ZYVOX (Linezolid) an antibiotic designed to treat certain bacterial infections. ZYVOX was first approved for sale and marketing in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) on April 18, 2000. ZYVOX is the first of a new class of synthetic antibiotics known as Oxazolidinones to be approved for sale in the United States. This class of antibiotics has been used to treat resistant strains of bacteria, particularly infections in adults caused by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF).

ZYVOX® and Optic NeuropathyA recent article that appeared in the medical journal Neurology reported three cases of optic and peripheral neuropathy associated with the use of ZYVOX. The article also reviewed previously reported cases of optic and peripheral neuropathy associated with ZYVOX. While these cases involved patients who were administered ZYVOX for more than 28 days – which is the duration for which the safety and efficacy of ZYVOX have been studied – optic and peripheral neuropathy could occur in patients who use ZYVOX for fewer than 28 days.

Optic neuropathy is a serious injury affecting the optic nerve that can cause visual disturbances in some patients. These visual disturbances can progress to total, irreversible blindness. Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nervous system. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include pain, burning sensations, tingling, and numbness.