Levaquin Lawsuit

Last Updated: September 2008 • 182 Comments

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The antibiotic Levaquin has been associated with side effects that could increase risk of tendon ruptures and permanent damage of the tendon.

STATUS OF LEVAQUIN LITIGATION: All federal Levaquin lawsuits have been consolidated in an MDL before Judge John R. Tunheim in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. Early indications suggest that the first cases could be trial ready by January 2010.

Throughout the country, Levaquin lawyers are continuing to review and investigate potential lawsuits for users of the antibiotic who have suffered a tendon rupture.

>>REVIEW A LAWSUIT WITH A LEVAQUIN LAWYER<<

MANUFACTURER: Johnson & Johnson’s Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

OVERVIEW: Levaquin (levofloxacin) is an antibiotic that is part of a group of drugs known as fluoroquinolones. It is prescribed to prevent infection by stopping the reproduction of bacteria.

Approved by the FDA in December 1996, Levaquin has become one of the more commonly prescribed antibiotics. In 2005, annual sales exceeded $2.3 billion.

LEVAQUIN TENDON RUPTURE SIDE EFFECTS: The use of Levaquin has been associated with an increased risk of tendon ruptures, tendon damage and tendonitis, which has left many users permanently disabled after taking the drug.

The risk of tendon ruptures has been associated with all fluroquinolone antibiotics, but the risk appears to be greater with Levaquin. According to reports received by the FDA, Levaquin tendon ruptures accounted for 61% of all fluoroquinolone-associated ruptures between November 1997 and December 2005. However, the drug only accounted for about 45% of all prescriptions written for fluoroquinolones during that time.

A tendon rupture is a very painful injury that often requires surgery to repair the tendon damage. Symptoms associated with a Levaquin induced tendon rupture could include swelling, inflammation or pain.

The most frequently ruptured tendon with Levaquin is the Achilles tendon, in the heel. However, reports have also indicate Levaquin side effects could cause tendon ruptures of the shoulder, biceps, hand and thumb.

The risk of Levaquin tendon rupture side effects is said to be higher among those who are 60 years of age or older

LEVAQUIN BLACK BOX WARNING: In July 2008, the FDA announced that the makers of all fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including Levaquin, will add more prominent language about he risk of tendon damage to a “black box” on the label. In addition, the manufacturers will provide a medication guide which better informs users about the potential side effects of the drugs, and that they should consult with a doctor at the first sign of tendon pain.

In August 2006, the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen filed a petition with the FDA requesting that these stronger warnings be provided, but the drug makers and FDA failed to take steps at that time to warn users. In January 2008, a Levaquin lawsuit was filed against the FDA alleging that their petition had been ignored.

LEVAQUIN LAWSUIT ALLEGATIONS: Lawsuits filed on behalf of Levaquin users who have suffered tendon ruptures or tendon damage allege that Johnson & Johnson failed to provide adequate warnings about the potentially debilitating side effects of their antibiotic. The claims indicate that if consumers and the medical community had been properly informed of the Levaquin tendon side effects, actual ruptures may have been prevented.

Tags: Achilles Tendon, Fluoroquinolone, Levaquin, Tendon Rupture

There Are 182 Comments So Far • (Add Your Comments)

1. Comment by karen on 6 October 2008:

   i too have had tendon damage to the tendon in my foot planter fasitis. my elbows are in a great deal of pain. my hands feel like they have arthritis now my legs are very week and i was so tired and ached all over.

2. Comment by janet on 15 October 2008:

   i have tendon pain and have taken levaquin twice.

3. Comment by john on 20 October 2008:

   have taken levequin since 2003 for sinus infections .
   I now suffer from panic attacks…have ringing in my ears,
   almost constant pain i my feet and heel area..leg pain at night
   and my neck and face seem swollen. also had cataracts at 58..
   I have not seen a doctor yet thinking the above was just getting older sydrome…but read an article on levequin and wow was convienced that it was the culprit of my symptoms..

4. Comment by Teyuna on 21 October 2008:

   In March of 2008, I was hospitalized and put on levequin, by May 2008 I felt like I could die from the pain in my thumb swelling in my wrists. I let this pain go untreated for about 2 months before I starting getting treatment; however, I have been seeing a doctocr about this unbarable pain for about 4 months now and still there is no change with my pain or swelling it seems to be getting worse. I have had a MRI and an X-ray done only swelling showed up but not in the area that hurts. I am very much frustrated because I never ever get releif from this pain. My doctor has prescribed motrin 800 as well as vicodon 750 and even when I take them together the pain is still relatively strong, sometimes I can get a small amount of relief if I take 2 motrins but at the same time I know thats not safe not to mention my prescription stresses the take with food which reduces my daily intake because I dont have a desire to eat. Im suffering from a lost of appetite Im not able to do every day things without my wrist feeling like its popped out of place, I drop things, its like I have no strength in my right wrist sometimes I cant even move my thumb and the pain is worst in the morning, I can no longer pick up my son who is only one and now Im just awnry as hell because of this unexplained every day pain that the doctor cant prove I have. Also, my doctor now tells me I have dangerously high chelesterol…I asked if it could be depositing into my wrist he said its possible but rare. Im 31 and feel as though Im 90.

5. Comment by GLORIA on 2 November 2008:

   I WAS GIVEN LEVIQUIN, A FEW TIMES FOR INFECTION. I NOTICED THAT AT 36 I WAS STEADILY FEELING LIKE I WAS ABOUT 90. I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH SEVERE MIGRAINE, WHICH I TAKE MEDS FOR. SEVERE NAUSEA, HEADACHES, SWEATING, MUSCLE TWICHING, SEVERE PAIN IN FEET AND HANDS. BURNING PAIN. THESE PAINS ADDED UP TO MY MIGRAINE, OR LUPUS WICH I HAVE RECENTLY BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH AS WELL. NOW I SUFFER MIGRAINE PAIN EVERYDAY, NAUSEA EVERYDAY, MUSCLE TWICHING, AND PAIN IN FEET AND HANDS. AGAIN ADDED UP TO LUPUS AND MIGRAINE. BUT IT’S MRE THEN THAT AND I KNOW IT. I HAVE 4 KIDS, AND THEY NEED THEIR MOM, WHICH THANKS TO THIS DRUG I FULLY BELIEVE A LOT HAS BEEN TAKEN FROM THEM. WHY WOULD THIS DRUG BE LEGAL, WHEN IT CLEARLY IS TAKING PEOPLE FROM BEING JUST SICK, TO HORRILBLY SICK, AND FAR WORSE, THEN WHAT ORIGINALLY TREATED FOR.

6. Comment by mrs. johnson on 14 November 2008:

   after being given levaquin for a respitory infection i began having shoulder and wrist, thumb pain i felt like i had arthritis in my hands i also felt pain in my elbow i went from taking motrin to vicodin, dicoflenac none of them takes a all the pain away but they do take the edge off

7. Comment by jennifer on 23 November 2008:

   Took Avelox and walking became so difficult that I am now in a walking cast. Had MRI – micro tear of the posterior tibialis tendon. Pharmacist told me today, Avelox is in the same class of antibiotics as others that are connected to tendon problems. No warning from my doctor. I am 46. I have lost the ability to do my usual work because of this.

8. Comment by cindi on 26 November 2008:

   I AM A 49 YEAR OLD FEMALE WITH R A, I WAS GIVEN SAMPLES OF LEVAQUIN BY A PHYSICIAN FOR MY R.A. I HAD A SEVERE REACTION THAT WAS VERY SCARRY AND PAINFUL. WITHIN 24 HOURS I WAS VERY SWOLLEN IN THE FACE, TONGUE AND
   HAD SEVERE HIVES ON MY BACK ,BUTTOCKS AND DOWN MY LEGS. MY BOY FRIEND TOOK PICTURES BECAUSE THE SWELLING WAS SO UNBELEIVEABLE.

9. Comment by Kara on 11 December 2008:

   This is painful for me to type. I had ankle surgery to fix a torn ligament and an ankle scope on Oct. 30, 2008. I was put on 500 mg of Levaquin to prevent infection. On Nov 4th, my entire body felt like it was beat up. I could barely get up off of the couch. I also developed severe pain and burning in my foot. I couldn’t support my weight on crutches due to pain in my arms & wrists. I took this dose for 10 days. On Nov 24th, I couldn’t take the pain anymore. I ended up being hospitalized for 10 days. I had severe swelling in my ankle and bruising up to & including my toes. The doc thought it was an infection so I was started on 2 types of IV antibiotics. Didn’t get any better. On Nov 26th, the doc tried to aspirate it and only dried blood came out. It was sent for a culture and came back negative. He asked me how my pain was and I told him the back of my ankle hurt really bad. He said “the MRI that was done on Nov 25th showed I developed tendinitis in the Achilles tendon. I asked him how that happened since I haven’t walked on that foot since my injury date of August 23rd. He said he wasn’t sure. I had 2 previous MRIs (Sept & Oct) which did not show tendinitis at all! On Dec. 1st I went back to the operating room so the doc could cut open the golfball size hematoma on the outside of my ankle. He got a lot of jelly-like blood from the back part of my ankle. He left the drain in overnight and then removed it. I was released on Dec 3rd with a script for 750 mg of Levaquin for 7 days (which I finished yesterday). The swelling is down about 25% and I have been out of the hospital for 8 days now. The pain in my body was so horrible today that I went to my family doctor. She did a thorough exam of my joints-which was complete agony!!!! She explained that she was going to run some tests to see what is wrong. She explained to me that she thinks this is a reaction to the Levaquin & she has had patients who have had ruptured tendons from this medication. She sent me for bloodwork and gave me a script for morphine (Avinza) to control the pain, which 750 mg of ES Vicodin and 800 mg of Ibuprofen didn’t make it any better. I feel helpless as my 9 year old has to do eveything for me because I simply cannot get up. I hope my doctor figures this out real soon! This is unreal to have to suffer like this. I will keep everyone on this page in my prayers! Good Luck to everyone!

10. Comment by sharon on 13 December 2008:

    I was given Avelox 2 yrs ago for a sinus infection and needed to be rushed to the ER after having stroke like symptoms. My right arm wouldn’t move, my legs were weak, my eye sight wasn’t right and I had a difficult time taking. In the hospital they treated me for a severe reaction to this medicine and told me not to take any of the meds in this family. I had been on Levaquin prior to Avelox but I didn’t experience any of these symptoms then. I have had severe pain and weakness in my right shoulder,arm,elbow and hand for over a year. I was told it’s tendinitis and I go to PT. I never knew other people had similar problems being on this medicine.

11. Comment by alan on 29 December 2008:

    I took levaquin back in may 2008 it wsaas 3 day script to be taken the day before the day of and the day after I was scheduled for a biopsy, that was the middle of may 2008, I did not start noticing the that I was getting numbing sensations like pins and needles in my hands (both of them) until a few weeks ago which usually starts in the thumbs I ddi not think anything of it until I saw part of a commercial on tv for this medication and looked it up.

12. Comment by Doug on 1 January 2009:

    I was given leviguin at my doctors office as samples for a 10 day period, which I believe turned out to be 20 days due to the problem not being resolved. I will have look this issue up, as I recall , it was because of the bacteria MRSA.
    While taking leviquin my shoulder began hurting. It got so bad , I could not lay on that side because of pain. The pain eventually went to above my elbow. I could not raise my arm and being right-handed, this became an issue. I told my doctor of this and the comment I got was “I never heard of this issue before”.
    It took about a year before I could use my right arm that I would consider near normal use. To this day, it is not bad to where it used to be.

13. Comment by Grover on 6 January 2009:

    In January 2000 I was prescribed Levaquin for a urinary infection. In 2-3 days I had serious pain in both shoulders. I called the doctor several times, and was prescribed pain medication.

    The pain became so unbearable I went to the emergency room. They tried steroids, which had no benefit.

    No mention of a potential side effect of the Levaquin.

    I visited the doctor again after the 10 day course of Levaquin. He prescribed another ten days, even after the severe pain.

    My wife mentioned the possibility of a drug side effect. I studied the information delivered with the drug, and noticed the obscure warning about tendon damage.

    I called Ortho McNeill, and the lady I talked to said that the problem would go away with physical therapy and normal treatment for tendonitis.

    Over several months I was seen by 2 or 3 Orthopedists, had an MRI, and lots of Physical Therapy.

    None of this produced any satisfaction, and some doctors appeared to be afraid of potentially getting involved in a lawsuit.

    My next attempt was a Rheumatologist, who was unable to provide an effective solution.

    For eight years I have been unable to sleep properly due to the pain. I am unable to lift more that about 25-30 pounds, and that is with severe pain. I can not hold my Grandchildren. My wife has to put my luggage overhead when we travel. My golden years are very painful.

    And the biggest fallacy of the entire sequence is that I am not allergic to the old, effective medications such as Penicillin and Sulfa Drugs. I informed the Doctor who originally prescribed the drug of this fact, but he wanted to try this “new” drug. He said it was expensive, but my good insurance would cover it.

    A simple, cheap. pedestrian antibiotic would have been just as effective, and had none of these serious side effects. I would like to believe that had a black box warning been in place, the doctor would not have immediately chosen Levaquin.

14. Comment by Suzanne on 7 January 2009:

    I was put on Levaquin 500 mg once a day due to a possible severe sinus infection…I am an RN and should have read the side effects but felt so sick that I was just relieved to take something…After just two days on Levaquin..woke up with prickly sensations and my entire body was bright red from head to toe..not just a rash..more like a second degree sunburn..tongue swollen and face more swollen…face was already swollen from sinus infection and I was already achy due to my previous high fevers and infection….by morning…EXTREMELY painful calves that Vicodin and Motrin did not touch..seemed to come in spasms or waves. Also, my wrists, ankles and elbows…if not for the rash..I would have thought these sudden pains were related to my infection and continued on the Levaquin…my fingers are still swollen and body still pink..after three days OFF of the drug…waiting for my symptoms to disappear and worried about the thousands of NON MEDICAL people who would continue taking this drug, after the pain symptoms…due to relating them to their infection…Still very uncomfortable and spasms of pain in hands and joints….missed work due to the Cure doing more harm than the original problem. Would love to see this drug pulled off the market…Will do a better job educating my patients about this.

15. Comment by Bruce on 5 February 2009:

    I took 750mgs of levaqin 0n January 27th and 28th and 500mgs for 5 days after that . Levaquin was given by my doctor from samples to treat a respiratory problem.No warnings came with the samples. also prednazone was given at the same time for the same problem.On january 30th I begun to experience pain in my left calf, the pain became worse so I called my doctor and he ordered a doppler scan of my leg to rule out a blood clot none was found. The same day I went back for the follow up and he prescribed another 7 days of levaquin and 5 days of prednazone. When I went to the drug store to get the prescriptions I read the information sheet that came with the medication and I realized that I was experiencing the symptoms described in the information sheet. In addition to the pain in my calf I have pain in my neck as though you slept on it wrong. also experiencing anxiety ,nervousness, ringing in my ears,and muscle fatigue.

16. Comment by Patricia on 8 February 2009:

    I was given a course of levaquin of 500 mg for 7 days for complications from oral surgery that resulted in a wound infection and a triggered sinus infection. The surgeon asked if I had ever taken the drug before which I had not, but did not offer any precaucions. With the exception of the bad tooth, I was in excellent health and only took a statin for boaderline cholesteral. Intially with the first does I had atypical anxiety, nightmares and a feeling like I was crawling out of my skin. By day three, my right knee had ballooned and was so painful I could not bear weight without the assist of a cane. I also had joint pain in both wrists fanning up my forearms.I was unable to grip anything due to the pain. On day 7, the last day of the course of the therapy I had an attack of crushing chest pain, burping, belching, gas, lightheadedness and dizziness, tingling and pressure at base of skull and crown of head. It subsided after 45 minutes, only to return almost daily for more than a month, now several times a week. The swelling in my knee has gone away, but both knees now buckle and pop and the wrist pain trends from moderate to severe day by day. I have been given gastro drugs that have been completely ineffective. I have seen my internist 3 times, an urgent care Dr. once, the gastro Dr. twice and been transported by paramedics to the ER for cardiac symptoms. I have been scoped, had a mid-section vital organ ultrasound, complete blood workup, cardiac stress test, etc. Some days I can’t walk, some days I can with a cane. I can’t drive due to lightheadedness. I can’t eat very many foods due to gastro symptoms. I feel like I am slowly dying from taking this drug. My health history is unremarkable with no major events. I am sensitive to antibiotics, but have never had a lingering reaction or anything this severe. I am now three months out from taking levaquin and as sick as the first week with regard to side effects, but considerably weaker overall from it’s toll.

