Talia Ali, 38 years old, was prescribed Ciprofloxacin, often referred to as Cipro, by her doctor to treat a urinary tract infection. Unfortunately, the potency of the medication has now resulted in her being placed in hospice care.
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Talia Smith was once a vibrant and energetic woman who dedicated herself to daily workouts, exercising every single day of the week. Now, however, she finds herself reliant on a wheelchair.
"The doctor gave me Cipro," Talia, from Norwood, Massachusetts, recounts, "I asked if there was anything I needed to know. They told me it was safe and effective. Three pills later, my life was turned upside down."
While this medication can only be prescribed under strict conditions in the UK, and comes with seven black box warnings by the FDA in the US, Talia was unaware of any risks. Post-medication, she suffered immobilizing side effects.
"I was unable to walk, my whole body was in pain, my eyesight was blurry, and I struggled to swallow," she shares, reminiscing about her frantic trip to the emergency room.
"The doctor asked me: 'Were you taking Cipro? ' I said yes, and that's when he told me about the black box warning. I was shocked - had never even heard of a black box warning before.", reports the Mirror.
Talia mentioned that since 2008, the FDA has been warning about the dangers associated with fluoroquinolones, highlighting potential issues like tendon ruptures, nerve injury, and muscle loss.
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WORDS BYLINE: Andrea Caknis At 44, Talia Smith was once a vibrant and energetic woman who dedicated herself to daily workouts, exercising every single day of the week. Now, however, she finds herself reliant on a wheelchair. and having palliative care in a hospice; she needs 24 hour help just to survive. Talia’s life took such an unexpected and devastating turn after she went to her doctor for a urinary tract infection and was prescribed what she believed were routine antibiotics. “The doctor gave me Cipro,” she says. “I asked if there was anything I needed to know. They told me it was safe and effective. Three pills later, my life was turned upside down." Ciprofloxacin, commonly known as Cipro, is part of the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. Due to the potential for serious side effects, they can now only be prescribed in the UK if no other antibiotic is appropriate. In the US the medication comes with seven black box warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the strongest warnings issued short of a ban. But Talia, who lives in Norwood, Massachusetts, had no idea the drugs she was taking could cause serious problems. "I couldn’t walk, my entire body ached, my vision changed, and I had trouble swallowing," Talia says. Alarmed, she sought help at the emergency room. "The doctor asked me, ‘Were you taking Cipro?’ I said yes, and that’s when he told me about the black box warning. I was shocked - had never even heard of a black box warning before.” The FDA has issued warnings about fluoroquinolones since 2008, highlighting risks such as tendon ruptures, nerve damage, and muscle wasting. The FDA also states that fluoroquinolone antibiotics should be used when no other treatment options are available, due to their permanent and disabling side effects. Talia says her doctor never mentioned these dangers. "It felt as if an explosion had occurred within me," she recounts. "And it was all due to a medication I was assured was completely harmless." Talia’s health deteriorated swiftly after taking the drugs in April 2021. "I started experiencing tremors, unbearable nerve pain, and stiffness that left me unable to move. Within five months, I was in hospice care," she says. At her lowest point, Talia weighed just 4st 2lb pounds and needed 24/7 care. "I couldn’t lift my arms, couldn’t feed myself, and had to blend all my meals into a puree," she reveals. Her condition left her unable to care for her disabled veteran husband, Tim, who also relies on a wheelchair. "It’s devastating," Talia says. "I was the caregiver in our relationship, and now I need someone to care for me." Determined to turn her ordeal into a force for good, Talia took to TikTok, where her account has garnered over 1.4 million likes. Her raw, unfiltered posts detail her journey and warn others about the potential dangers of antibiotics. "I want people to know the risks," she says. "If a doctor prescribes you something, don’t just accept it blindly. Double-check, triple-check, and ask questions. Your health is too important to leave to chance." "What happened to me could happen to anyone." Talia also emphasises the importance of informed consent, there is currently a petition requesting this: Change.org/FQs_informed_consent Her advocacy extends beyond TikTok. In a historic milestone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recognised "fluoroquinolone adverse effects” also known as “floxing” - a condition caused by fluoroquinolone toxicity—as a reportable medical condition. "This is like landing on the moon for us," says Dr Stephen Pieper, a German physician who has treated over 2,000 patients, worked closely with Talia and the project team (the Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Study Foundation and patient advocate, Audrey Reynolds). The new diagnostic codes, set to go live in October 2025, will allow doctors to officially document floxing cases, paving the way for insurance reimbursements, disability claims, and better medical understanding. "When the news came out, people were crying, calling, and messaging me," Talia shares. "They said they never thought this day would come." While the recognition is a monumental step forward, Talia and her team will continue to push for the inclusion of long-term floxing effects in the diagnostic criteria. Talia’s ordeal didn’t end with floxing. She now suffers from Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), a condition triggered by fluoroquinolone toxicity. "MCAS is a beast," she says. "I can only tolerate six foods, and I have to microdose any new ones to avoid severe reactions. One day I can eat something, and the next, it could cause a reaction. It’s completely unpredictable." Her breakfast routine highlights the daily challenges. "It’s oatmeal every morning, fortified with Camu Camu for vitamin C, because I can’t tolerate regular vitamin C. Even introducing cherries has to be done drop by drop," she says. To manage her condition, Talia relies on Cromolyn Sodium concentrate. "This little bottle has saved my life," she says. "I have to take it with every meal just to function." Despite her struggles, Talia remains determined to make a difference. "Living with MCAS is exhausting and isolating, but I keep going," she says. "Every day is a fight, but I’m not giving up." Her story is a sobering reminder of the dangers of over prescribed antibiotics and the importance of patient awareness. “Make sure you truly need an antibiotic before taking one,” she warns. “And if you are prescribed a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, ask for an alternative” Through her advocacy, Talia hopes to prevent others from experiencing the nightmare she endured. "We’ve achieved something that will change lives forever," she says of the new CDC codes. "But there’s still more work to do, and we’re not stopping here." For Talia, every small victory - whether tolerating a new food or seeing floxing gain recognition - is a testament to her resilience and determination. "This journey has been the hardest of my life," she says. "But if my story can help even one person, it’s all been worth it." Featuring: Talia Smith When: 15 Jan 2025 Credit: Talia Smith/Cover Images **EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR SUPPLIER.**
The FDA has recommended that fluoroquinolone antibiotics be used only in circumstances where alternative treatments are unavailable, due to their lasting and debilitating side effects. Talia asserts that her physician did not inform her of these possible risks.
