Avelox, which is used to treat a range of bacterial infections, may be associated to a deadly liver injury, as per the warning by Health Canada. It is a quinolone-type antibiotic and can either be injected or taken as a tablet.

After conducting a safety review, the Health Canada advised, “Patients who experience any of these symptoms are advised to stop taking Avelox and contact a health-care professional immediately”.

Bayer Inc., the manufacturer of the drug, updated the labeling for Avelox in Europe in the summer of 2007 and also sent a “Dear Doctor” letter to European physicians to draw attention to the change in early the year 2008.

Whosoever develops symptoms like abdominal pain, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin and eyes, severe itching, dark urine, and pale-colored stools should cease using the drug and see a doctor at the earliest possible.

Earlier a European Medicines Agency also conducted the safety review of moxifloxacin.

Patients who have queries regarding the use of Avelox must speak to their health professionals, so that they can switch over to some other treatments which are suitable for their free time.