17. Comment by Francis on 10 February 2009:

    My problems began in October of 2008 when I took Levaquin for a sinus infection. Within two days my entire body hurt; all of my joints, especially my hips. Because the only thing I had done differently was to take the Levaquin I stopped. The pain to my joints slowly subsided except to my right knee which was swollen with fluid. It was drained, numerous tests conducted and I was given a shot of cortizone but it did not clear up. I had an MRI taken which showed tears to my medial & lateral miniscus. Everyone wanted to know how I injured myself but I didn’t. I did not fall, twist, or do anything to cause that injury. My belief is that either the Levaquin instigated some type of inflamation (and because of that) a pre-existing injury was found (that before had NOT caused me a problem) or the Levaquin did something to my knee joint; weakening it somehow causing the tears. I am now eight weeks post surgery and am still experiencing, what I believe to be, an excessive amount of overall body ache & joint pain and specifically a greater amount of joint pain to my right knee, then I feel is appropriate. I am 53 years old and was in very good shape and feel that taking the Levaquin was the worst thing I ever did. I have spoken to my doctor, who is a very conciencious and excellent doctor, and while he had recently heard about the connection between Levaquin and tendon issues it was appearently not raised as a serious issue or as an issue to older patients; which I think may be a problem because while my doctor thought I had received Levaquin in the past (without a problem) maybe it is not an issue when your 30 but dibilitating when your over 50? I’ve been to a physical therapist, for six weeks of therapy, and he thought that a lot of the pain I was describing to him was tendon pain. I’m just really disappointed in this whole affair and am very concerned about my long term prognosis and would like to know if I’ll recover.

18. Comment by Peter on 10 February 2009:

    What about extremely severe skin rashes that actually look like the user (of levaquin) has first of second degree burns all over their body?

19. Comment by susan on 12 February 2009:

    I haven been on Leviquinn 500 mg, daily for approx 5 weeks, while treating another bacteria. I had the most excrusiating pain in my shoulders, knees and achilles tendons. I was completed dibilitaed. I went to a orthopedic surgeon to had my knees looked at. I received x-rays and MRI’s. I was diagnosed with menicus tear’s in both knees. I had surgery yesterday on the left knee. I will have 9 weeks of therapy. The right knee is equally painfull. I received two injections of steriods to this knee so that I cold function during the therapy. The right knee will be scheduled forsurgery in4-5 weeks. I continue to have pain in my shoulders and am scheduled for MRI’s next week. My infectious disease physician has removed me from the Leviquinn.

    This has been a horriable year for me. I searched for info on the internet and was stunned at the inofrmation I gathered regarding regarding this side effect.

20. Comment by Heather on 20 February 2009:

    I am a New Zealander who was prescribed Levaquin for a UTI in Hyannis Mas. USA back 2001(?), and suffered archillies tendonitis in both heels. I was, and still am, on Prednisone and Cyclosporin for kidney transplant from 1995. Since then I’ve had years of undiagnosed aches and pains, been tested for all sorts, all negative. Just recently my tendons have become very thin and weak and since October 08 have had L bicep tendon tear, then R bicep tendon tear (both almost off the bone), as well as a week ago a hamstring tendon tear in bone area. I am very concerned that this may relate back to the Levaquin I took.

21. Comment by Christine on 22 February 2009:

    DO NOT TAKE LEVAQUIN! I was diagnosed with a UTI and given a 7 day supply of Levaquin. I only took one pill and my left wrist and hand hurts extremely bad. I can barely move it. I called the Dr and she said it does not seem likely that this pain could be caused by the medication. But, I have not done anything to injure my wrist. I’m a 25 year old healthy woman and should not have to deal with this pain……It’s extremely uncomfortable and wakes me during the night. Stay away from this medication!

22. Pingback by First Levaquin Tendon Tear Lawsuit Scheduled For Trial August 2010 : AboutLawsuits.com on 23 February 2009:

    [...] Side effects of Levaquin have been found to increase the risk of tendon damage. The FDA required that a “black box” warning be added to all of the antibiotics in this class in July 2008, warning users that they should contact their doctor immediately upon noticing any signs of tendon problems so that the medication can be stopped to reduce the risk of a tendon tear. [...]

23. Comment by Christine on 27 February 2009:

    i was hospitalized for asthma and had a sinus infecton. they gave me levaquin drip. the same day after having the drip for several hours. i experienced having chills,lower extremities right leg weakness and numbness. it felt heavy and i couldnt move my leg. i had pain and suffered for two weeks. after another couple of weeks its my right side of my neck, down to my shoulder and my fingers. i had swelling, heavyness,pain, and muscle weakness. i couldnt get a grip of a spoon and glass. the symptoms started while i was working. i ended up in the emergency thinking i had a stroke. i couldnt even talk straight for awhile until they gave me something to calm my nerves. it happened from jan. 09 until now i am still in pain.

24. Comment by Paula on 28 February 2009:

    I took Cipro and some of its related drugs for a persistent bladder infection while I was struggling to control my type 1 diabetes in the 80s and early 90s. In 1989, at age 29, I developed severe body aches that were wrongly attributed to “somatic complaints,” leading to an 8-year period in which I was unable to work. This began one year after I graduated from college.

    The repeated doses of Cipro went on with my having repeated severe bladder and kidney infections, which contributed to my complete kidney failure in 1994. Later that year I received a kidney-pancreas transplant. I was then given daily doses of Cipro prophylactically, to prevent constant bladder infections.

    During these years I had numerous hand operations for trigger finger/thumb. These were painful but necessary for me to retain the ability to type. The tenderness in my muscles seemed worst in my joints and tendons, especially after any sort of exercise began (such as walking), often making it hard for me to sleep at night.

    Now I have lost the pancreas to infection and subsequent damage, and have de Cuervain’s tenosynovitis in my left hand and very sore tendons in my right. I also have retraction of the tendons in both hands so severe that I can’t make the finger sign for number 3, or the sign language letter W. At this point I am unable to do much of anything physical.

    While it is a relief to know all of this may have had a recognizable cause, it doesn’t give me back the years of work, money spent, and lost enjoyment of life all these tendon problems have cost me. I hope something can be done to compensate.

    Paula in Cincinnati, Ohio

25. Comment by Liin on 6 March 2009:

    My friend has been suffering from several adverse reactions to Levaquin 500mg, since l Sept 2007. The doctor who prescribed it, ignored the initial symptoms of severe reactions (which started after the very 1st dose) , including severe rashes, swelling, a lesion changing shapes over time, extreme scaling, skin discolourations, edema, burning, tingling, crawling sensation under skin, anxiety attacks, weakness, insomnia, etc. The “doctor” scoffed at concern about the rashes especially….. and told him to stay ON the Levaquin! As a result, he got even worse problems, including severe contact dermatitis, pruritis, tendinopathy- (showed on first MRI- 9th day of Levaquin); plantar fasciitis, Tendinopathy in other area (showed on 2nd MRIs). Painful itching uticaria (Hives), photosensitivity, nervous conditions (including nightmares, confusion, panic attacks, paranoia, insomnia)
    occurred during and after the complete dosage. (14 days). About 2weeks to 1 month later, one lesion developed necrotic tissue. There was another fracture blister which after healing, developed a rash, Then hives//blistering/peeling kept recurring, one codndition was diagnosed as “contact dermititis”. Some “hives” appeared also on arms, back and torso. The larger lesion later turned into an ulcerous wound, which would not heal, while going to another doctor Every Week for 5 months (Nov 07 – Mar 2008) That osteopathic doctor tried over 33 prescription/wound products on him (most of which Conflicted with the residual Levaquin as catalyst, Triggering More adverse painful, depressing and debilitating reactions, especially Skin, Internal & Nerve Disorders.)
    Lately Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and Denervation also showed up on an MRI, as well as indication of a hairline fracture on the 5th metarsal. This is after over a year in which he has NOT been walking on that foot…and using crutches for the last few months, after being in a wheelchair. He cannot drive or work.

    We found out about the connection to adverse effects of Levaquin on the News in Jan 2008, which led us to Public Citizen and more research. After informiong the wound doctor with a written report on it, he at first agreed it was probably the Levaquin, but later one of his assistants (not even a doctor) was trying to find other things to blame the bad reactions on, The recurring contact dermatitis, hives, and other skin conditions, high A/G ratio, Adenopathy (lymph node in upper leg). panic/anxiety atacks, confusion, etc, all pointed to LEVAQUIN reactions. Other Conditions he has/had: skin discolourations/ ulcer-; necrotic tissue, peroneus longus tendinopathy, tibialis tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis! ( shown as some adverse reactions to Levaquin and other fluoroquinolones)
    In one report we read. “Levaquin is mainly bound to serum Albumin in humans”.
    My friend’s test showed a High A/G (Albumin Globulin ) ratio, which indicated Levaquin’s bounding on the Albumin may have depleted the Globulin levels…. which indicates weakened immune response. Another test also showed a lymph node present.
    Research reports shows: Levaquin 500 mg tablets ingredients includes Synthetic Red and Yellow iron oxide. Levaguin 250 mg does Not contain the Yellow oxide, and the 750mg tabs does NOT contain either the Red or Yellow oxide. This could be significant as to the different types of reactions. RED IRON OXIDE is used in Rouge, Paint, etc.
    To this date, my friend cannot walk on the initially injured foot…over 1 year now, and still has Hypersensitivity and internal damage. . He was cut off his WC benefits, and has been with no income after he made genuine complaints about mistreatment, ommissions and some False/misleading reports, and Mis-prescribing. He has submitted corrections to medical reports, and has been tormented. He was NOT informed of the adverse reactions to the Levaquin, nor was it necessary, as reports showed no infection was present then.
    He and his family have been put under cruel treatment, unnecessary duress psychological abuse and financial hardship, and further harmed by people who were supposed to be helping. .

26. Comment by Ellen on 13 March 2009:

    I wen to my Doctor for a bad upper respiratory infection on March 3rd, 2009. He prescribed Cipro for me. 6 days later, I was no better and went to another doctor at an After hours Express Care Clinic. He said I had developed pneunomia and stopped the Cipro and put me on 1 Levaquin 750mg a day for 5 days. By the next day, I was stiff getting out of bed, by the 2nd day, I could hardly walk. I read the script warnings & stopped the drug. 2 days later I am walking up the stairs in my house as usual & I feel something above my knee tear and then my foot started hurting when I put weight on it. Will this hurt me forever? Don’t take this drug, I still don’t know what else will happen to me!

27. Comment by Carmela on 20 March 2009:

    In May of 2008 I was prescribed Levaquin and in just about a week I noticed problems with my thumbs. I had pain while writing but thought it was due to all my note taking for my nursing class. I seemed a little better until this February. I developed pneumonia and was again on Levaquin; this time the pain is so severe in both hands that nothing helps and I can’t perform simple daily tasks including driving, not to mention how cold weather affects it. Of course doctors said I had arthritis of the thumbs, but it came on acutely and severly and I don’t have it in any other portions of my hands. I’m also feeling more pain in my heels. As a nurse I am concerned that this is going to affect my job performance as I never know when the sudden burst of sharp, knife-cutting like pain will hit. I certainly don’t want to give up my job, I enjoy being a nurse. This is so unfair and typical of the FDA and the drug companies.

28. Comment by Lis on 23 March 2009:

    In March of 2008, I was treated for severe pneumonia with Levaquin IV while in urgent care. I was then given a sample pack of the same drug, maybe Cipro, to take one a day for three days. About two months later I started to have severe shoulder and arm pain with no associated injury, to my right arm. I am left-handed. At times, the pain would bring me to tears. Over the last year, it would come and go with intensity but never left. I can’t lift my arms over my head and sometimes need help just hooking my bra. I am an active 55 year old who has NEVER been down because of pain. I’m not a quitter nor do I take any meds stronger than Ibuprofen. I’m not blaming the drug company for this, or the doctor. I just want to know if it will go away so I can lift my saddle up without excruciating pain. I haven’t been to a doctor regarding this. I’ve read that some doctors are leary about relating this type of injury to Levaquin because of the pending law suits.

29. Comment by Gordon on 3 April 2009:

    I have taken Levaquin numerous times for upper respiratory infections and 4 rounds of pneumonia over the past 10 years. I am a Paramedic and I am exposed to just about every reapiratory bug you can think of from patients in the ambulance. I have had both PO and IV doses of Levaquin and I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I have taken it until I dig out the paperwork, however, I have had a complete full thickness tear in my right rotator cuff and as well as a torn meniscus in my right knee. The Shoulder landed me out of work for a year along with surgery, the second injury was about 6 weeks out of work and surgery. I need to go back and chesk the dates I was on the levaquin and I would be willing to bet that I was on Levaquin around the same time.

30. Comment by Pat on 6 April 2009:

    I took Levaquin for ten days in February 2009. While taking it, my legs cramped and hurt behind both knees. Then it attacked my left hip and caused the tendon that leads from the rib cage to the hip to tighten and cause terrible pain. I could not turn over in bed. Since then, I have visited my chiropractor 5 times. My upper neck and lower back, hip and legs still hurt. I am amazed that this drug is being used on human beings. It needs to be removed from the market.

31. Comment by Denilee on 9 April 2009:

    A year ago i went to the ER for a Severe UTI infection and was given levaquin through an IV, i immediatley had a reaction within 2 minutes i was in extreme pain, my body swelled completely, my lungs began to collapse, my throught was closing next thing you know im hooked up to machines like an ekg, breathing assistance and almost died, it was horrible the scariest thing ive ever been through in my life,after i recoverd if thats what you want to call it i was in pain like never before, my legs feet, arms, knees and every other part of my body ached. They gave me vicitin for pain and sent me on my way, within weeks i was having panic attacks and still have them to this day and i have lung problems all the time i was diagnosed with chostochondritis which is inflammation of the muscle in my chest a month ago, i also have knee pain till this day and im always in pain, im only 26 and healthy i have migranes all the time since the reaction. this is an aweful drug. I pray that others read this and do not take it.

32. Comment by Josephine on 12 April 2009:

    After seven days of treatment with Levaquin 500 mg for UTI, the next morning, shortly after I woke up, I sneezed. At that moment I felt a terrible pain that started in my right inner thigh and ran thru the right leg. It got worse the following days. I could not get up from my bed because the pain was unbearable. Seven months later I had a surgery of my L5-S4 disk, which was severely damaged and teared. I still have pain and never recovered completely. Because of the strange of the condition, the only explanation is the lack of pefusion to the disk caused by Levaquin

33. Comment by mike on 13 April 2009:

    i took this drug it raced my heart so bad i was in the er. now i was diagnosed with lupus, joint pain ect lupus? come on…..

34. Comment by Maria on 14 April 2009:

    One side effect that I think is being missed is Severe Vitamin D deficiency, which also causes severe muscle pain, bone problems–rickets, osteomalcia, Costochondral thickening can look like beadlike prominences along the lateral chest wall. After nearly a year of constant chest pain from taking Levaquin, I found a new Dr who ordered the 25-hydroxy Vitamin D blood test, I was severly deficient and was put on 50,000IU prescription Vitamin D, after 6 weeks the chest pain greatly diminished, after 2 months, no chest pain or hi power pain meds needed. I only have lower back muscle pain to deal with now, which has been a been another battle daily. I went through the whole gamut of symptoms, joints popping, severe all over muscle pain, ringing in the ears, high blood pressure. Numerous ER visits, 1 hospital stay in the Cardiac unit. When before I took the Levaquin I was able to work and drive long distances, go bike riding, walking, etc. Since then, I had to quit working a year ago due to the physical problems. Now I think I’m coming out of the worst of it and I am so glad I had the Vitamin D test, also my husband’s co-worker’s wife took Levaquin 6 weeks ago and had the Vitamin D test and SHE’s now Vitamin D deficient–and having some symptoms, if I was closer and talked daily to his co-workers I would have told them all to avoid Levaquin.

35. Comment by Dave on 15 April 2009:

    I was given levaquin a year ago now ican not work it ruined my life

36. Comment by Joyce on 19 April 2009:

    My 14 yr. son was given this 500mg pill by his pc and some samples, to take to help with infection. He took it for several days and we have regretted it ever since. The terrible joint and tendon pain as well as the alternated mood thoughts. He still hurts everyday and is on homebound form school. He can hardly eat any food and has problems with anxiety attacks. We took him to a heart doctor because he was having trouble with is heart racing that required hospital visits. For any one that is reading this PLEASE DON’T TAKE THIS DRUG

37. Comment by EVELYN on 20 April 2009:

    I took 750mg of Levaquin for 17 days.

    Masectomy/Reconstruction-Hysterectomy

    Since then these are all of my changes:

    Both Hands:
    Burning sensation, pain, can not make a fist, Knuckles hurt, cold water or hot water hurts my hands – they feel like burning, tingeling, pins and needles, hands feel like I have arthritis, when I hold the phone to my ear they both get numb.

    Hips:
    I cannot sleep on eighter side, they start hurting.
    I have trouble falling asleep.

    PLEASE LET FIND A WAY FOR NON-SPEAKERS TO BE AWARE OF THIS MEDICATION. WE HAVE TO HELP OTHERS TOO!

