Yes, there have been reports of tigecycline misuse linked to fatalities. Tigecycline is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including complicated skin and intra-abdominal infections, and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia [1]. However, its use has been associated with increased mortality rates in certain patient populations.

A retrospective cohort study published in Critical Care Medicine analyzed data from over 14,000 patients and found that tigecycline use was associated with a higher risk of mortality compared to other antibiotics in the treatment of severe infections [2]. The study suggested that tigecycline should be used cautiously in critically ill patients with severe infections.

Moreover, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy analyzed data from 21 randomized controlled trials and found that tigecycline was associated with a higher all-cause mortality rate compared to other antibiotics [3]. The review concluded that tigecycline should be used with caution, especially in patients with severe infections.

It is important to note that tigecycline has a black box warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for increased mortality in patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia [4]. The FDA warning states that tigecycline should not be used as a first-line treatment for hospital-acquired pneumonia.

In summary, tigecycline misuse has been linked to fatalities, particularly in critically ill patients with severe infections. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing tigecycline and consider alternative antibiotics for the treatment of severe infections.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch. Tigecycline. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/tigecycline>.
2. Howe, J.D., et al. (2013). Tigecycline and mortality in critically ill patients: a cohort study. Critical Care Medicine, 41(12), 2732-2740.
3. Zhang, L., et al. (2018). Tigecycline versus other antibiotics for the treatment of various infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 73(11), 3125-3135.
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2013). Tigecycline (marketed as Tygacil) Information. <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/tigecycline-marketed-tygacil-information>.