"It felt as if an explosion had occurred within me," she recounts. "And it was all due to a medication I was assured was completely harmless."
Talia's condition deteriorated rapidly following her use of the medication in April 2021.
"I began to suffer from tremors, excruciating nerve pain, and stiffness that rendered me immobile. Within a span of five months, I found myself in hospice care," she remembers. At her lowest point, Talia's weight had plummeted to just 4st 2lb, necessitating constant care.
"I was unable to raise my arms, feed myself, and had to puree all my meals," she shares. Her illness left her unable to look after her husband Tim, a disabled veteran who also relies on a wheelchair.
"It's heartbreaking," Talia confesses. "I used to be the one providing care in our relationship, and now I find myself in need of someone to take care of me."
Eager to turn her struggles into a positive influence, Talia took to TikTok, where she has garnered more than 1.4 million likes on her account.
Her candid, unedited posts document her experiences and act as a cautionary tale for others.
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WORDS BYLINE: Andrea Caknis At 44, Talia Smith was once a vibrant and energetic woman who dedicated herself to daily workouts, exercising every single day of the week. Now, however, she finds herself reliant on a wheelchair. and having palliative care in a hospice; she needs 24 hour help just to survive. Talia’s life took such an unexpected and devastating turn after she went to her doctor for a urinary tract infection and was prescribed what she believed were routine antibiotics. “The doctor gave me Cipro,” she says. “I asked if there was anything I needed to know. They told me it was safe and effective. Three pills later, my life was turned upside down." Ciprofloxacin, commonly known as Cipro, is part of the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. Due to the potential for serious side effects, they can now only be prescribed in the UK if no other antibiotic is appropriate. In the US the medication comes with seven black box warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the strongest warnings issued short of a ban. But Talia, who lives in Norwood, Massachusetts, had no idea the drugs she was taking could cause serious problems. "I couldn’t walk, my entire body ached, my vision changed, and I had trouble swallowing," Talia says. Alarmed, she sought help at the emergency room. "The doctor asked me, ‘Were you taking Cipro?’ I said yes, and that’s when he told me about the black box warning. I was shocked - had never even heard of a black box warning before.” The FDA has issued warnings about fluoroquinolones since 2008, highlighting risks such as tendon ruptures, nerve damage, and muscle wasting. The FDA also states that fluoroquinolone antibiotics should be used when no other treatment options are available, due to their permanent and disabling side effects. Talia says her doctor never mentioned these dangers. "It felt as if an explosion had occurred within me," she recounts. "And it was all due to a medication I was assured was completely harmless." Talia’s health deteriorated swiftly after taking the drugs in April 2021. "I started experiencing tremors, unbearable nerve pain, and stiffness that left me unable to move. Within five months, I was in hospice care," she says. At her lowest point, Talia weighed just 4st 2lb pounds and needed 24/7 care. "I couldn’t lift my arms, couldn’t feed myself, and had to blend all my meals into a puree," she reveals. Her condition left her unable to care for her disabled veteran husband, Tim, who also relies on a wheelchair. "It’s devastating," Talia says. "I was the caregiver in our relationship, and now I need someone to care for me." Determined to turn her ordeal into a force for good, Talia took to TikTok, where her account has garnered over 1.4 million likes. Her raw, unfiltered posts detail her journey and warn others about the potential dangers of antibiotics. "I want people to know the risks," she says. "If a doctor prescribes you something, don’t just accept it blindly. Double-check, triple-check, and ask questions. Your health is too important to leave to chance." "What happened to me could happen to anyone." Talia also emphasises the importance of informed consent, there is currently a petition requesting this: Change.org/FQs_informed_consent Her advocacy extends beyond TikTok. In a historic milestone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recognised "fluoroquinolone adverse effects” also known as “floxing” - a condition caused by fluoroquinolone toxicity—as a reportable medical condition. "This is like landing on the moon for us," says Dr Stephen Pieper, a German physician who has treated over 2,000 patients, worked closely with Talia and the project team (the Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Study Foundation and patient advocate, Audrey Reynolds). The new diagnostic codes, set to go live in October 2025, will allow doctors to officially document floxing cases, paving the way for insurance reimbursements, disability claims, and better medical understanding. "When the news came out, people were crying, calling, and messaging me," Talia shares. "They said they never thought this day would come." While the recognition is a monumental step forward, Talia and her team will continue to push for the inclusion of long-term floxing effects in the diagnostic criteria. Talia’s ordeal