38. Comment by Mark on 20 April 2009:

    I took Levaquin for 14 days after being diagnosed with pneumonia. Soon afterwords I had swollen hands and fingers and wrist pain. I now have trouble lifting a gallon of milk. I’m 53 years old and I normally play competitive tennis but that’s out until I can fix these symptoms. Other joints that had previous injuries (but were feeling fine) have started hurting now too. I hope time will fix this joint swelling and pain.

39. Comment by Nicole on 23 April 2009:

    I was hospitalized 3/30/09 for a kidney infection, they gave me Levaquin through the IV and when I asked the doctor about the drug being recalled or any open lawsuits against the makers he talked to me like I was a child! I am 21 years old. I instantly knew something was wrong. When i asked to be taken off the medication he told me “Your just being paranoid” So far I’ve only got pain in my right hand (Where the IV was) At the moment I think I’m going to make sure with my doctor and make sure it’s nothing more than just a sore muscle.

40. Comment by Joe on 25 April 2009:

    I have pain in both achilles tendons. Pain in both shoulders. Pain in both hands. Limited motion in these areas. I attributed the pain I was experiencing to arthritis,
    and growing older. I could not understand how arthritis symptoms could appear so suddenly. I then began looking up billing for drugs which were prescribed in the time period when the painful symptoms began. The pain and stiffness began in March 2008, after I was prescribed Levaquin, 500MG for an infection that developed in my thigh where a puncture wound was made to insert a catheter into the femoral artery for placement of a stent in my heart. I’m 73 years old, have always been very active and pain free, but had to quit cardiac rehab shortly after taking Levaquin, because of the pain while using the tread mill and leg bike. I’m also experiencing extremely painful cramping in both hands and legs, and numbness. My fingers lock up, and I have a hard time making a fist. Now my mobility is limited depending on how much pain I’m willing to endure. I am concerned, primarily because the symptoms are not getting any better, and I am wondering if they will get worse, or if permanent damage has already taken place. It’s been just over a year since this all began, and I’m wondering who I can turn to for help.

41. Comment by Julie on 27 April 2009:

    I was hospitalized with Diverticultis (2nd severe occurance) on 6/10/08. I was prescribed Levaquin and Flagyl for 10 days. On 6/13/08, while I was taking my meds as prescribed, I went to my family doctor out of concern that I was having an adverse drug reaction (breathlessness, dizziness, feeling faint, rapid heartbeat, nausea, persistant metalic taste, and tingling in my hands and feet). I was told I had a sinus infection, and was given a nasal spray antibiotic. On 6/29/08, I was hospitalized again with another bout of diverticulitis, and was again given Levaquin and Flagyl. In the hospital, while I was receiving intravenious doses of these meds, I awoke in the presence of a nurse with severe tremors–which frightened me, because I’ve never experienced them before. After a couple of days with the IV, I experienced terrible pain in my elbow (almost at he site of the IV), and asked for the IV to be removed—which it was. I was given oral doses of Levaquin and Flagyl there-on (14 days worth). I experienced increasingly troubling symptoms—particularly 2 fainting spells, and increases tingling of the hands and feet, rapid heartbeat (and anxiety) and stiffness in the knees and pain at the bottom of my feet. When I awoke one morning unable to bend my knees and extreme pain in my feet that made it almost impossibly painful to walk, I immediately went to the E.R. with copies of my prescriptions & the warnings printouts. The E.R. doctor told me what I was experiencing was partly “normal” and partly “in my head”. I was discouraged, refused to take my meds any longer (he prescribed me Augmentin, which I decided not to take), and I started trying to flush all meds out of my body. A few days later, CNN reported that Levaquin received a black box lable (or whatever they called it). It’s now almost a year later, and though the pain isn’t as bad as it once was, I still experience pain in the hands & feet/tingling in the extremeties, and I believe I now have plantar fascitis. When I supply patient history to doctors, I now list Flagyl and Levaquin as meds I am allergic to.

42. Comment by Liz on 28 April 2009:

    I am 3 years and 2 months into this and still suffer every day. Took 750 Levaquin for 6 days for a bad case of brinchitis before I googled it at the advice of a co-worker. Was on crutches by that time. Have widespread tendonitis, pain in each and every joint in my body to a varyng degree, ringing in ears, chronic daily pain. Can’t excercise like I used to, or hike or walk on the beach. I pay dearly for the slightest exertion and take painkillers daily which I hate! I have seen several drs including orthopedic, nuerological, pain management, foot specialist and none of them could tell me anything more than I already knew from my own research. In factmost of them took copies of the research I had with me so I essentially knew more than they did! No one can tell me if it will ever get better and still I strive to get the most out of my life as possible. I work full time and can’t afford to lose my job so I work in pain daily. Had I been given ANY information on this drug I might have been able to stop it sooner and unfortunately, my FNP told me to take Naproxen for the pain which made it worse. She didn’t know either. this drug is still being passed out in free samples to unsuspecting people and I have even heard of people receiving discount coupons from their drs for it to use when they pick up their prescription at the phamracy! This drug has significantly altered my life and I want my old life back! My son deserves to have his Mom back who could do all of the things she used to with him. Now he is sad when he sees me struggle and tries to help me any way he can. Thank God for him as he literally gets me out of bed every morning.

43. Comment by Melissa on 29 April 2009:

    I go to the doctor tomorrow to get the results of the MRI on my wrist…previous xrays showed a tendon tear in my wrist…I have taken Levaquin before and heard about the connection with tendon tears. I cannot even turn on my electric toothbrush without being in pain. Taking pain meds and they do not really help. I am losing my right hand; I am a teacher and do not want to lose my job…opening the dryer makes me want to scream. The doctor asked me if I had had an accident with my wrist and I have not. He seemed to be really confused at my response. After reading up on Levaquin, which I have taken at various times for sinus infections, etc., I am now convinced it is part of the problem. I intend to ask the doctor tomorrow if he has heard about Levaquin and tendon tears. Wish me luck; I want my hand back.

44. Comment by JESSIE on 3 May 2009:

    Back in May 2006 I fell ill and my family physician put me on numerous antibiotics. One of them being Levaquin. I had never heard of the drug, and unfortunately I trusted my so called expert doctor. I paid the high price for the med and took it faithfully. After the 2nd dose, I had excrutiating pain in the left side of my neck and into my shoulder. I just assumed it was me being sick and I did not think anything about it. I went about my vacation that I was on only to suffer the entire time. I was weak and had severe pains in my neck the whole time I was on vacation. Ended up breaking out into massive hives (I think that’s what they were) and along with my whole body being swollen. To this day I still have a lot of pain in my neck and shoulder which usually leads to migraines. Have lost strength in my right shoulder and have been told that I could have RA. The specialist wasn’t for sure, but that was his safest guess. I keep going to my chiropractor for the neck and shoulder pains and she can usually releive enough pain for me to get by. But I am wondering if maybe I shouldn’t go see another specialist to figure out what is exactly going on w/ my neck and shoulder.

45. Comment by John on 3 May 2009:

    Extremely alarmed now that i am having heels issues! I have been put on Levaquin and Avelox in the recent past. But i know i have at least been on Levaquin twice once was IV in the ER for lung infection. The year was 07/08 and i have complained about pain/s constantly. Cant walk without extreme pain anymore, it was gradual. Also i ruptured something in my left side due to extreme cough when i was sick AFTER DOSED WITH Levaquin. Still dealing with that pain. ok now both heels are stinging ripping type pain and then throb. And sometimes i cant stand on either, have to wait it out till an can apply any weight/pressure on either heel, honestly theres NOT many places i dont hurt anymore. I hardly sleep anymore as well. Neck, wirst, eye ,shoulder,back ,HIP HEEL BOTH of them! many many places have NEW and Elevated pain! Some history here my left foot was injured prior to all this NEW agony! I am disabiled as a result of that injury in ‘97. Now i am mentally anguishing over the possibility of more disabilities coming. I will see my primary doctor this week 5/09. as the narcs (oxy) for my disabilty is not taking the edge off the NEW heel and other pains! I NEED SCANS I AM SURE. CHRIST ALL MIGHTY! always something it seems! Best of luck Thanks for posting!

46. Comment by Dana on 3 May 2009:

    In 2008, I had several kidney infections. I was given Leviquin as in IV and sent home with 7 days of cipro. From January 2008 until May, I was on and off Cipro for a total of 40+ days. due to reocurring kidney infections. I thought I was okay, but my left elbow started hurting — lost range of motion. Got a cortizone shot and it helped. In February of 2009 my kidney infections returned, as did the Cipro. Now, both my elbows hurt and I can’t straighten them fully. I also need knee replacement, but have put it off as much as possible….but I am very concerned I will experience tendon problems with my knees…which would be terrible!
    I’m not sure my kidney infections are gone for good. I never get an UTI before the kidney infections. I have had 3 cat scans, a probe, and checked for kidney reflux. I also have had blood tests, my kidney function is normal. Basically, if it comes back…the doctors want to put me on Cirpo LONG TERM because it is the only drug the cultures respond to. I don’t have any options…either 103 fevers and severe kidney pain or my tendons….YUGH!
    Is there any other drug out there without the terrible side effects????

47. Comment by Jill on 4 May 2009:

    4 May 2009 I have taken Levaquin 500 mgs for three days now I am experiencng severe joint pain ever, more severe in my hand,wrists,neck, and feet. I feel extremely tired and fatiqued.This was prescribed for cellulitis on my arm which occured from a bug bite while gardening. I cannot express how awful the pain is that I am having in my joints. This morning I could barely get out of bed not able to go to work. I believe this drug must be extremly toxic to cause this degree of pain!!!! I was lead to the internet in search of information and wow did I ever find it. I will halt taking this drug and would recommend the same to anyone currently taking Levaquin. I can only hope that I do not suffer long term problems from the three doses of Levaquin I have already taken.

48. Comment by Ed on 5 May 2009:

    I was prescribed Levaquin for a lung infection. I was warned by my sister that she had serious pain in her hands and wrists after taking levaquin. I consulted with my doctor again and she said not to worry because lots of people use it. So I started taking levaquin. After the third day, I stopped because of severe pains in my feet and hands. Since then, three months now, I continue to have pains in various places in the joints of my hands, feet, fingers, elbows, ankles, elbow. It moves around and might be one day the left elbow and right wrist. One day it might be right foot or both, or one finger joint or several. The pain seems to be in different places every day so far. Some days there is no pain but usually a little somewhere. At 58 I have never had any joint pain like this before. It seems to all be associated with taking levaquin 3 months ago.

49. Comment by Janet on 5 May 2009:

    I was given a six week supply of Leviquin samples by a specialist for a severe sinus infection in late 2007. By the 4th week, I began experiencing a great deal of anxiety and chalked it up to stress at work. By the 5th week, the anxiety was cause for alarm and I started to experience pain in the joints between my thumb and my wrist of both hands. I stopped the Leviquin and told the specialist about the anxiety which was the only symptom I attributed, at that time, to the Leviquin. A month later, I went to my family doctor specifically because the pain in the thumb joints had dramatically increased. He told me it was arthritis. The consistency of the pain subsided after about four months, but it “comes and goes” with the pain radiating to my index finger joint and also down past my wrist, which is at times feels like a dull, persistent tooth ache. When using my left hand in using tools or picking up a gallon of milk, I do not have the maneuverability and the pain causes me to use the other hand or change how I am using an implement. I had never had any problem, whatsoever, with my thumbs, joints of my hand or wrists prior to the 5th week of Leviquin use.

50. Comment by Kay on 6 May 2009:

    I was prescriped Leviquin for a Sinus infection. I started seeing foot doctors when my heal pain became so unbearable i could not walk.
    My X-rays showed my AchillesTendons were the consistancy of chalk & could snap at any time. My right foot did 3 months ago.
    There is no pain comparable to having your Achilles Tendon snap. Doctors had to remove 6 inches of my tendon.
    I have the same problem with my left Achillies. The pain is so unbarable i am afraid it is going to snap at anytime too.

51. Comment by IVAN on 8 May 2009:

    FROM ONTARIO CANADA BOTH SHOULDERS TENDONITIS.CANT SLEEP ON EIHTER SIDE .ACHING BONES THROUGHOUT MY BODY.I USE TO SWIM EVERYDAY TO KEEP HEALTHY.HAD A DIABETIC ULCER ON FOOT WAS PRESCRIBED CIPRO ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS.THESE ARE THE RESULTS.PAIN PILLS DONT EVEN HELP.

52. Comment by KEITH on 9 May 2009:

    I was prescribed Levaquin (750mg) by my doctor three days ago for what he thought was bronchitis. I immediately started with it that day and again yesterday. I’m a avid runner (50, Healthy & Active) and I went running,(5-6 times/ week). I was only out for 15 min. ( typical 35:00/time) my calf muscles began to severly cramp I needed to stop & walk (highly unusual). It has now been ~24 hours and I still can hardly walk. Based on what I’ve read (thanks to all), I will discontinue and call my doctor to advise him of my situation. Hopefully the severe calf cramps will go away.

53. Comment by Glenn on 10 May 2009:

    Wish I head read about this drug before taking it!
    Was prescribed 750mg of Leviquin once a day for 7 days for Diverticulitis.
    Day 1 felt OK, but after second pill something did not seem right. After day 3, felt like I was going to die.
    I stopped taking the Leviquin, and have only gotten worse.
    I am 45 professional airline pilot in great shape, and good health. I rely so much on exercise to keep
    myself in good shape for my job, and now I wonder if this stuff will be a career ender.
    I have excruciating pain in my left shoulder joint, can barley lift my arm. Stabbing pain behind my left eye, and pains
    in my thumb joints ankle, and knees. My hands tingle and go Numb, and everyday seems to get worse.
    If your thinking about taking this STOP and run the other direction. Wish I had.

54. Comment by mary on 10 May 2009:

    Tendon rupture, severe pain, and many of the other symptoms listed are also symptoms of fluoride poisoning, and Levaquin is loaded with fluoride. Most practitioners in the US are not trained to diagnose fluoride poisoning. When I phoned the manufacturer of Levaquin and asked their “medical specialist” and chemists how much of the fluoride was bioavailable after one dose, they did not know. Cipro also contains large amounts of fluoride.

55. Comment by Terry on 12 May 2009:

    I have diverticulitis. I have suffered with this for over 10 years. Periodically I will have a recurring infection in this part of my colon. Each time I am given Levequin and Flagyl together. These are always given in a powerful dosage. I have recently had a severe tendon tear in my left forarm. This was very painful and almost required surgery. I also have severe pain in my left hip, both shoulders, left leg and left foot. I never have a good nights sleep and just feel terrible all the time. I am finally happy to know what the problem is so that I can take measures to help with problems. I hope you are able to win this lawsuit and help take care of all the patients that have been caused severe pain and discomfort.

56. Comment by Barbara on 14 May 2009:

    I was introduced to levaquin in1993. I was hospitalized with type A influenza with double pnemonia. I had alot of respitory problems most of my life. After I started getting sick alot in the later 90’s I was put on levaquin either in the hospital with IV or at home and may I add this happened quite frequently. I was also given predizone along with the levaquin. I was diagnosed with tendonitis in my right elbow I believe in 1999. Ater years of battling my respitory illnesses my PCP sent me to a Pulmonologist in 2001 who put me through a high revolution cat scan showing I had a lung desease called “Bronchieactasis” at the time was rare and not a whole lot was known about the desease, only that is was not reversable. My pulmanologist put me on a treatment that was the first 7 [seven] days of every month I was to take levaquin 500 mg to help keep down the infection in my lungs. I took it every month from 2001 until late 2005 and they changed me to avelox, but I was alergic to the antibiotic and could not take it. Since this time I have used levaquin sporadicaly and was told I had RA. I do not have RA but my hands are deformed due to torn tendons. Not only my hands but my ankles, knees, shoulders, neck hips, well pretty much my whole body suffers from severe pain. On a level of a 1-10 I would have to take my pain above that number. I was also diagnosed with tendonitis in my left elbow,recently. I suffer from numbness, tingling, and pain in my left arm. I can not walk in the mornings when I get up, I am 54 years old, but my quality of life has dwindled. I can not hold a coffee cup nor can I fully close my right hand or open it . What kind of company would not tell a person what they would have to face later in life just to take their product, another antibiotic would have sufficed. I knew the dangers and side affects of predizone and I accepted it. It was do or die in my case. Because of my lung desease I can not be put under for surgery and was told to pray I never need emergency surgery, due to the fact of getting off of the resperator. I feel cheated out of the quality I could of had in my life even with this lung desease. Now I face the pain of probably being in a wheelchair. I am not a satisfied person. I am suffering depression as well. We all must push on no matter what life throws at us and with the grace of God I will do so. I tahnk you for listening to a summary of my battle.

57. Comment by Elmer on 15 May 2009:

    I recently too have taken Leviquin, about 6 weeks ago, 750mg for 14 days. Tomorrow I will be having surgery on my left knee. I believe its a torn Meniscus. As I write this I have terrible pain both elbows, the right one I can’t even straighten. I will be seeing my DR ASAP for this, I have nausea, sweats and feel swollen in my joints and hands.

