the area if tendon pain appears.
Tendinitis (inflamed tendon) can come before a rupture, but often does not lead to one. A sprain affects ligaments, which join bone to bone, not tendons.
Where you may see it
- Boxed warnings on fluoroquinolone antibiotic labels
- Medication guides under 'Tendon rupture'
- Ultrasound or MRI reports of the ankle or shoulder
📄 How it looks on a report
Tendon rupture can occur during or after completion of therapy; cases occurring up to several months after completion have been reported.
🙅 What it does not mean
- It does not mean the tendon will tear if you take this medicine; it is a rare but serious risk.
- Being able to walk does not rule out a rupture.
- It is not only a risk while taking the tablets; it can happen later.
🎯 Check yourself
Which of these is the right meaning of “Tendon rupture”?
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Tendon rupture”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Ciprofloxacin
a fluoroquinolone antibacterial medicine
- Dexamethasone
A corticosteroid, a synthetic adrenocortical steroid medicine that lowers inflammation and suppresses the immune system
- Levofloxacin
an antibiotic of the fluoroquinolone type
- Prednisone
a corticosteroid, a type of steroid medicine that works like the adrenocortical (adrenal gland) steroids the body makes naturally
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Tendon rupture” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
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