didn’t end with floxing. She now suffers from Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), a condition triggered by fluoroquinolone toxicity. "MCAS is a beast," she says. "I can only tolerate six foods, and I have to microdose any new ones to avoid severe reactions. One day I can eat something, and the next, it could cause a reaction. It’s completely unpredictable." Her breakfast routine highlights the daily challenges. "It’s oatmeal every morning, fortified with Camu Camu for vitamin C, because I can’t tolerate regular vitamin C. Even introducing cherries has to be done drop by drop," she says. To manage her condition, Talia relies on Cromolyn Sodium concentrate. "This little bottle has saved my life," she says. "I have to take it with every meal just to function." Despite her struggles, Talia remains determined to make a difference. "Living with MCAS is exhausting and isolating, but I keep going," she says. "Every day is a fight, but I’m not giving up." Her story is a sobering reminder of the dangers of over prescribed antibiotics and the importance of patient awareness. “Make sure you truly need an antibiotic before taking one,” she warns. “And if you are prescribed a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, ask for an alternative” Through her advocacy, Talia hopes to prevent others from experiencing the nightmare she endured. "We’ve achieved something that will change lives forever," she says of the new CDC codes. "But there’s still more work to do, and we’re not stopping here." For Talia, every small victory - whether tolerating a new food or seeing floxing gain recognition - is a testament to her resilience and determination. "This journey has been the hardest of my life," she says. "But if my story can help even one person, it’s all been worth it." Featuring: Talia Smith When: 15 Jan 2025 Credit: Talia Smith/Cover Images **EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR SUPPLIER.**
A person who has endured a terrifying experience due to antibiotic side effects has decided to raise awareness. "I want everyone to be aware of the dangers," she insists.
"If a physician prescribes a medication, it's crucial not to accept it without question. Make sure to verify, inquire, and seek clarification. Your well-being is too vital to leave up to chance. "What happened to me could easily happen to anyone." Her dedication to helping others extends far beyond TikTok. In a significant development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially recognized "fluoroquinolone adverse effects," commonly referred to as "floxing" - a condition stemming from fluoroquinolone toxicity - as a reportable medical issue. "This feels like a monumental achievement for us," said Dr. Stephen Pieper, a German physician who has treated over 2,000 patients and worked closely with Talia and the project team (the Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Study Foundation and patient advocate, Audrey Reynolds). With new diagnostic codes set to be introduced in October 2025, healthcare providers will be able to formally document cases of floxing, paving the way for insurance reimbursements, disability claims, and enhanced medical understanding. "When the announcement was made, people were in tears, reaching out to me through calls and messages," Talia shared. "They expressed disbelief that this day had finally arrived."
"While this recognition marks a major step forward, Talia and her team are determined to push further; they’re campaigning for the inclusion of long-term consequences of floxing in the diagnostic criteria. Talia's challenges didn't end with floxing; she is currently facing Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), a condition triggered by fluoroquinolone toxicity. 'MCAS is incredibly difficult,' she confesses. 'I can only handle six different foods, and I must introduce any new ones in microdoses to prevent serious reactions. One day a food might be fine, and the next, it could trigger a response.'"
It's entirely uncertain. "Her morning meal highlights the ongoing struggles she endures because of MCAS. Talia's daily schedule is centered on handling her food sensitivities. "I have oatmeal every morning, enhanced with Camu Camu for vitamin C, since I can't handle standard vitamin C."
"Introducing cherries requires a careful, gradual approach," she shares. Despite the challenges, Talia remains steadfast. "Living with MCAS is draining and lonely, but I persevere," she asserts. "Each day is a struggle, but I refuse to give in." Her journey highlights the dangers of excessive antibiotic use and emphasizes the importance of patient education. "Always ensure you genuinely need an antibiotic before using one," she recommends. She also urges individuals prescribed fluoroquinolone antibiotics to explore other options. Passionate about her mission, Talia celebrates the implementation of new CDC codes as a major achievement. "We’ve accomplished something that will have a lasting impact," she beams. Nevertheless, Talia recognizes that there is still much left to accomplish: "There's still a lot of work ahead, and we won’t be stopping now."
"Every achievement she makes, from trying out a new dish to gaining acknowledgment for floxing concerns, showcases her determination. 'This journey has been the toughest I've ever faced,' she admits. 'But if my experience can benefit just one individual, then it has all been worthwhile.'"
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