58. Comment by Patsie on 18 May 2009:

    I was prescribed leviquin about a month ago for double pneumonia in the upper and lower lobes of my right lung, and I lost 22 lbs. I am feeling fine and holding steady at 153 lbs.

59. Comment by Jane on 18 May 2009:

    I was prescribed Levaquin about a month ago for a UTI. I took three pills, one a day, the dosage being 250. I ache all over. I rarely take antibiotics or painkillers. 800 Mg of ibuprofin only takes the edge off.
    I normally have a high tolerance for pain, but this overall ache is constant and annoying. I asked my doctor for a penicillin derivative was told that it would not be effective. I was with Kaiser in California for 15 years, and that’s all they ever gave me – I would be done with the infection and back to normal right away.

    I have weird dreams, hallucinations, and had to change the musical tone on my phones because the song would replay in my head for hours. The first night I took it I heard heavy metal all night long.

    I read the materials before I took the med, but had previously been prescribed a med that I stopped after 3 days, and had refused to take Cipro. Next time I’ll be far more insistent on what I know works for me. Others tell me that their doctors resist the old-fashioned drugs, but if they work, and one doesn’t take meds very often – maybe once every 2-3 years, THERE IS NOT GOOD REASON to prescribe an experimental and very dangerous drug!

60. Comment by MAYRA on 22 May 2009:

    I WAS PRESCRIBED LEVAQUIN IN 2007-2008. ALL MY BODY START TO ACHE, FEELS LIKE NEEDLES ON MY HOLE BODY, I DIDN’T RESIST THE CLOTH THAT I HAVE ON. MY LEGS AND TONGE WERE SWOLEN, I FEEL A BURNING SENSATION ON MY BODY. MY EYE SIGHT WAS BLURRY AND I WAS EXTREMELY WEAK. IT WAS REALLY SCARY.

    THE SECOND DAY I WENT TO EMERGENCY I TOLD THEM THAT I SUSPECT A BAD REACTION FROM THE LEVAQUIN, MEDICATION THAT THEY GIVE ME FOR MY PNEUMONIA A FEW DAYS BEFORE. THEY LET ME IN THE HOSPITAL FOR A FEW DAYS AND I STAR TO FEEL BETTER WHEN THE MEDICATION WAS GETTING OUT OF MY SYSTEM. THEN THEY MAKE TE MISTAKE OF GIVING ME LEVAQUIN AGAIN. MY BODY START WITH THE BAD REACTION AGAIN. I WAS FEELING LIKE I WAS GOING TO DIE. THEN THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAVE A BAD REACTION TO LEVAQUIN AND TO NOT TAKE IT AGAIN IN MY LIFE.

    THEN A BIG PAIN ON MY FOOT START TO BATHER ME. MY LEGS WERE SWOLEN, I COULDN’T STAND UP WITHOUT THIS BIG AWFUL PAIN ON MY HEELS. I HAVE TO VISIT A FOOT SPECIALIST FEW TIMES. UNTIL NOW I STILL WITH THIS UNBEREABLE PAIN ON MY HEELS EVERY DAY. FOR MY SWOLEN LEGS THEY PRESCIBED ME SOME MEDICATION THAT I HAVE TO TAKE EVERY DAY. IS DESPERATE TO SEE THAT YOUR LIFE CHANGE IN A SECOND, I COULDN’T BE STANDING FOR LONG TIME, I COULDN’T DO THE THINGS THAT I DO BEFORE BECAUSE OF THIS PAIN.

61. Comment by James Bennett, MD on 28 May 2009:

    Can we hear from the dead patients whose tendons are intact? They’re not breathing but hey, they have healthy tendons!!!

    These lawsuits are similar to ambulance chasing over the deaths of people wearing seat belts. Seat belts, though they save far more than otherwise, occasionally can cause death. The ambulance chasers would love to get settlements from the seat belt makers for these deaths in spite of them actually saving thousands of lives on the whole.

    Levaquin is a great drug to use before the cultures come bach for respiratory infections. Do I tell patients we can use inferior drugs and that they may die with intact tendons? Or do patients want to actually survive their pneumonias and if a tendon tears, well at least they are alive! I would love to see a world without Levaquin and see thousands of patients die and then see what the government does. They pricks suing over tendon tears are the lowest scum on earth.

62. Comment by Bob on 2 June 2009:

    Several months ago I was prescribed levaquin when I was sick. Since then I have had a constant pain in my left hip and thigh making it hard to get up after sitting for a short period, not to mention when I drive anywhere, its pain to get out of the vehicle.

63. Comment by Kenya on 3 June 2009:

    In March of this year i consulted my doctor concerning an infection and was given Levaquin. Days after taking the drug, I would get out of the bed and would stumble because my leg would give out. It began to hurt and when I tried to walk it seemed to give out. I began to think that I needed to get a knee replacement. The pain got so bad that i began to take pain pills in order to sleep at night. I finally went to an orthopedic specialist and was told that my Patella muscle was very weak. I have very bad bruising on my thigh that has just appeared. i am a 37 year old female and i now walk as though i have severe arthritis. The pain is DEVASTATING

64. Comment by John on 9 June 2009:

    Took Levaquin for 7 days on doctors orders to treat shigalosis. By end of 7 day period, my right knee felt as if I had been hit with a baseball bat, it also hurt behind the knee, my right thigh hurt and throbbed like a toothache, my right ankle hurt and my entire leg was weak. I could hardly walk and climbing stairs out of the question. I also had much difficulty sleeping as I could not find a spot to lay that did not hurt. Dr. told me these symptoms were due to the infection and said my body created antibodies to combat the infection which then attacked my right leg. Dr. said I was a ‘textbook case.’ After reading all of this, however, I now wonder. While I can now walk again, but with some compensating, and to some extent climb stairs, my leg still hurts some and it is definitely weak. It has been no fun, fo sure!

65. Comment by Pam on 11 June 2009:

    I had taken Levaquin once and now I have chronic pain in my thumb, back of my legs and forearm pain. It never goes away and nothing seems to help.

66. Comment by Sheletha on 18 June 2009:

    I have suffered severe pain, tremors, and swelling in my right hand, arm, and foot after receiving Levaquin in 2 hospitals over the course of 15 days back in January 2009. They are also very weak and tired from shaking so badly. The pain is so severe that even 10mg Hydrocodone doesn’t help. I’ve quit taking that.

67. Comment by Frank H. on 25 June 2009:

    I was prescribed Leviquin for recurring sinus infections for the past 2yrs.Within the past 8months I’ve experienced excruciating pain on medial side of my left knee with an impaired ability to climb steps. On May 7,2009 I had arthroscopic surgery to remove a torn medial and lateral meniscus of my right knee. I still suffer excruciating pain at the posterior aspect of my rt. knee.

68. Comment by jimmy on 4 July 2009:

    I was given a 7 day prescrition of leviquin back in June 2007 for a respitory infection and eversince I have had nothing but pain in my shoulders and elbows. My doctor said that my job might have something to do with the pain but I have been doing the same work since 1997 and never had a problem until after taking this medicine because I havent taken anything since I took leniquin. I just wish I had been more informed about the side effects and I would have asked for something else.I am only 38 this is not right. Drug manufactures should have to do better testing before drugs like this hit the REAL WORLD. WHAT HAPPENED TO HUMANITY.

69. Comment by kathy on 17 July 2009:

    my Father was given Levaqiun orally and by IV upon being released from the hospital with swollen legs he developed redness then blisters, went back to the dr.’s nurse practitioner said it was an infection put back on levaquin, took to a local office and that doctor said what I had been saying it’s a drug reaction! finally!! back to the dr’s again, she ordered bactirm, she also said continue with Leavaquin, I stopped the Levaquin. Gave my Father 5 doses of bactrim! He fell one time to many and back to the hospital, where a rash developed on his stomach! over a month in 2 hospitals he is in a short term rehab nursing home.. Is there a lawyer that will file a lawsuit to help my Father??????????

70. Comment by Robin on 22 July 2009:

    In 2006 I had two lower back pain surgery while after I went home I contracted a infection in my incesion andI had to have another surgery then my Dr. put me on leavaquin and this is now 2009 and my whole body hurts everyday the Dr. keep on saying that it is fibromyalgia now my right thumb in the morning is jammed and I can’t get it to work until up in the day. The suffering with my back has cause me a lot of pain, infection, dieases it has even cause my immune system to get out of whack.If I can be compensated then so be it the makers of the medicicne should inform us of what we are taking.

71. Comment by Alan on 26 July 2009:

    I’ve taken Levaquin most recently for urinary tract infections, and possibly in the past for cellulitis infections in my legs (I would need to check with the hospital to be sure).
    Last spring, I tore my bicep at the elbow.

72. Comment by Ralph on 27 July 2009:

    I was given Levaquin 500 mg once daily for an infection. I took it for 3 days in the evenings. On the 3rd day, I was watching tv with my wife and suddently broke out in a sweat. I became nervous, my heart was racing. I couldn’t calm down. I did not sleep for over 24 hours, even when the symptoms faded. I began to notice that my hands, wrists, lower back, knees, ankles and toes had minor pain which at times can be more severe. I noticed as well that when I get up from sitting any length of time my knees are stiff and painful. I get burning sensations often. My doctors said that the effects would wear off in time. I called the FDA and they said that may not be the case and there was not a remedy to take that would help with these problems. I have always been active in the gym and now I have pain just lifting light things or typing. My feet and ankles ache when I walk or stand for a period of time. I have noticed that my right shoulder has pain and the outside of my right hand from the little finger down. I called the doctor who prescribed the medicine, but I really don’t think he knows what to do. I might add, I had tried Cipro for the same infection a couple of weeks earlier and it caused me to become dizzy and my vision blurry. I got off it right away and no further side effects. I found out from FDA that these medicines are related.
    I am not sure what to do.

73. Comment by Gary on 28 July 2009:

    I took Levaquin for over a year.(750 mg a week) from 2003-04. I’m at the point now that it hurt’s so bad just to walk, thumb joints hurt like my thumbs are out of socket. If I’m on my feet for long period’s of time it makes my legs hurt so bad that I can not stand it.When the pain is bad it feels like I’m trying to walk on broken ankles.

74. Comment by erica on 30 July 2009:

    I took levaquin for 7days for boils under my arms and i suffered from pain in both of my arms and i just felt heavy all over. when i get up in the morning i cant really walk and i’m 25 years old and i shouldnt be going through this

75. Comment by Kris on 30 July 2009:

    I could be the poster child for leaquin, I bet I have taken it at least 25 times, for chronic sinus infection. I loved it I thought it was magic, BUT I didnt know I would pay such a price for it. I was recently hospitalized with severe tonsilits and positive strep, I told the emergency Dr. that my body my muscles and joints and like spine were killing me ( pain I had been trying to fiqure out what hell came from) I had been to the ENT earlier that week and had told him about the pain and he ordered blood tests along with his order the emergency DR added some and they found potassium, vitamin D, magnesium, defiency. They put me on IVs and after 3 bags got my potassium up and taking large does of D, but I still have terrible pain, terrible 3 advil every 4 hours just takes the edge off. I am even getting expensive massages not helping. I am very active or was- also have 3 children under 10, I feel like I am 90, and now I think I know what the problem is-Levaquin, I am apalled that Johnson and Johnson would’nt label this properly, Dr.s like the one above who obviously has never taken Levaquin and experienced the wonderful adventures and new DR.s you meet! There are other medications to aid people in getting well, why is this and other drugs available w/o proper warnings- its wrong and all about $. I wish something will come of this just so other people can CHOOSE if they want to take the chance or not. Hopefully Dr.s like the one above realize compassion is part of his job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

76. Comment by Mary on 30 July 2009:

    I took Levaquin 500 mg.for kidney infection for ten days.it does keep you awake.but I took it July 9-18 2009 and now my left shoulder and both arms hurts so bad i have too take tylenol for pain every day now.

77. Comment by Laneka on 31 July 2009:

    I took Levaquin back in May of this year for only 3days (250mg) for a UTI and have recently had servere pain in my right hip that shoots down to my ankle. I don’t know if its from taking Levaquin or not…but I”m in my early 30’s and dont have any other issues…I’m not sure what to do!

78. Comment by Debbie on 2 August 2009:

    I was given Levaquin 750 mg on April 2 2009. Within two weeks my right thumb was snapping and then wouldnt bend, 2 more weeks the same thing happened to my right thumb. Then within a month and a half my brain started to go. I noticed something was very wrong when I started to make mistakes at work. I had not missed one day of work in 8 years and I have been healthy not even a cold. By the end of May I was experiencing Anxiety attacks which I never had before. My heart was racing and my moods were swinging big time. I had been rubbing my chest for a month now and thought I was having a heart attack. On June 2nd my heart rate was very high so I went to the Emergancy room. Beware…4 doctors did not listen to me or know about this drug. I was scared to death and thought I was going to die. I was having 48 hour anxiety attacks the levaquin depleated my potasium ( Hence the heart pain) I was given an IV after 10 hours in the ER then sent home. Next day I went to my doctor and he didnt catch on to the thumbs or the anxiety but did put me on an antidepressant …I am not depressed I thought. Next day the heart rate was high again and my doctor took off for the weekend Friday at noon so for the second time I went to the ER. This time was worse…the ER doctor said ER was for emergancys of life and death 2 times and then suggested a phyc. I have over $3,000. in bills now and still dont know what was wrong but had a good idea it was due to the Levaquin.I also went 14 days without sleep. Major anxiety now and I was talking to everyone who would listen …thank god to a client whos husband was a doctor. They listen and read the Levaquin site and drove down to me with a bottle of Chelated Magnesium/ Mag Glycinate. He also told me what was going on and not to go to the ER anymore. It was like I was getting into car accidents all day long. He also told me to detox that the Levaquin was stored in my fat cells. Within two weeks my brain was getting better and I lost 20 pounds and have changed my whole life because I never want to experience those attacks again. My thumbs are still stiff and do not bend which makes it hard for me to do my job at work since I am a picture framer and need to use my hands. I have been using a sonic tooth brush on my thumbs hoping to get some movement back. Sometimes after doing it my thumbs start to snap again and I am hoping they will recover one day. It amazes me how 4 doctors didnt even look at my thumbs when I told them my symthoms and they didnt reconize a server anxiety attack. This drug should be taken off the market in my opinion.
    I have read over 100 peoples stories and I hope this will help some of them who think their life is ruined to recover …I feel detoxing is the key.

79. Comment by Christi on 2 August 2009:

    I took Levaquin in August 2006 for an infection I had during chemotherapy for breast cancer. I was also on a steroid (given because of the chemo). I understand that Levaquin’s tendon damage is increased when given with a steroid. Within a very short time on the Levaquin, I started having severe pain in my heel/achilles area. I talked to my oncologist about it and she insisted that the chemo didn’t cause it and that it wasn’t at all related to my treatment. Obviously it was. A few months ago, I stumbled on information which told me that Levaquine can cause these kinds of issues. I still have very severe problems and my walking is much impaired. It came on when I started taking Levaquin and has not gotten better. I have found some stretches to be helpful, as well as wearing certain shoes, but it is still unbearable most days. I am going to share this information with my oncologist, as this drug needs to NOT be given without proper warning, and certainly should not be given during chemo while also taking a steroid

80. Comment by Robert on 6 August 2009:

    I took Levaquin and now my girlfreind broke up with me and my dog pooped on the rug. I want to sue. Do i have a case?

81. Comment by Dan on 6 August 2009:

    The cold chill down my neck is caused by the realization this could explain a lot of what has been going on with me in the last 6 months. Over night seemingly I started to have hip pain, loss of flexibity in my muscles and sever pain in my right shoulder and mild pain in my left. I had been given two rounds of antibiotics to fight off a respitory infection. All of a sudden I started to have problems taking off my shirt, throwing anything, and finding many positions were I felt serious pain in my should/arm. I saw a physician friend of mine who told me it was time to get an mri, but to wait until I was ready to have surgery so they would not have to do another one later.

    The other accounts of what people have written seems to be the same thing I have gone through. I am 43 but I have had the pain in my hands, the snapping of my joints with almost every step along with the problems in my shoulder that apparently will take surgery to correct. I am all in on the law suit.

82. Comment by Janet on 9 August 2009:

    I took Levaquin for six days in March of 2009. In May I began feeling weak and began having sharp pain in various parts of the abdomen. I almost passed out twice when I had an abdomen “attack.” I had lethargy and brain fog. it grew to pain in and around the chest, around the lower ribs and lower back. I was diagnosed first with atrial fibriliation and later, with palpitations. I went from sitting on the couch all day, to laying on the couch as it was too painful to sit up for long.

    I had been exercising nine plus hours every week before this happened. I am a senior citizen and value a good diet and taking care of myself. My cholesterol is high, even though I eat food that is less than 100 miligrams of cholesterol a day, well below the required allowance. I get hot spells, similar to hot flashes off and on day and night. There were a number of other problems. I went from total workout freak to couch potato in about two months.

