FDA requires new labels on popular antibiotic after Channel 2 investigation

The Food and Drug Administration is warning doctors that the drugs exposed in a 2015 Channel 2 consumer investigation are too risky for many common infections.

The agency will require new labels on fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including the drug levofloxacin.

"For somebody else not to have to go through what I went through, that would be great," said Jeff Stephens, of Villa Rica.

Side effects from seven pills of the medication left Stephens permanently disabled. It severely damaged his nervous system and put him in a wheelchair. He'd been prescribed the drug for a sinus infection.

The FDA warning said for routine ailments like sinus infections, bronchitis, and common urinary tract infections, the risks outweigh the benefits.

"It’s a step in the right direction and we'll be very happy with the label changes, but a lot more needs to be done," said Rachel Brummert of the Quinolone Vigilance Foundation.

[READ: Patients suffer devastating side effects from popular antibiotic]

Brummert met Monday with officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to formulate a program to educate doctors and patients about the risks.

“Hopefully, doctors will start listening and say these drugs are very inappropriate for these infections and there are safer alternatives," she said.

Cox Media Group