Clark Howard opens up about life-threatening health scare

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Clark wants to personally thank his readers, listeners and viewers who’ve expressed concern after his life-threatening health scare.

Last week, Clark first shared with his radio show audience that he had been diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis three days after taking the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. The brand name is Cipro.

The drug was prescribed to prevent an infection after a routine biopsy to monitor his prostate cancer.

Clark diagnosed with sudden illness after taking antibiotic

“I felt like death,” Clark said. “It was a struggle to walk five steps.”

Although it’s not known for sure, one of his doctors theorized that the antibiotic combined with generic Lipitor that Clark takes to control his cholesterol may have caused the muscle-destroying condition.

“With rhabdo, your muscles are eating themselves, and then they destroy your kidneys and you die,” Clark said.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, “Rhabdomyolysis is an extremely rare but serious side effect where muscle tissue gradually breaks down in certain muscles. This can lead to permanent paralysis, and the breakdown products can cause serious kidney damage.”

For treatment, doctors at the hospital used IVs to flush his system. Clark had already finished taking his round of ciprofloxacin, but he temporarily stopped taking his cholesterol drug.

As a result of the ordeal, Clark said he plans to ask his regular doctor for an alternative antibiotic.

WSB-TV in Atlanta has been investigating this connection for several years. In 2013, a man died from rhabdomyolysis five days after taking ciprofloxacin’s sister drug, levofloxacin.

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Clark considers himself lucky. He is back to work but still experiences some muscle pain.

“Some days I’m more achy than others. But I want to express to you how grateful I am to you for your warmth and concern about me. I’m going to be great,” Clark said.

Watch below: Clark’s personal message to his fans

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