    I switched my drinking water to flouride-free water and that seems to have lessoned my problems enough to get me off that darn couch and I’m even doing some limited exercise. I have had several medical tests done and more anticipated so I still don’t have a concrete answer.

83. Comment by Ricky on 10 August 2009:

    I too was prescribed Levaquin on more than one occasion between 1997 and 2006, I ended up having to have shoulder surgery to correct a tear on the lining of my rotator cuff. p.s.shoulder surgeries are painful and have very uncomfortable recovery.

84. Comment by Ida on 10 August 2009:

    I took Levaquin lots of time I never knew where all of these strange things were coming from the muscles twitching, soreness ,

85. Comment by Pam on 13 August 2009:

    I took Levaquin beginning August 3-750 mg and for the next three days- 500 mg. On the second day I experienced back and knee pain. The pain was so bad that I called my pharmist to find out if any of the meds the doctor gave me in the office could be causing my problem. I was advised to stop this medicine immediately. I wish I would have read all the comments before taking this medication. Apparently not even the medical community has been informed of all the potental side-effects that this drug can cause or else the warning is not strong enough to prevent people from using this terrible drug. Something must be done to take this medication off the market!

86. Comment by EDWARD on 15 August 2009:

    I took levaquin in dec08 jan09 and my knees went out i couldnt walk and my god the pain .i went to 3 hospitals in march and was given cortison and seravent injections .last week i quit my job and filed for disability .i get 203 dollars a month 140foodstamps i am 50 male and i am about to be homeless .the doctor wants to replace my knees .i just figured this out about cipro and levaquin being what caused this.there going to take out my left knee in 3 wks but ive been telling doctor its muscels relaterd and that if it was my knees it would have hurt along time ago it come upon me in winter when i was laid off in winter i need a lawyer im in rochester minn i need a doctors second opiniopn i need a home im on dilada 4mg every 3 hrs and fantenaL .I WANT TO DIE THE PAIN IS SO BAD I TOOK MY GUNS TO MY FRIENDS AND TOLD HIM TO THROW THEM AWAY AS IT WOULD BE EASIER TO KILL MY SELF THAN THIS HAS RUINED MY LIFE I LOST A GOOD JOB NOW IM LOSING MY APARTMENT FOOD STA,MPS IM TO PROUD FOR THIS AND IVE ALWAYS WORKED .I NEED HELP I CANT GO ON EVERYTHING IS PAIN PAIN PAIN THEY GOING TO REPLACE MY KNEE REAL SOON I KNOW LEVAQUIN AND CIPRO DID THIS I WAS IN THE BEST SHAPE OF MY LIFE UNTIL I TOOK THOSE DRUGS HELP ME ED K ROCHESTER MN

87. Comment by Lori on 18 August 2009:

    I was given Levaquin on April 4, 2005 while in hospital for kidney infection, in a matter of a few hours I had a hand and arm 4 times it’s normal size, blood clots and severe pain. Since that day I’ve been to so many doctors and finally diagnosed with RSD due to the reaction thru the IV of Levaquin. I now go to a pain management specialist every month, take 180 tablets of Norco every month to be able to function at a minimal level. Every 4 to 6 months I have to have stellegate ganglion nerve blocks to control the pain. I am 44 yrs old and it appears this is going to be a problem for the rest of my life. I am mad as heck about it too. The manufacturer should not be allowed to sell this product.

88. Comment by William on 18 August 2009:

    Anyone heard of this connection to levaquin? After prostate cancer surgery I had trouble urinating after my Foley catheter was removed. Doc thought it might be the result of an infection and put me on 5 days of levaquin. After several days I lost most of my bladder control. Just wondering if it can screw up tendons, can it possibly screw up the nerves associated with shutting off urine flow.Standing by with a good supply of Depends, and waiting for any feedback from the forum. Bill

89. Comment by Patricia on 18 August 2009:

    I took Levaquin in April of 2008, in June suffered with knee tendonitis, in September was diagnosed with rotator cuff tear, received cortisone shots, then an MRI showed complete tear, had surgery in January, six months of PT, and now have plantar fascitis so bad I cannot walk on my foot……..LEVAQUIN……..

90. Comment by Ellen on 18 August 2009:

    Jan. of 2008 I was given Levaquin 500 mil.Around the end of Feb. while going down the stairs at work my left knee gave out and I had a Meniscal tear of my left knee. I had surgery the end of May the same year and had 30% of my meniscal removed.I now have pain every day and with my job Iam required to walk alot.

91. Comment by Rasheeda on 20 August 2009:

    I am 24 years old and I have been prescribed levaquin several times. In the past years i was diagnosed with Achilles tendonitis. It is awful and i feel that I am too young to have these sort of problems.

92. Comment by Stanleigh on 21 August 2009:

    I am a 78 year old man in generally good health. I was scheduled for surgery to deal with a torn supraspinatus ligament in my left shoulder on 14 November 2008. I developed, sometime around the end of October 2008, a respiratory ailment that may have been sinusitis–a good deal of phlegm, nasal discharge, etc.–and my orthopedic physician told me that I would have to postpone the surgery if the disorder were not corrected beforehand (potential problems with the delivery of the anesthesia during the operation). I consulted with my primary care physician, who prescribed 5 Levaquin pills (750 mg.) to be taken one per day from 5 November 2008. After the first couple of pills I experienced severe swelling and pain in my Achilles tendons, but I continued the treatment for the prescribed 5 days. The medication was effective against the respiratory infection but my Achilles tendons were swollen and painful on the day of the operation and for many weeks thereafter, and my right Achilles tendon developed a large knot which is still present as of this writing (21 August 2009). Because of the swelling, pain and difficulty walking, I visited my primary care physician on 12 November and was advised to put ice on the tendon 3 times a day and stay off my feet as much as possible. The swelling eventually went down and I am able to walk, though with a slight limp. I am not sure if the limp is related to the Levaquin treatment. I am still unable to stand on tiptoe as a result of the Levaquin experience. I still have the box that the pills came in (a reminder to me never again to use this medication). The box has no warning of any kind about deleterious side affects, in spite of the fact that the pharmaceutical manufactuer was asked (requirted?) to include such warning back in July of 2008. I do not blame my primary care doctor for prescribing the drug, since it would appear that he was not aware of associated problems, and he has been on all other occasions a caring and competent physician. I do, however, feel that the manufacturer, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Inc., was negligent in failing to provide warning of the serious side affects of the drug, even after ample evidence had become available of such problems, and for failing to follow government orders to label the medication accordingly, even though such orders had been issued to the company at least 4 months prior to my own use of the drug. I might add that the drug was not on the formulary for my health insurance plan and I had to pay out of pocket $114.00 for the five pills issued to me. It would seem to me that the drug company was much more interested in the not inconsiderable profits to be gained from the sale of so defective a drug than in protecting the public from the known negative side affects. Given the adverse notoriety that this drug has received, I would hope that physicians would be diligent in informing patients of the risks they take with this drug, and perhaps seek to use different and less damaging medications.

93. Comment by Megan on 23 August 2009:

    John, from October, 2008. I have no idea why you were perscribed such an immense amount of antibotic from any doctor that actually has a license and practices medicine anything on the globe. Now, if you read the directions, IT KILLS ANTHRAX. That is the first sign that should have given you a clue of how strong it was. Next, It I eat, Drink, take a over the counter drug, or perscription drug, and feel bad after 2 hours, I immediately stop taking the food, drink, drug, and call poison control if i feel that bad and call 911. It only can be perscribed for 28 days. Who was your special doctor giving five years worth of antibotics. And if it didn’t work maybe you should have asked for a second opion. Next time be careful –PEOPLE OVERDOSE!!!!!!!!!

94. Comment by Kay on 24 August 2009:

    I recently found out about the side effects of Levequin. I had tests run on pain in my shoulder and it was diagnosed as bursitis and the doctor gave me a cortisone shot in my shoulder socket it has helped a little. I’ve been going to a massage therapist and chiropractor also to help with the pain. I took Levequin in January 2009 and the shoulder pain started not long after that. I recently contacted my pharmacy to see if I had taken Levequin before that, considering I had to quit my job after I developed pain and tendon problems in my wrist in 2005 after being on an antibiotic. I have had pain in tendons and muscles for years and now wonder if all of this was from antibiotics prescribed for UTI’s I had over the years. I am waiting on the information on the pharmacy and will be contacting an attorney soon.

95. Comment by Autumn on 24 August 2009:

    I took cipro back in november after having an emergency surgery. Since then, I have had two torn achilles tendons, and constant tears in the tendons in my feet. I thought maybe I was overdoing it between work and working out, I never would have linked it to an antibiotic! I have been in constant pain since mid November, and I’m not sure how to deal with the pain since I wont take pain pills. My orthopedic doctor has put me in a walking/soft cast, but it doesn’t seem to help. I was begining to feel like a hyprchandriac, and getting anxiety from trying to go to work in so much pain.

96. Comment by Diana on 25 August 2009:

    I took Levaquin in Feb. 2009 for 3 wks. for a kidney infection. I noticed shortly after finishing the meds. that my arm hurt. The Dr. said I had Burcitis in my shoulder, Tendonitis in my elbow, and arthritis in my hands. I think it’s all related to Levaquin. I read the side effects about tendon tears when I got the meds., but I didn’t have any problems until afterwards. I’m an artist, and I can hardly paint because of the elbow pain. That sucks! Take this off the market.

97. Comment by travis on 25 August 2009:

    In october of ‘08 I had a cryogenic procedure for renal carcinoma. The procedure opened issues such as adhesions from 3 months of radiation treatment for prostate cancer in 1997. I have had 3 surgerys since the original renal carcinoma to correct urinary problems being blamed on the 1997 prostate treatment. I suspect I was given a Levaguin IV prior to each surgery, and a script for the oral version for 8 days after the last 3 procedures. My last surgery was in early June. I was given the Lev. iv and a script for an eight day oral doseage.
    About a month ago I began having pains in my upper left arm, very similar to those I suffered when I had my rotator cuff surg two years ago. on my right arm. I made an appt. with my Ortho. doc. He ordered x-rays and having not found anything abnormal he suggested I may have bursiitis. I’m 66 yrs. old and can accept that. Now I am having pains in both bi/tricepts, and a periodic strong pain in my right elbow.
    I went to a chiropracter because I was suffering from severe aches over my right buttoks. Had sciatia problems over 20 yrs. ago and these pains are similar but don’t extend past my knees.
    My GP, whom I really like and trust, suggested I take ibuprofen and see what happens. It kinda works sometimes.

    Where can I find a source that can tell me:
    Is there a cure for this problem?
    Is this a long or short term problem?

98. Comment by Eric on 25 August 2009:

    I am currently on my fourth week of Levequin. No symptoms noted until week 3. I am getting cramps in both calves and both are constantly sore. I am finding it difficult to walk after sitting or getting out of vehicle after a 30 minute drive. Right shoulder also has a catch in it.
    Prior to being placed on Levequin (for serious ear infection) I was on cipro for 10 days.
    I called my doctor today to advise of the issue and was told to call back in the am

99. Comment by mike on 25 August 2009:

    4-2009 we started levequin, next mouth we were told cancer in the blood. the pain started in the lower legs ankles and needles in the ankle was told it was from the chemo but not for sure . now ankles are swollen more painful along with the feet. even with pain med and nerve med can barely walk. tinder to touch , along withlighting pain going up ankle to knee.

100. Comment by Ann on 26 August 2009:

     Took levaquin for a sinus infection in December of 2008. I am having surgery on Aug. 28th for a torn rotator cuff.

101. Comment by Lisa on 28 August 2009:

     I had an UTI and was prescribed Levaquin in July. I took it for 3 days before reading about this medication online. There were overwhelming comments stating that after the 3rd day, they began feeling tendon pain, usually in the achillies region. The morning of the 3rd day of my medication, I could hardly stand on my left foot. The back of my ankle hurt so bad! Now every morning I can barely walk on it. It’s stiff and it hurts. I discontinued the meds and contacted my doctor with what I read and what I was feeling.

102. Comment by Isela on 28 August 2009:

     I was prescribed Avalox for walking pneumonia in May. After a couple of days my inner forearms were swollen. I went to the doctor and she gave me a different type of antibiotic and that the swelling would go down. It’s been 3 months and my tendons hurt and are swollen.

103. Comment by frances on 30 August 2009:

     I was given levaquin IV and po three times over the period of one year for persistent pneumonia. I have recently suffered a rotator cuff tear with subsequent repair. I am unable to use my right arm for at least 8 weeks.

104. Comment by Tony on 31 August 2009:

     I was put on cipro in 2000 for a sinus infection. In 2001 my bicep tendon ruptured and I had surgery. I just thought it was a freak accident. I was also put on cipro in 2008 for a prostate infection. Just this July I ruptured my other bicep tendon and had to have surgery for the second time. I know now that it could not be a freak accident. The only problem with contacting the lawyers is that they will only take Levaquin cases and not cipro cases. Does anyone know why that is?

105. Comment by Rosa on 31 August 2009:

     I have lympedema in my left arm. In June 2009 my oncologist perscribed levaquin because the arm was somewhat red and he feared infection. I was to take one 500mg pill per day. The first day my left knee and left hip began hurting. On the second day the pain increased drastically. For several years I had occasionally experienced slight pain in these joints but nothing like this. Between about 12 noon and about 10:30 p.m. I took three Lortab 7.5 and two motrin seeking relief from the intense pain. Finally by about 11:00 p.m. I was able to go to sleep although still in a lot of pain. The next morning I went on line to research the side effects of levaquin because this was the only thing I could think of that was different. That was when I found that others have had experiences similar to mine. The printout I was given did have a warning about tendon problems but nothing that indicated the severity. When I informed my druggist of my reaction he seemed surprised. For four or five weeks the pain was very bad. It ihas gradually gotten better but I still have pain when I bend the knee and still walk with a limp. I only took two little pills and it caused me such pain. My sympathy and prayers go out to those whose pain and injuries may be permanent.

106. Comment by kevin on 3 September 2009:

     I was given Cipro many times for upper resp. infections. I was then given Levaquin, Jan 2004. I took it for a week and felt aweful to the point of laying on the floor next to the toilet (nausea and spinning sensations) after a week I went back to the DR and the infection had gotten worse!! He gave me Tamiflu and in 2 days I was working and felt great….Since then I have had nothing but trouble with my shoulder joints, major pain and my hands go numb when I talk on the phone for more than a few minutes. Twitching in my thumbs, I thought I had nerve damage from something else, now I am begining to wonder if it’s all tied together……..

107. Comment by Jean on 4 September 2009:

     In March of 2006 I was diagnosed with a bad sinus infection related to with inlammation around an old tooth extraction. Complicated. They put me on Keflex for 10 days, did nothing, then another 10, still no clearance; went to my own M.D. who prescribed Levaquin for 10 days. Said Keflex wouldn’t touch the infection I had. I felt nothing particular after the first round so she upped the mg to 750 and then I woke up in the middle of the night with my legs on fire. I was screaming with pain. I could not walk. Took time off work; had no idea it was an adverse drug reaction till I did some digging. I felt like the tendons in my legs/calves especially were going to burst. I had to return to work, but I was on crutches. An on call doc told me to get off the drug right away when I called, desperate for help. My own doc noted “reaction to quinolones”. That was over 3 years ago. I still have burning in my legs but not sure if it’s due to sciatica which came on in the last year, or tendon damage. In ‘06 I sent in a complaint to the FDA, advising a black box warning on this drug. Oddly enough, I finally went to an ENT about my sinus infection and he said he didn’t think I ever had one. Gotta love those docs, they know what they’re doing. They’re making their Porsche payments.

108. Comment by Dave on 4 September 2009:

     I am a professional driver and deliver fuel on a daily basis. This involves turning many handles and levers. I was prescribed Levaquin because I acquired a urinary tract infection from ‘holding it’ too long while in the truck. I never had a problem operating mly equipment until just after I took these medications. Now my elbows are both sore. I can’t hardly even lift a coffee cup without it hurting. I have to put it down. Its hard to steer too. Both of my feet go into spasms and the muscle cramps on the underside of my feet are unbearable. To the point of tears.

109. Comment by william on 6 September 2009:

     I had a sinus surgery over a year and a half ago. The doctor, Robert Adair, St. John’s Santa Monica, CA. I was put on Levaquin 500 for two months, was then told, its not working we need surgery. I did this. Never having a sinus proublem in my life, as a 65 mile a week runner, I did not want to have to stop something that is/was a large part of my life. I had the surgery! Still had difficulties, was then put on Levaquin 750 for another two months…this continued for the follwing year…YES, one year after my second surgery.

     Prior to surgery I worked out, was able to put 6 45 lb plates on a rack, with 2 25 lb and lift it with no proublem…after my suregery and Levaquin treatment, I can basicly do the bar, which is a bout 45lb. I am always in pain, 24/7 tell doctors this is what has happened after my surgery…they look at me…as if to say…Sure guy, I’m the Doctor, your not…so what do you know…

     I was on Levaquin 750 and Levaquin 500 for one year, on and off, but for one year.

