The untimely death of Ramina Yagafarova, the well-regarded TV journalist and host of “With My Own Eyes” on the Dunyo bo’ylab TV channel, has left the media community of Uzbekistan deeply saddened. On September 13, she succumbed to an anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction to the antibiotic levofloxacin. She was only 31.
On September 12, while visiting her mother at a private clinic in Tashkent's Chilanzar district, Yagafarova consumed a levofloxacin tablet to address a sore throat complaint. Within minutes, she experienced a severe allergic reaction and lost consciousness. Immediate medical intervention stabilized her briefly, but a subsequent allergic episode on September 13 proved fatal. She was pronounced dead around 5:50 p.m.
What is Levofloxacin?
Levofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic first approved by the FDA in 1996. It was originally introduced under the brand name Levaquin. However, the brand-name version has since been discontinued in the U.S., not due to safety issues but because generic alternatives became available. Current levofloxacin offerings are all generic.
It comes in various forms: 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg oral tablets; a 25 mg/mL oral solution; an injectable solution, typically administered in hospital settings; and as an eye drop.
Approved Uses of Levofloxacin
This antibiotic is FDA-sanctioned to treat a gamut of bacterial infections, including:
- Pneumonia
- Skin infections like cellulitis
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
- Sinus infections
- Chronic bronchitis flare-ups
- Pink eye (via eye drops)
- Corneal ulcers (via eye drops)
In specific instances, where blood tests indicate its effectiveness against certain bacterial strains, levofloxacin can be considered as a treatment option.
Extended risk of death and cardiac arrhythmia in patients on Levofloxacin compared to Amoxicillin
In a recent study comparing the effects of levofloxacin and amoxicillin on patients, significant concerns have arisen regarding the safety of levofloxacin. Patients who were administered levofloxacin from days 1 to 5 exhibited a notably higher risk of death, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.49 (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.7-3.64), in comparison to those on amoxicillin. Additionally, these patients faced an escalated risk of serious cardiac arrhythmia, with an HR of 2.43 (95% CI, 1.56-3.79).
Alarmingly, this heightened risk was not just a short-term concern. Even from days 6 to 10, the risk remained considerably higher for levofloxacin patients. The risk of death during this period stood at an HR of 1.95 (95% CI, 1.32-2.88).
These findings underscore the importance of cautious prescription and close monitoring of patients on levofloxacin, especially considering its potential life-threatening implications when compared to alternatives like amoxicillin.
Returning to the tragic incident in Tashkent, fellow journalist Elmira Tukhvatullina reported Yagafarova's death on September 14, a confirmation subsequently provided by the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office of Uzbekistan.
Forensic results attributed her death to an allergic reaction, leading to acute respiratory and cardiovascular failure and anaphylactic shock.
The Chilanzar District Prosecutor's Office has commenced a pre-investigation review of the unfortunate event.
In a poignant homage to her colleague, Tukhvatullina wrote:
“Her sudden departure is a stark reminder of life's unpredictability. A beacon of hope, energy, and creativity, her absence will be deeply felt.”
Beyond her anchoring roles, Yagafarova was set to cover the 'Echo of Love' festival dedicated to Anna German and was actively involved in academic pursuits at the Uzbek State University of Music. She aspired to complete her doctoral thesis and dreamt of a seaside vacation with her son. Her journey from philology to journalism has left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
A societal issue?
It is important to note that it is common practice in Uzbekistan for people to self-medicate, and frequently take antibiotics without doctor’s advice. Most pharmacies do not require prescription and medications are readily available over the counter. Not just antibiotics but local anesthetics are also easy to buy over the counter. Uzbekistan is making strides to digitize its pharmaceutical industry and connect all clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies to a central database, however, progress is slow in this regard.
In similar news, Tashkent City Court is currently conducting a criminal trial associated with the tragic deaths of 65 children in Uzbekistan after using Dok-1 Max. The controversial syrup, Dok-1 Max, believed to be the cause of the fatalities, is manufactured by Indian company Marion Biotech Pvt. It has been reported that the same company attempting to introduce four other medications that are deemed to be toxic into the Uzbek market. The four medications are:
- "Tarirex," which was later registered under the name "Kuraraks."
- "Kuyurazit," a tablet medicine.
- "Tramjoyn," another tablet medicine.
- "Razinoks," a tablet medicine.
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