Levaquin
Levaquin and Tendon Ruptures
In July 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that antibiotic Levaquin carry the agency’s most urgent safety warning, a "black box" warning, advising consumers of the drug’s dangerous side effects.
Levaquin has been linked to dangerous tendon ruptures in patients, primarily of the achilles, bicep, and thumb. Long-term, sometimes permanent disabilities, as well as the need for extensive surgery, often result from the tendon ruptures caused by levaquin. It also has been linked to Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a serious skin disorder that is caused by many different kinds of dangerous drugs.
Were you prescribed Levaquin (levofloxacin) for an infection and experienced dangerous side effects? Did taking the drug rupture a tendon in your Achilles tendon, or did you develop tendonitis? If so, contact Edgar Snyder & Associates right away. You may have a case, but you need to act now.
What is Levaquin?
Levaquin belongs to a class of antibiotics called floroquinolones, which are sold under various brand names. It is made by Ortho McNeil and is a potent antibiotic used to treat respiratory infections. Levaquin was approved by the FDA in 2003 and is used to treat infections like pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, sinus infections, and infections of the urinary tract, kidney, and prostate. It’s given via injection, either in a hospital or at home.
Levaquin Side Effects
- Tendon ruptures to the Achilles, bicep, and thumb
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
- Seizures
- Confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior
- Dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat
- Sudden pain or swelling near your joints
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Urinating less than usual or not at all
- Numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or feet
- Pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, weakness
- Fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
- Jaundice
Overview of Levaquin
In 1996, 2005, and 2006, the consumer interest group Public Citizen petitioned the FDA to add a black box warning to Levaquin. The FDA finally recommended adding the warning after Public Citizen sued the agency for ignoring the petitions. According to Public Citizen, the FDA has received numerous reports of the antibiotics being linked to tendon ruptures, tendonitis, and other tendon disorders.
In many instances, a pain in the tendon indicates the onset of a rupture, but some incidents reported to the FDA occurred without warning. Tendons are cords of tissue that connect muscles and bones and are vital to movement. The most common type of rupture reported to the FDA affected the Achilles tendon in the heel.
You Need Experienced Lawyers Who Understand Dangerous Drug Cases to Fight On Your Side
If you or a loved one has been hurt by taking Levaquin, you need to act quickly. When our drug injury attorneys and staff get involved with your case, we immediately get to work investigating the cause of your drug reaction and fighting for your legal rights to fair compensation.