     The pain I have is very difficult.

     PS I am educated, a screen writer with major films and I need some help with this.

110. Comment by Cory on 8 September 2009:

     First I will tell you that I am a 51 year old female in good physical health. I work full-time as an administrative assitant. I have been a part-time exercise/aerobics instructor for the past 6 years. Prior to that I was very fit and active throughout my adult life. Now I will also tell you that I truthfully can NOT remember that last time that I had a pain-free day.

     A few years ago I had been treated by my primary care physician for “chronic urinary tract infections” with Cipro and/or Levaquin. The antibiotics were typically not effective so, frustrated and in pain, I consulted a Urologist. In October of 2006 it was determined that I was not suffering from UTI’s but that I have a condition called Interstitial Cystitis (IC) – which does NOT respond to antibiotic therapy. I began receiving DMSO treatments to manage the IC pain. These treatments involve the insertion of medication through a catheter into the bladder. AFter each treatment I was given a “prophylaxis” (2 pills) of Cipro because of the risk of infection from the catheter. I have been receiving these treatments (1X a week for 6 weeks every 3-6 months for the last 3 years

     During all this I began experiencing pain in my left hip that increased in severity over several months. In December of 2007 after consulting an orthopedic surgeon I had hip surgery for a Labral Tear. Since then I have had 2 more surgeries – May 21, 2009 for a Medial Miniscus tear of the left knee and Jun 8, 2009 for a ganglion cyst removal on my left wrist. The cyst originalted from the tendon that controls movement of my left ring finger.

     Just recently, on August 27th, I went to my doctor because of a sinus infection and was prescribed Levaquin. Within 24 hours of the first dose I had to leave work early with stomach upset and a pounding headache – neither of which I had experienced from the sinusitis itself. By the second day I began having pain in my right elbow which puzzled me as I hadn’t done anything to injure it nor did I do any repetitve motion type of activity typically associated with tendonitis. .The knee that I had surgery on also began to have posterior pain. But my sinusitis was improving so I kept taking the Levaquin as prescribed. After work on day six I was in line at a store and I started feeling dizzy, nauseous, and shaky. I left the store and barely made it home before I began vomiting. I was in bed the remainder of the night. I stopped taking the Levaquin that day.

     Since then I have also began feeling pain and stiffness in my right shoulder and neck. I am still experiencing pain in my right elbow to the point that I can’t even lift my coffee cup without discomfort. I can’t even answer the telephone with my right hand.

     I would not have connected Levaquin with any of this had I not spoken with my boyfriend’s sister who is an RN. I mentioned that I became sick from taking Levaquin and she told me NOT to take it again advised me to research it online for side effects. I’m not sure if I what I have experienced places me in the “lawsuit” category. Just reading the testimonials of others in similar situations makes me realize that I’m not alone and I’m not crazy. Good luck to you all….

111. Comment by LELAND on 11 September 2009:

     I SUSPECT THIS DRUG GAVE ME A SEVERE FUNGUS OR YEAST INFECTION , ALSO SEVERE LEG CRAMPS AT NIGHT AFTER TAKING IT AND NOW NUMBNESS IN MY RIGHT THIGH FROM THE HIP TO THE RIGHT KNEE SO FAR ! ALL OF WHICH IS STILL ON GOING 4 WEEKS AFTER TREATMENT OF ONLY 7 PILLS ! DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION , READ ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS

112. Comment by Alan on 15 September 2009:

     I a very healthy person until about 3 years ago. I would run about 10 miles a week and bike about 50 miles a week. I started taking oral levaquin for Upper respiratory infections about that time. I have since had 4 surgeries. On my elbow, foot and bilateral shoulers. Currently I am no better. I didn’t realize that it was the levaquin until about 6 months ago I developed severe posterior tibial tendonitis 1 week after a dose of levaquin. I am still in a walking boot and still have bilateral shoulder pain. I have treated symptoms with NSAIDS, Ice, heat, Ionophoresis, P.T., Platlet rich plasma injections, Steriods. I read alot about Leqoquin induced tendonitis, but nothing about what causes it or what treatment works. Is there a specialist that has any knowledge how to treat it or what my prognosis is?

113. Comment by Heather on 15 September 2009:

     My father has taken Levaquin for numerous infections over the past few years and today he had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. When the injury occurred he was doing a normal every day work activity that still puzzles us as to how it damaged his shoulder. Perhaps we have found the answer.

114. Comment by Lisa on 16 September 2009:

     I have had chronic sinusitis for as long as I can remember and have been prescribed Levequin and other antibiotics (ones that have been pulled due to people having liver failure) several times. I have bad knees, bad tendons in my elbows plus most recently have found out that I have deteration of the ball and joint in my shoulder, arthiritis, you name it. My shoulder is trashed and I am only 35, I always thought it was because I had played and worked hard when I was younger but now expecially with my shoulder I feel more like 50 years old. I was told the only thing that is keeping me from being a canidate for shoulder replacement at this point is my age. I normally don’t look into these things but with the amount of antibotics I have taken in my life I guess it’s time.

115. Comment by Yolanda on 17 September 2009:

     My husband was given a 7 day prescription for 500mg’s of Levaquin per day. About a week after he stopped taking this medicine he started complaining about severe stabbing pains in his foot and ankle. Then it got worse and he said it felt like he had pulled a muscle or something in his leg(same leg as foot). Within a month’s time after taking Levaquin, the pain was so bad for him that he was taking 2-3 750mg Vicodin’s per day, and some days he would take a Aleve in between. He was given the medication around the 26th of May. The second week in July while in a park at a family reunion, he was walking and a pain hit him in the ankle and heel area of the foot that caused him to fall. After wrapping and soaking in Epson salt for several days he got no relief. I finally got him to go to the Dr. After about 2-3 weeks of x-ray’s, MRI’s and pain med’s,they discovered that he had a torn tendon. He was referred to a surgeon. The surgeon wanted to do surgery to repair the tendon. Unfortunately, he told my husband that because he had Polio as a child and had numerous surgeries on the other leg he would make that his last resort. My husband loss all the muscle, some bone, and lenght to the opposite leg. He cannot support his weight on that leg. The foot is 4 sizes smaller due to the extensive damage from Polio. So he is wearing a boot, and uses 2 crutches to walk at the present time. The Dr. say’s he take a greater chance of never walking if he does surgery, so he trying to see if the tendon can somewhat repair itself by being immobilized. He will be put in a cast for approximately six months to a year, if the tendon show’s no sign of repair in the next month. From the age of 2 until age 11, my husband could not walk. He was in wheel chairs, braces, crutches, etc……. Can you imagine how he feel to overcome that obstacle, only to be given something that is supposed to help him. And later find out that life and prescribed medicine has taken him back to age 2. I have tears in my eyes as I type this. My only suggestion for all who are having problem’s behind this is::: Say a prayer for all of those who are struggling to over come this, and most of all say a prayer for yourself.

116. Comment by Cindy C, on 21 September 2009:

     I have panic attacks also. I have M.S. and no one in my family history has ever had it. I can only remember taking this drug once. I am having heart problems now on top of every thing else and am going to a doctor because of it. have not been told yet what is going on with my heart .

117. Comment by Emma on 21 September 2009:

     I took levequin (750 mg) for a month and now I have a weakness in the rear knee-bend. My walking gait is hesitated from the weakness in the back of my leg.

118. Comment by Anthony on 22 September 2009:

     I have been prescribed levaquin on numerous occasions by my doctor and have what seemed to be a gradual development of pain in my neck, shoulders , arms, knees and ankles. Today, the pain is so severe at times, I have great difficulty even dressing myself. I am only 47.

119. Comment by Kay on 24 September 2009:

     ****update**** I wrote a comment in August 09. I received a list of prescriptions from Walgreens for the last 8 years. I took Cipro 8 years ago and after that was when I was told I had rheumatoid arthritis. I was having pain issues in almost all of my joints at that time. Then 4 years ago I quit my part time job because of joint pain and swelling in my wrist. That was right after taking Levequin for the first time. And then after taking Levequin in January this year, I started with pain in my left shoulder and now am getting it in right shoulder. I can barely lift my arms up. I’ve been avoiding pain killers and going to a chiropractor and getting massage therapy. My insurance company is now questioning all of the doctor visits. I am in pain in most of my joints. My wrists and shoulders being the worst. I went to a rheumatologist in June and after 7 years of being told by GP’s that I had rheumatoid arthritis, she says I don’t. I think it all started well over 7 years ago with antibiotics….

120. Comment by d hamilton on 26 September 2009:

     was given large doses for infection after thyroid surgery, as much as 45 days in a row.Now suffer from archilles tendon injury and had to have surgery on tendons in right elbow.

121. Comment by Dawn on 27 September 2009:

     I am a 47 year old female who was hospitalized on 7-9-09 due to a bout of colitis. I was given Levaquin intravenously for 5 days and then took it orally for another 2 weeks before I found out that I was allergic to it. I was in so much pain that I could not even walk. I felt like I was 10 years old and in constant pain. Upon an exam with my primary doctor pinched my Achilles tendon (and I came off the exam table due to the pain), he told me to discontinue taking the levaquin and I started me on Prednisone (a steroid). After about a 15days taking the steroid, the pain went away….., only to returned about two weeks later. I then went back to my primary physician who gave me another prescription for Prednisone but told me not took take it very long because it was a very strong steroid. I’m going back next week as the pain is strong enough now that I might have to be referred to a pain specialist.

122. Comment by Sandra on 1 October 2009:

     I had a severe upper respiratory infection in December 2007, carrying into January 2008. At the second visit to Urgent Care, the doctor put me on 750 mg Levaquin for seven days. After taking it I experienced severe shoulder pain, also a lot of trouble with elbows. I, like many others here, could not even lift a gallon of milk. I have always been strong and healthry previously. Toward the summer of 2008, I began to have severe heel pain, starting in the right foot, then the left foot. I quit my job in Sept 2008, due to this condition. I couldn’t believe what was happening to me, it was like I had become handicapped at 44 years of age. I was watching television this week and saw an ad talking about law suits due to damage caused by Levaquin. I told my husband I was sure that was what Urgent Care prescribed for me. I keep medical documents in my records so I went through it and there it was. 750 mg of Levaquin. Since then my life has been of poor quailty, unable to attend so many events because of the the damage to my tendon/heels. My husband ordered me a product called heel seats that you insert into your shoes, it has helped alleviate some of the pain.
     Levaquin is a very dangerous drug! I had a full and active life before I took this. People beware of Levaquin.

123. Comment by Bonnie on 3 October 2009:

     I had a severe Brconcial dease in 2005 I was given Levaquin for it.
     I had several reactions from it, My hears started ringing and they have not quit. I have been to hearing specialist .I have taken drugs just to keep sane because of the higpitch ringing everyday and night.
     I now have pain in my leg and have tendonitis . I have to go to PT every three days just to keep the pain away in my ankle and foot.
     I told my Dr. I did not have all this and people have told me Levaquin wasprobably the problem. I want to enter a lawsuit whenever I can .
     It has changed my life forever. Dr put on my records”allergic to Levaquin”.

124. Comment by Joyce on 7 October 2009:

     I am 62 years old with a husband who has lost his job, and a body that is failing me just when the stress in my life is greatest. My arm has been useless since taking the drug Levaquin last spring to fight an upper respiratory infection. Fianally, my orthopeadic surgeon ordered and MRi and there it was – a frayed tendon in my rotator cuff. After months of PT, I see very little progress and I am still in pain. My life has been turned upside down.

125. Comment by Christine H on 8 October 2009:

     Wow, I took Levaquin and within a month, both my feet hurt so bad. I eventually had to see a podiatrist who said that I had plantar faciitis in both feet and tarsal tunnel. I had to undergo a tarsal tunnel release on my right foot in May, 2008 because that was the worse one. I haven’t had the surgery on my left foot yet, but need to. Both my feet still hurt. Wish I had know that this was the cause and I could have told my doctor that I took Levaquin for an upper respritory infection.

126. Comment by Rick on 10 October 2009:

     I took levaquin 3 times by prescription and given samples also and had a severe bicep ruptured tendon in 2005. It took two hours to repair.

127. Comment by Leland M on 11 October 2009:

     I took Levaquin in October 2007 for the first time prior to a prostate biopsy I was undergoing. Even though I took the drug, I still got a severe infection which the doctors prescribed levaquin two more times and eventually required 6 months of intensive IV antibiotics, several surgeries and a/ot of pain and agony. I have suffered alot in the last two years, much like many of the comments I have read. I have to take Oxycotin to alleviate the pain. The doctors say I have permanent damage that cannot be repaired, so now my only optios are to take pain medication three times a day just to have some normalcy, even though I have not felt normal for a very long time. No-one wants to admit that the Levaquin actually caused the damage. It is one of those things that you know are true but you cannot prove it. The medical field is covering up for itself. Who is going to pay for the my permanent damage and the life change that I will have to suffer with until I die (I am only 50). I cannot do things that I used to be able to do because of the pain. My life has gotten almost unbearable at times, all for the monetary benefit of a drug company that knew caused permanent damage as is evidenced by the new required black box instructions. This was not required when I was given this drug. I am so angry, but know there is nothing I can do now but suffer in silence and be thankful that I have a neurologist that truely understands my pain and is not afraid to give me the pain medicine my life needs so desperately right now. I just can’t imagine being on pain medications for the rest of my life, but that is my new normal.

128. Comment by David on 13 October 2009:

     On 8/27/09 I was prescribed 500mg for 10 days to treat a sinus infection. After a few days I began to have severe pain in my
     left ankle, my calves, knee, fingers and wrist, forearms,elbow
     and shoulder. I thought I had strained myself, but when the pain
     got worse, and would not let me sleep I went to an orthopaedic
     surgeon who diagnosed tendinitis. He noted that It could be caused
     by levaquin and he put me on anti-inflammatory drugs. My calves feel like I was hit with a fast ball. I also have shooting pain and tingling in
     my hand and forearm so bad that I can’t hold a gallon of milk.I have
     another appointment in two weeks.

129. Comment by k arturi on 13 October 2009:

     I’ve taken levaquin on and off for years and this past year i had a knee problem and it was hard to walk and went to the doctor for the problem and went thru 6 weeks of therapy and it wasn’t getting any better .Finally i received a corisone shot and that helped . But i do suffer from severe anxiety and ache all over.

130. Comment by P. Lamb on 14 October 2009:

     I was not aware of any problems with Levaquin until I saw an ad on TV. However, since taking Levaquin back in 2007 and being in the hospital due to a severe sinus infection and given Levaquin intravenously, my pain quadrupled. I am a sign language interpreter, and thought my pain was an effect of over use syndrome. So, I stopped interpreting as much because at first I thought it was due to over use syndrome. But, the pain continued even after almost a year of rest. I have been to chiropractors and physical therapist to try and alleviate the pain, but have had no luck. They told me that I was suffering from what is called “frozen shoulders”. I have only about 50% of my range of motion. And I am concerned that I will loose more. No one has been able to tell me what caused this or even it there is a cure. It has been very frustrating because I have not felt any improvement. I don’t take pain killers, because I don’t want to get dependant. What can be done? Has anyone been able to get back to normal? Is this permanent? I can’t take the pain forever.

131. Comment by Laurie on 21 October 2009:

     I went to urgent care on Oct. 14, 2009 because I have a sebaceous cyst on my back that was infected and she prescribed me 750mg of Levaquin for 7 days. She said it was a very strong antibiotic that she normally takes for sinus infections.

     I took one pill and that night I had severe leg cramps, nightmares, hallucinations, stomach ache and fever chills. I went back the next day and I told her I absolutely would not take it anymore. She even tried to talk me into it??? I told her she can take it if she wants, but I certainly would not ever again take it. Esp. after reading the tendinitis reports. It says most over age 60 are more prone to it. BS!

     I’m also going to write my congresswoman to tell her to pass it around Congress to get them to ban this drug. I have no clue as to how it’s even approved by the FDA. Anyone that says they had no symptoms on it are either lying or it will be hitting them soon enough. Reports on this drug can take effect up to 2 yrs. after taking it.

     I’m totally disgusted and any prescription I am now given I google first and I have quite a few (including cholesterol meds) that are sitting in my cupboard.

     In case you weren’t aware – the #2 cause of death in the United States is from prescribed drugs. Yes, from our very own physicians on the payroll of most drug companies. Yes, what was it just a few years ago, sales alone on Levaquin were $2.3 billion!!!! I wonder how many doctors got kickbacks pertaining to Levaquin. From the pressure I got from the urgent care doctor that night I would say pretty heavily unless she’s trying to put a big dent in the population.

     For your own health and safety please make sure you do your homework first and trust no one when it comes to your health.

