22-year-old Gabby Galvan had a bright future as of April 2021.  Pretty, bright, vivacious, she loved her job as a nurse at Franciscan Health.  But then, after a routine visit to a dermatologist, she was prescribed Bactrim for a minor case of acne.

Bactrim is an antibiotic commonly prescribed for minor infections and dermatology purposes among more serious illnesses. However, it carries severe risks that are often overlooked. Banned in the UK, its risks seem to be largely dismissed in the US even though it has been linked to other deaths and illnesses.  Online articles suggest that ongoing national research is centered at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas and that the FDA has added Bactrim- and its other forms- to its watchlist.  But it's not enough.

Within three weeks, Bactrim had irrevocably impacted Gabby.  Within four months, Bactrim took everything from her: her mobility,  her breath, her ability to see clearly, and eventually, her life. Gabby, locked into an ECMO system to oxygenate her blood, suffered ulcers, blood transfusions, and dialysis. She was not allowed to eat for fear of aspiration and became malnourished, which resulted in feeding tubes and severe diarrhea. She lost her hair and her vision. Her skin became so jaundiced that the tears that came from the pain were yellow. She hallucinated. Her young body became so bloated and swollen that bag upon bag of fluid was drained from it. Her anxiety and fear were beyond description. A horrible rash covered Gabby’s skin.  So widely acknowledged is this severe rash that can be caused by the Bactrim drug that it is called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and a law firm in Nashville, among countless other law firms that will take up a lawsuit, advertises for victims.

We believe that restricting the use of Bactrim can prevent future tragedies like Gabby's from happening again. We call upon healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies to reconsider their guidelines regarding Bactrim prescriptions for minor infections or dermatological conditions where safer alternatives may be available.

Please join us in our mission by signing this petition today. Although Gabby lost her voice, we can speak for her. Your signature could help prevent another family from experiencing such devastating loss due to the unsafe prescription practice of Bactrim.