     It’s now Oct. 21st and my right tendon is killing me and I could hardly walk this morning when I got out of bed. I ONLY TOOK ONE PILL? I pray this goes away for good. I haven’t been able to attend the gym for my classes in two weeks because I just know that I will harm my legs or tendons due to this drug. I’m just so disguted. I’m beginning to think these doctors are buying their way thru medical school. “First do no harm?” I think they missed that class and forgot their oath!

     Laurie
     PA via NC

132. Comment by Ronnie on 27 October 2009:

     Im 45 years of age and I feel like I’m 90 since I’ve taken levaquin for infection and for colds since taking the medication I’ve noticed many symptoms such as trouble breathing, tingling in arms, hands,feet shoulder, knee pains also several headaches sometimes the headaches are so terrible that it affets my eye site, I have always been a enterjedic person with lots of energy but in the past and recent times I taking this medication I ‘ve noticed the change in my life and daily activities I deeply sorry for all the people that this Medication has affected and distroyed the life and fulture….

133. Comment by Patricia on 3 November 2009:

     I was taking levaquin for an upper respitory infection and while walking in my kitchen, my right leg collapsed, fortunately I caught myself on the counter before I fell to the floor. I was unable to walk for the rest of the day and needed crutches. On the 7th day, I called an orthopedic and had the knee xrayed. I now have a brace and need to ice the knee for another 7 dyas to see if it gets better. i have never had any problems before and it scares me that the above comments describe my situation to a “T”

134. Comment by Michele on 5 November 2009:

     I’ve lost a lot of use of my arms and legs and had been prescribed Levaquin 500mg dosage during 2007. I can walk very little and spend most of my mobile time either in my powerchair at home or scooter for grocery shopping and doctor appointments.

135. Comment by Carol on 8 November 2009:

     I was given levaquin IV for pneumonia for 3 days, after I came home from the hospital I took pills for 2 weeks. I started with severe leg and foot pain. My doctor told me to stop the medication. Now I have lower back, neck and shoulder pain. Some days I suffer from fatique. This medication should be taken off the market.

136. Comment by kevin on 11 November 2009:

     I was taken to the hospital Jan 21, 2008 because I fainted (for reasons that are not pertinent to this discussion). A cat scan revealed severe generalized sinusitis. (I had been sick for a week but thought I was almost over it.) I was prescribed Levaquin. I was playing tennis at the time for about 2 hours per week, and I pretty quickly developed “tennis elbow.” Although it has improved, I can still feel it when I move my arm (after having been still for a while). Of greater urgency though is the Apr 2009 appearance of “plantar fasciosis.” I still have it 7 months later. Could an Apr 2009 injury be caused by the Jan 2008 Levaquin. I love exercise, and this has put a severe cramp on my lifestyle. My father died at age 66 because of heart disease, and I want to stay active so that I don’t suffer the same fate. Has levaquin created a life-threatening situation for me?

137. Comment by Brittany on 12 November 2009:

     I was on it for a short period of time. I already had a tendon problem with my paroneal tendon in which I had surgery prior to taking the medicine. Now that same tendon is swollen up and it hurts to walk.

138. Comment by angie on 14 November 2009:

     i was given levequin and avelox repeatedly in 2005-2006 for chronic bronchitus and sinus infections…. at this point i went to having pain in most of my back and legs and feet… i did not equate these to the leviquin until i happend upon this formum looking for answers to why i keep having reccuring bouts with bronchitus and sinus infections.. in 2006 my primary doc put me on lortab 7.5 3 times aday for the pain then after a couple of months wanted me to see an orthopedic doc which i did… they couldnt find any direct cause of my pain other than disc degeneration in my back and joint inflamation in my knees… in late 2006 i took levequin and within ten mins of taing it i got nauseated and dizzy and went into having seizure type severe twitching which required ambulance transport to the hospital and required heavy dosages of anti seizure meds to get them to stop i was in horrible pain for muscle soreness from the muscle twitching for three days before i finally felt half way back to normal… well the er doc said they didnt know what caused it but told me to continue the leviquin after being released from the er…. which i did .. no more issues… then about four weeks later i got hit with a nother case of bronchitus and my primary doc prescribed another round of levequin.. again within ten mins of taking it same reaction as before another trip to the hospital by ambulance and this time the muscle twiching l asted almost two hrs from start till they finally got me stopped at the hospital.. i was kept that time for three days and the attending physician at the hospital told me that what had happend was i had had a grand mal seizure both times and that leviquin lowers your seizure threshold
     ( i have complex partial epilepsy but its well controlled with my seizure meds)so i was told never to take it or any quinolilone antibotics again.. i havent.. but i still have constant pain in my body from the back of my neck to my feet and migraines too…today three yrs later i now have been transfered to a pain managment specialist i am on lortab 10 five times a day as well as flexeril 10mg at nite and robaxin 4 times a day during the day and have epidural blocks every few months and i still live with pain.. i think i need to check to see if the pain issues i now have can be traced back to the taking the leviquin and avelox. anyone know where to start?

139. Comment by Karlynne on 14 November 2009:

     I just crawled out of the Swine Flu cave after 2weeks in bed. I decided to visit my doctor to see what damage if any this flu cased my body. He gave me Levaquin 500mg to take for 14 days. After reading this how could any doctor even consider this High Dollar ($50.00 co-pay) antibiotic? I am on pill #2 and a shore sholder! I survived the swine flu to only what die or become disabled over a tablet? I plan on having a talk with my pharmacict!

140. Comment by Diane on 17 November 2009:

     I was given Levaquin pneumonia, first by infusion in the hospital, then in pill form for a total of 3 weeks of treatment. No one told me about the side effects. I now have constant pain in my shoulders, hips and knees. When I wake up in the morning even my hands are stiff and sore. I have to hold on the the stair railing and the wall to make it down the stairs into the kitchen and living room. I am currently taking Tramadol and Norco for the pain but it doesn’t help much at all. I can no longer do many things I was able to do before the Levaquin therapy. Something should be done to get this drug off the market before it disables any more people.

141. Comment by JR on 18 November 2009:

     WHY are doctors prescribing Levaquin if it is not ABSOLUTELY a necessary? I was prescribed this drug without a blood test diagnosing anything, xrays that were non-conclusive of anything, and they give me a drug that caused tendonitis in my left elbow and left achillis tendon? All the doctors seem to be VERY aware of the risk (non that were given to me prior to taking it) and 7 days later BAMM, here are the conscequences! This drug should be taken off the market.

142. Comment by Charles on 22 November 2009:

     After taking Levaquin for general infection prevention after removal of my gallbladder, I suffered serious tendonitis in my peroneal tendon of my left ankile and also suffered the worst tendonitis of my right elbow imagineable. I am unable to play tennis but continue to try to make the tennis elbow go away. Neither injury is going away on its own or with therapy and total lack of playing any tennis at all. I may have to give up tennis forever. My arm feels as if something inside might break if I merely hit one forehand shot.

143. Comment by Suzie on 27 November 2009:

     I was prescribed Levaquin for a potential kidney stone/infection about 4 months ago. The first night of taking it I noticed that I felt like my eye on the right side and my jaw were puling and contracting. The meds worked for the “infection” however, now I am spending more time at the Dr.s office than at work.. I have severe, stabbing pain and tingling on the right side of my head and in my ear, so much that I had to get my hair cut very short, because I couldn’t comb it. The Dr.s have ran tests and found “nothing wrong”. I’ve seen an ENT who now is sending me to a neurologist. My other symptom is that I have such pain in my ankles and achileas tendin that I can’t make it down the stairs -without taking it one step at a time and turning sideways. I am thinking my suffering is due to taking the drug. I am still suffering with the pain and it is constant, somedays worse than others. I have been very upset because there is no diagnosis, as of yet.

144. Comment by John R. on 28 November 2009:

     I was prescribed Levaquin for a sinus infection a week ago. 5 pills one every 24 hours. The first day my heart was racing, the next day I woke up and my left cheek was swelled like a balloon. That night I took the scond pill and my mouth swelled up (the cheek was still swelled badly.)
     Next morning I noticed my eye was swelled up now and I was very dizzy. After just 2 pills! This was Thanksgiving and I ended up in ER. My pulse was extremely edangerously high as was my blood pressure, my face looked like a monster’s. The DR at the hospital told me to throw away Levaquin. Now as of today I am on another safer antibiotic, steroids and benedryl. My eye is still swollen but the check and mouth are down. My pulse/pressure is also down. But I am still having the racing heart off and on. The DR at the ER was surprised this was precribed for me initially for the sinitis instead of a more milder anti-biotics, and over the phone, without an exam. Stay away from this drug, it is life threatening.

145. Comment by Barbara on 29 November 2009:

     this drug almost killed me , i was so sick from it. had the side affects for many months of diahrea and feeling like i had the flu.

146. Comment by lee on 29 November 2009:

     I started taking levaquin on november 21st for a sinus infection and bronchitis. I began to notice twitching in my left leg and pain in my calves. also, I am extremely weah my muscles are sore and the joints in my fingers ache. Even the palms of my hands hurt. Can this be a result of levaquin? I have two more doses of 1000 mg. left to take.

147. Comment by Michelle on 29 November 2009:

     This medication was the only thing that helped my chronic sinusitis. Yes, I had some nervousness the first couple of days but was fine thereafter. I cannot take the 750 mg dosage as it causes severe nausea.

     My mother (who was 75 years old at the time) did rupture her achilles tendon shortly after being on this medication.

     I find that there are times when I read all the side effects of the medications that I start to feel some of those symptoms.

148. Comment by Ross on 10 December 2009:

     I was first given Levaquin for chronic sinusitis in Dec 2001 and then again in Feb 2002. About the same time, I started having severe pain in my joints. In April of 2002 I returned to the doctor with extreme pain in all of my joints and especially my shoulder. I was diagnosed with a rotator cuff injury and since have endured a total of three surgeries on both shoulders and one elbow surgery. I still live in constant pain despite the surgeriesand extensive physical therapy. My life went from being a very active, athletic person to a life of constant pain and depression. I have been forced to give up the things in life that I truly enjoyed.

149. Comment by Nancy on 10 December 2009:

     I had taken Levaquin for sinus infections. Last time in August of 2007, within 12 days I was DEAF in my left ear, has anyone heard of anyone losing their hearing after taking this drug?

150. Comment by frank on 10 December 2009:

     PLEASE—IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY AND YOU’RE NOT DEATHLY ILL WITH PNEUMONIA, DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG!!!!!

     I took two pills of Levaquin 500 mg for a mild UTI. Within a day, I had an excruciating headache. By day two, I had pains in my joints so I stopped taking it. ONLY TWO PILLS and what followed was:
     -joint aches and pains
     -insomnia
     -severe dry eye (ducts all dried up a week after taking this drug)
     -wandering and severe pain in my feet bones-on top of feet
     -weak and sprained-feeling ankles
     -shoulder pain
     -muscle weakness
     -caffeine intolerance–I can’t have ANY coffee; it keeps me up all night
     -impossible to exercise, run, jog, anything.

     Before I took this poison, I was going to the gym four times a week for high impact step aerobics. I am 38 years old and formerly, in perfect health. Two months later, I’m still experiencing many of the symptoms re: joints, tendons, dry eye, caffeine intolerance.

151. Comment by patricia on 14 December 2009:

     I too am having problems after taking this Levaquin 500mg for 5 days now ; I had a ear infection and found myself in the ER the doctor gave me one pill while I was there and a prescription; the ear infection is somewhat improved although it shouldve been gone by now . I am having incredible pain in my ankles my wrists and my knees. I have decided it was the antibiotic and looked for a “double blind study” for side effects on searching for this I came across this website. I only took the stuff for 5 days and I hope that therre are no long term side affects, I am also having nightmares at night which is not usual for me, dizziness,and nausea . About a year ago I had another infection in my sinus in which an antibiotic was prescribed the same day I was given a flu shot and a whooping cough shot I suffered joint pain at that time but thought it was due to the shot it took about 6 months to get over that one and this is exactly why I do not go to doctors, I will be checking to see if the medication I was given in may of last year is this antibiotic if so I know now never to let it be prescribed again although the ear infection is still there I will not be continuing on in the medicine I would rather suffer the pain in my ear than to suffer the pain I am having in my joints and in the back of my head . Its all about the all mighty dollar whatever happened to honesty from what I can see from reading all of your stories this has to been know about and that sucks! By the way I am 47 and somewhat healthy normally

152. Comment by DeBonne on 14 December 2009:

     The antibiotic Levaquin was prescribed by a physician in Bloomington, Il for a sinus infection I contracted in February 2009. I asked the nurse at the Prompt Care Health Center about the prescription strength of Levaquin, because I was more familiar with Zithromax used for treating sinus infections. The nurse had not informed me of the side effects of Levaquin. I experienced no side effects when I used Zithromax and my sinus infects were cured. On the first night I took Levaquin, I felt helpless laying in bed feeling as if seemed something had ripped through the muscles of my entire body. After taking the fifth of 5 Levaquin pills over the course of 5 days as instructed, I began to experience problems walking properly as my knees became swollen. All of a suden, I had probIems getting up from my desk in the office after sitting for more than an hour, walking down the stairs (I had to take the elevator), and getting into my car. This was the start of unforseen months of agony brought on Levaquin (some sort of myalgia). I was in a lot of pain for months and the doctors in Bloomfield, Illinois were helpless. I had MRIs performed on both knees and they revealed tears my knees, I never had in my 48 years of age until I took Levaquin. I was hastily told by a prominent orthopedist from the area that I needed to do surgery (i.e within less than 24 hours of my discovery). What a jerk!. I consulted with another orthopedist who suggested I never needed surgery immediately. To this day, I still have problems with swelling in my knees and walking properly at times. This discomfort was brought on by taking Levaquin. What a gross discomfort. I have a question for Johnson & Johnson’s Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Who were the test subjects for this drug? Mice?

153. Comment by JOE on 19 December 2009:

     YESTERDAY! Im 45 years OLD I Was prescribed 750mg of Leviquin once a day for 7 days

     ::::::::::::::ONLY TOOK ONE PILL:::::::::::::::::::::

     ALL MY BODY START TO ACHE, FEELS LIKE NEEDLES ON MY HOLE BODY, I DIDN’T RESIST THE CLOTH THAT I HAVE ON. MY LEGS AND TONGE WERE SWOLEN, I FEEL A BURNING SENSATION ON MY BODY. MY EYE SIGHT WAS BLURRY AND I WAS EXTREMELY WEAK. IT WAS REALLY SCARY.

     :::::::::::::::::::DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION:::::::::::::::::::::::::::

154. Comment by Leti on 19 December 2009:

     anyone with hip pain (mild, severe or otherwise) possibly associated w/Levaquin use as well? I’ve been rx’d this antibiotic numerous times and recently completed a 14-day course followed by hip pain for which I have seen a RA doc, my PCP and been in the ER.

155. Comment by stacy on 23 December 2009:

     I am on leviquin for the 3rd time in 3 months for sinus infections. This is the only antibotic that is working. The side effects were so bad that I had to take a day off inbetween each dosage. I don’t know if this caused the infection to remain or not. I had burning skin, rash and muscle pains like I had just spent a day moving heavy furniture or something.
     The only warning I have gotten is from 1 pharmacist the 1st time I got it and she said not to do any heavy lifting or exersizing as this could cause tendon rupture. On the bottle I got today from another pharmacy there was no warning and I didn’t even get a printout about the medication. If I were not suffering from a severe post surgical infection of the sinuses I would not take this drug.

156. Comment by JOAN on 29 December 2009:

     last month i took levaquin, for the 1st time,,,500mg for 7 days. for a sinus infection. about a week later, i had severe … .pains in the back of my heel. finally went to the orthopedic dr………..and mentioned to him,iwas getting over a sinus infection and took levaquin…… that was the starting of something unknown to me. as of now….i have a walking boot on, with severe tendonitis on the achellies tendon. have no idea when it is coming off……it is not any better……i got curious, when my drugest called ( 1st time in 20 years, to see how I was doing ) no black box warning on my pills. being a retired nurse,i got my wakeup call, the hard way.i can’t go work, untilthe dr. releases me.

157. Comment by Terresa on 29 December 2009:

     I have had problems in my left leg and knee server swelling in my knee. I will be having surgury due to this medication. There was no warning lable about tendon damage or I wouldn’t have take this stuff. I have trouble get up and in and out of a car. This has been a major handicap for me.

158. Comment by Terresa on 3 January 2010:

     Update on how sever the damage has become in lft knee from tendon damage as of today 01/03/2009 I got up this morning and my Knee was the size of 3 knees and my right knee has become to pain the same way I couldn’t get out of bed I needed help in doing everything today this is a total embrassment. Tell everyone not to take this drug it has destroyed my life. I’m just wondering how well this surgery is going help will they give something else that will create another problem for me or will this just worse.

159. Comment by Lori on 6 January 2010:

     I had know idea what has been causing pain in my shoulders, knees, and elbows until I read this blog. I have taken Levaquin off and on now for almost three years for sinus infections. Most recently following sinus surgery. It is a relief to make the connection between my pain and when I have been on Levaquin. I was starting to think that something else was going on. I am currently on Levaquin and have two pills left. I can barely get out of bed in the mornings for the shoulder pain on both sides. I am stopping now and when I see my doctor next week we will need to find an alternative antibiotic for my sinus infections.

160. Comment by Cynthia on 9 January 2010:

     There is all this talk about Levaquin but the legal profession is forgetting or turning a blind eye to those of us who have been affected by the newer fluoroquinolone, FACTIVE. I have been dealing with multiple system failures from this toxic drug that was given to me for sinusitis in 2008. I too had to have my rotator cuff repaired. It also torn my gastrocnemus muscle, caused diabetes, malabsorption, vitamin deficiencies, steven johnson syndrome, uclerated my intestine and much more. I’ve had multiple surgeries since 2008. But what about those of us who are dealing with the same harm by the hands of different drug companies like Oscient? In March, 2009, the US Supreme Court opened the door for the legal profession to go after the drug companies when it ruled in favor of a woman (Diane Levin) (Levin v. Wyeth) who sued Wyeth Pharmacutical for the loss of her arm when she reacted to a drug that did not warn about the adverse reaction that caused her to lose her arm. The Court held that the our founding forefathers never intended for the FDA to be the sole keeper our safety–that the drug companies, who in the past, enjoyed the protection of Federal Preemption, should be accountable for what they make. This was exciting news for those of us suffering from the toxic affects of these fluoroquinolones. Sadly, however, not all of the different drug companies have deep pockets, therefore, the legal profession only chooses to go after those they can make money off of. This is not justice, it simply is another way of making money on those of us who were harmed in the first place. So I ask myself “What is justice then?” Is it about helping those of us who have astronomical medical bills at the hands of the drug companies who make millions if not more from these drugs? Perhaps it is cheaper for the companies to just settle and continue to make more of these drugs. Did you know that 1/2 of all of the fluoroquinolones made since 1960 have been removed from the market because of toxic adverse reactions? That’s profound. But the question that begs an answer is, why are the drug companies allowed to continue to make more of these drugs in the first place? The answer use to be that the drug companies were not accountable but the LEVIN case should have changed that for those of us who suffer. Again, sadly it did not because the legal profession is not going after all the different companies who make these drugs, they only go after those who they can make money off of and because of that, these other companies will continue make more of these toxic drugs and simply call them by a different name. The golden lesson learned from all of this for me is to not trust the medical profession since their glass ceiling is shatterproof and they all band together so tightly like the gentleman who wrote about covered wagons circling together to win the fight. We don’t have a chance unless the legal profession takes on the giants but if there is no money in it, then we lose–sad for those of us who did not take Levaquin but took FACTIVE–we are the ones who have been harmed twice, first by the drug, then by the legal profession who fails to go after ALL the companies who made the fluoroquinolones.

161. Comment by Randall on 13 January 2010:

     At age 46, I didn’t connect the relationship between this drug and my Four joint surgeries, planar facitis, and permanently loose joints until reading several postings tonight, but I now believe there is one.

162. Comment by Cancer Patient on 16 January 2010:

     I took Levaquin on and off for months to fight infections from chemotherapy and many surgeries. Both the tendons around my knees are shot. Every tendon is my body is inflamed. This is two years after the medication.
     The infections would have killed me so, I guess this side effect is not so bad.

163. Comment by Susanna on 18 January 2010:

     I had a nasty UTI and was placed on I believe 750MG Levaquin for 21 days. I developped severe pain from top to toe. My husband and I asked our Uro Doc. if this could be related to the Levaquin. He said right away “Impossible”. So we let it slide. IF he had paid attention or heed to the pain I described he at least could’ve had it flagged in my file. He didn’t. because of that I have been on Cipro (same family) for extended periods of time. Now mind youI am a quilter. I also have ALWAYS done Pilates exercise on a DAILY basis for about 12 years. I also have trained for the 60 mile (3 day) breast cancer walk, and have been able to easily walk 10 miles a day. I used to ski and body surf in the ocean.

     So I had 2 surgeries last year, non related. I gave my body ample time to recover. I did fine and everything healed great.

     My body can not handle most narcotics. I have a choice, be in pain or puke my guts out, even while taking antiemetics. Last Thursday I again tried to get back into my exercises. Some how I have not been able to do my normal Pilates exercises anymore, so I got myself a Wii Fit+. Pain, PAIN and 100 times more PIAN. Okay, lets try to just get back into walking. Walked 1 or 2 miles, easy pace. I have been in Pain since Last week Thursday SO bad that I had to take 1 Norco every 4 hours and all I could stomach with that was 12.5mg Phenergan per 12 hours. besides that all I ate was whole wheat crackers and 7UP. Liquid vitamins and minerals and electrolytes. I’m an LVN (Hospice nurse for 20 years), so I do know how to take propper care of my body.

     I am not only furious with the makers of this drug, but I am also extremely MAD at my URO Doc. who acted so ignorant.

     First of all I would LOVE this product be taken OFF the market. Black warning is the LEAST they could do.

     Next I want to know if I would be financially better off to hire my own lawyer to sui not only the makers of this drug but also to go after this idiot of a Uro Doc. of mine.

     Since I was born and raised in Holland I’m not for frivoloud lawsuits, on top of that as a nurse you do have a better understanding about mistakes made UNintentionally.

     But this Levaquin has ruined my LIFE.

164. Comment by laura on 27 January 2010:

     I was in the hospital in 2001 in intensive care due to an infection from a surgery and was given extreme doses of Levaquin. The following year I thought I had broken my collar bones because of the severe pain that i felt, and to find out it was bilateral bicept tendonitis in both shoulders with bloody fluid and bursitis. That year I also was diagnosed with planters fasciatis. I still have issues with both and have had numerous shots and medications to try and control the pain. I think they need to do more studies for longer periods for medications before they release them for use.

165. Comment by Abigail on 6 February 2010:

     I was prescribed Levaquin 3 separate times over a 2 year period for complaints of sinus pain (possible infection), and bronchitis. I felt sick while taking the antibiotic but the doctor said it was the best thing on the market so I took it. I now suffer from extreme ringing in my left ear, and also left eye is blurry. My shoulders ache and I seem to be experiencing a lot more inflammation in my joints. These episodes did not occur previous to taking Levaquin.

166. Comment by Debbie on 12 February 2010:

     I am a registered nurse of 19 years. I worked very hard to become a nurse, and I loved my job. I recently became disabled at the too young age of 55 years, partially due to unexplained, irreparable tears in both of my rotator cuffs. For the past 4-5 years, I have been experiencing severe, debilitating pain in both shoulders, with no known injury having been done to them. However, what we do know is that I have been on Levaquin and other quinolones several times (for some nasty respiratory infections), in the past 8 years. Until the last year or so, I was never told about the risk involved with the quinolone classification of drugs. Now it may be at least part of the reason I cannot work as a nurse any longer. The physical pain is unbelievable at times. However, the professional betrayal is something I cannot even begin to put into words. As a nurse, I trusted the pharmaceutical companies to ensure safe, thoroughly tested medications were the only medications that made it to the general population with a very rare exception. Oftentimes I was the patient taking the drug prescribed by my family physician, but frequently I also had a role in delivering those drugs to patients in the hospital, and they trusted me to be safe, too. I gave the drugs as ordered, telling the patients that they would get better, just like their doctor and the drug company promised. Now I find out that in the case of Levaquin and similar type drugs, the pharmaceutical companies hid the truth, and that their greed has cost a lot of innocent people something that no amount of money can ever replace- their health, happiness, and well-being. May God forgive them.

167. Comment by bob on 12 February 2010:

     I was given three Levaquin due to a prostate biopsy–a couple days later I started to experience tenderness of my rght achilles my Chiropractor adjusted my foot thinking a bone was out of line–two weeks later we tried a herbal patch–no relief. Four weeks of on and off tenderness I suddenly hear on an ad on TV–have you recently ruptured or tore your Achilles? an have taken the anti–biotic Levaquin etc.—I remembered my Dr. mentioning a md starting wth a “L”–The dots finally became connected !!
     Sord continued until eight weeks after the distrss started–I stepped onto a slight incline-and SNAP!!!–Complete tear—
     Sown back together etc–That was i June–still have not fully re-established my conditioning lost in my legs–
     Hoping the Class Actions make those guys pay for all our my and all of the above victims misery!!!

168. Comment by Karen on 22 February 2010:

     14 day course of Levaquin for pneumonia – one week in I did some shopping and lifted some shopping bags, two days later I couldn’t dress myself, lift anything, had severe snapping of tendons in shoulders. Now 10 days after stopping the drug, I am still very sore in my shoulders and even the slightest increase in activities of daily living leaves me sore in my muscles and joints all over when this never happened before – I used to be fairly active, but not now. It hurts to walk around and do minor activities. My doctor had no clue and tried to tell me this was from a virus, but his nurse had heard of this before and she advised to get this to my pharmacy so that I would never get this drug prescribed by mistake in the future. I just hope I’ll heal intact and not have lasting disability. I feel like an old woman now…. even with a “black box warning,” none of the ‘professionals’ I dealt with said anything about this — I had to read the detailed warning info online to find an answer

169. Comment by Federico on 23 February 2010:

     my mother just came form the dcotro and now has to be hospitalized, she is showing a 70% deterioration in her tendons, a 65 year old women in the health of thrity year old can barely move and is forced to use a walker and needs assistance in almost all aspects of daily life.

170. Comment by Gary on 26 February 2010:

     Just from reading a few of the comments i am almost sure this is my problem.I have been treated for MRSA,a very bad bacterial infection called staph.I would get cured from it and then m onths later i would get again for no reason.Levequin was given to me introvenously.I am sure this is my problem.

171. Comment by Robert on 26 February 2010:

     I was prescribed Levaquin in Sept 2007 and have suffered from pain since then. I contributed the pain to just getting older. My hands have lost most of there strenth. I thought it was just arthritis. My wrist are weak and I can’t lift my right arm up because of my rotater cuff. I suffer from severe pains in my feet and heals after walking or standing for a couple of hours. I have popping and cracking in my arms and shoulders. I have lost my gripping abilities and strenth in my arms and hands.

172. Comment by sue on 27 February 2010:

     i amon levaquin now just out of hos why why why ddoes drs prescribe this med kmowing there is a lawsuit against this drug iam very upset with my dr iam praying i will not have any prob since the dr knows i am elergic to almost every antobic donthey know this drug is dangerous

173. Comment by Patricia on 28 February 2010:

     I was given intraveneous Levaquin for two days for listeriosis, food poisoning, two years ago Oct. in a hospital. I had achilles problems within months of taking it not having a clue what was wrong. I have had muscle weakness in my knees and ankles since then.. I have also developed burning pain in my feet and calves which cramp up and are difficult to uncramp. I don’t trust my legs to go downstairs without hanging on to something in case my knees give out. My elbows and shoulders are also often weak and painful. A times now I feel foggy headed and not as alert as I used to be or able to concentrate. I chocked it all up to turning 59.

174. Comment by paula on 1 March 2010:

     my mom took that medicine for about 2 years, and its like she is in a trans sometimes, just starring into space. She blinks, and bucks her eyes, constant chewing, moving her hands, rocking all the time, she cant sit still for nothing, and shes not even aware that shes moving. Before taking this reglan, she did not have any of these symtoms. Its really sad, because she is like a different person. The drug makers should be made to pay for ruining peoples lives.

175. Comment by Megan on 3 March 2010:

     i am 20 yrs old and i have tendonitis in my knee and wrist, after taking levaquin 9 months ago for an infection from a surgery, the doctors never told me that i could have gotten tendonitis, and its in my left hand which i dont even use.

176. Comment by Taran on 4 March 2010:

     I was given 500mg/day Levaquin for a UTI on 12/30/09. I was on prednisone at the time.

     After taking the first pill, I developed hives on my face after 45 minutes and my doctor told me to take Benadryl and keep taking the Levaquin if the hives went away.

     The next day I took another Levaquin and saw my doctor in the morning; my blood pressure was very high and I was put on BP medication and told to keep taking the drug. By the afternoon it felt like my hands were trying to cramp, so I called the doctor’s office (it was New Year’s Eve) and asked if I should keep taking the medication. No call back.

     The following day, 1/1/10, my thighs began cramping 1 1/2 hours after taking the Levaquin. I stopped taking it after that but every time I took a Prednisone the muscle cramps in my legs grew worse and spread; it felt like icy hit needles were piercing my muscles. The muscle cramping started spreading to my shoulders and jaw.

     I got off of the prednisone but the muscle pains persisted; after several weeks of taking various vitamins and minerals I began to feel better and by 2/9 the pain finally receded to just my thigh muscles.

     Suddenly I relapsed and by 2/12 the muscle pain and neuroopathy returned all over my entire body. This time additional muscles started hurting. After two weeks 2/27 I relapsed again.

     Does this ever stop? Does anyone ever get better? I’ve added antioxidents and muscle massage, but my legs feel weak and unsteady. My arms have been hurting since the first relapse. I’ve seen that Vitamin D (probably one of the only vitamins I’m not overdosing on) could be added….what kind of detoxing have people been effectively doing?

177. Comment by linda on 5 March 2010:

     on December of 2007I was prescribed levaquin for a chronic sinus infection I woke up on new years day and could not move my right arm it was frozen in a bent position I went to numerous doctors who did all kinds of test and shots in my arm I was told I had tendentious in my elbow it took 2 months before I could straighten my arm and I still cant lift any weight I lost my job and now I am having all kinds of issues with other joints and arthritis that I never had be for I was in management now I am working in a call center and I have to wear braces on my arm and take pain medication just to do that job and to top it off I have been told the I have arthritis in my spine I cant even sit up to do that job the med’s don’t help any more I’m out on medical leave my finger joints swell to the point I cant use my hands this is just a nightmare I am so tired of taking pills just to get some relief why should we have to live with this much pain for the rest of our lives all the money in the world can not compensate for all this pain just what are they going to do ?

178. Comment by Kathy on 6 March 2010:

     I was very sick last June with a respiratory illness and my dr.put me on this horrid drug. After none days I stopped taking it as I was having pain throughout my body….my left hand still hurts very badly at times and swells up and my legs and knees buckle under me at times with the pain. How this drug can still be on the market is beyond me.
     Kathy

179. Comment by Sharon on 8 March 2010:

     My Mom had taken levaquin for URI.A dark spot appeared on her right ankle and her foot swelled.When she moved it,she was in terrible pain.Not knowing what caused it,thinking she had been bitten,she ignored it until she had a doctor appt.The doctor thought she had been bitten also.She was in the er not long after and was given levaquin for copd exacerbation.Her foot began to swell again and by looking,you could tell there was a tendon tear.She was taken off Levaquin and shortly after she could not raise her toes off the floor or bend her ankle.She is now having to wear a brace due to getting drop foot.All this,I know without a doubt was brought on by Levaquin.She is almost 80 years old and was able to walk 3 miles a day but now can barely get to bathroom and with her foot in condition it is in,she falls frequently.Both ankles swell along with knees now

180. Comment by Joseph on 15 March 2010:

     I have serious congestion and sinustitis along with a head cold and slight sore throat. My personal doctor has just perscribed Livaquin for me. I’m 66 years old and was looking up the product and it’s side-effects. This is scarey to say the least. I’ll be getting the Rx later today and will comment to this website after taking the medication.
     Zephyrhills, FL

181. Comment by Del-LORIE on 15 March 2010:

     I have had 2 unexplainable tendons ruptures. Both of my endo condylitis tendons. I was on I.V. Levaquin for 5 days for celluloid’s and then on oral 750mg for 10 days post hospitalization in January of 2008. My right tendon ruptured in March of 2009, this was very concerning to my doctors as my right wrist had been fused since 1991 and I was not using the tendon as others do. My left tendon ruptured on 12/7/2009 for no apparent reason or injury????

182. Comment by Wendy on 17 March 2010:

     I was given Levaquin by my physician about 3 weeks ago for a urinary infection. About 8 days in I got a small rash on my stomach. I thought it was just a skin irritation. Then the next day, I woke up and couldn’t walk. The pain from my hips to my legs (both) was horrendous. I thought it was just sciatica which my husband has. I fell outside. For several days I stayed home and rested my legs. I continued taking 800 mg of ibuprophen which my Dr. had prescibed with the Levaquin. No relief. I called the Dr. and he saw me the next door. He said I had a severe allergic reaction to the Levaquin and gave me a shot, told me to rest, and come back in a week. Still in pain, he said nothing for pain except Tylenol. He took blood. I came back in a week (last Thurs.). The doctor said my blood work came back fine but he had no idea what was wrong and that I should have all the Levaquin out of my system. Another week has gone by and I have an appointment with a spine and pain specialist. What am I to do? I have constant pain up and down my legs and especially by my ankles and feet. I am a runner ( 7 miles a day) and this is really killing me.

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