Johnson & Johnson has reportedly agreed to settle Levaquin lawsuits brought by some individuals who alleged that side effects of the popular antibiotic caused them to suffer tendon ruptures and other injuries.
According to minutes from a status conference (PDF) held earlier this month in the federal Levaquin MDL (multidistrict litigation), the drug maker has reached settlement agreements in several hundred cases pending in New Jersey state court, and some federal cases pending in the MDL are also expected to settle as part of these agreements.
Levaquin (levofloxacin) is one of the best selling antibiotics in the United States, which is prescribed to prevent infection by stopping the reproduction of bacteria. However, side effects of Levaquin have been linked an increased risk of tendon ruptures, tendon damage and tendonitis, which have left many users permanently disabled after taking the medication.
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Learn MoreDespite Settlements, Thousands of Levaquin Lawsuits Remain
Johnson & Johnson and their Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals subsidiary currently face more than 3,700 lawsuits over tendon ruptures from Levaquin brought by individuals throughout the United States. All of the complaints involve similar allegations that the drug maker failed to adequately warn about the risks associated with the medication, or provide information to consumers and the medical community that the medications should be stopped if tendon pain develops while taking the antibiotic.
The federal Levaquin litigation has been consolidated for pretrial proceedings as part of an MDL, which is being coordinated out of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, before U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim.
At a status conference held before Judge Tunheim on June 11, lawyers for Johnson & Johnson indicated that there are currently 1,787 cases pending in the MDL. Another 1,931 lawsuits are currently centralized in New Jersey state court, according to a case list (PDF) released by that court earlier this month. However, the minutes from the MDL status conference indicates that the number of cases in New Jersey has fluctuated recently due to recent settlements.
According to the minutes entry from June 11, several hundred of the New Jersey Levaquin cases have settled, but Johnson & Johnson has not yet disbursed any money. It was noted that some of the cases pending in the MDL are expected to settle, as some of the same law firms represent plaintiffs with cases pending in New Jersey state court and in the MDL.
Over the past two weeks, the docket in the MDL indicates that at least 14 cases have been voluntarily dimissed by the parties, which may suggest that the first federal claims have now settled as well.
Johnson and Johnson has successfully defended itself in three of the four Levaquin trials that have reached a jury so far in the litigation. However, one plaintiff was awarded $1.8 million in damages for a Levaquin tendon rupture in December 2010. In addition, in at least one of the cases where Johnson & Johnson prevailed, the jury found that the drug maker failed to adequately warn consumers and doctors about the risk of tendon damage from Levaquin, but found that the plaintiff failed to establish that his specific injuries were caused by the antibiotic.
The next trial date for a Levaquin lawsuit is currently scheduled to begin in September 2012, in Illinois state court. Another Levaquin bellwether trial in the federal MDL is expected to begin in October, with the parties submitting names of possible plaintiffs by early next month.
Tendon Rupture Warnings and Possible New Claims Over Retina Detachment
The FDA required Johnson & Johnson and the manufacturers of other similar antibiotics, such as Cipro, to add a black box warning on the tendon rupture risk in July 2009, which is the strongest warning that can be placed on a prescription medication. However, the lawsuits allege that the drug makers should have added the warnings years earlier, as a petition was filed by a consumer group as early as 2006, urging the FDA to require the makers of Levaquin to provide clearer warning about the risk of tendon damage.
More recently, questions have emerged about the adequacy of warnings about the risk of retinal detachment with Levaquin, Cipro and other antibiotics known as fluoroguinolones. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in July, researchers from Canada found that patients who took the antibiotics were five times more likely to suffer retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency where the retina peels away from its underlying lawyer of support tissue.
Some lawyers are now reviewing potential Levaquin retinal detachment lawsuits for individuals who suffered these problems, suggesting that Johnson & Johnson should have known about the risk of the eye problems, since the same effects that cause issues with the connective tissues that lead to tendon ruptures may impact the connective tissues that keep the retina attached to the gel of the eye ball.
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16 Comments
HazelFebruary 15, 2018 at 5:32 pm
I was hospitalized 12/21/16 for pneumonia and was there until 21/6/17. I was given levaquin IV. Later on pills. I had never heard anything about this drug and nobody said anything at this time. After a few days of the drug I suddenly had sever aching in both my arms and shoulders so bad I cried. I told the nurses and they gave me tylenol. I had pain day and night, and am still having it. I [Show More]I was hospitalized 12/21/16 for pneumonia and was there until 21/6/17. I was given levaquin IV. Later on pills. I had never heard anything about this drug and nobody said anything at this time. After a few days of the drug I suddenly had sever aching in both my arms and shoulders so bad I cried. I told the nurses and they gave me tylenol. I had pain day and night, and am still having it. I went to family doctor and after a couple of visits was ordered an MRI of R shoulder since it seemed to be worse. It showed a torn rtoator cuff. Went to an orthopedic surgeon and had couple shots injected and was ordered physical therapy. I took numerous treatments then stopped. I hurt all the time and was ordered physical therapy again by family doctor no help. Then I came across an article on internet about this drug, and I feel it damaged my body. Not only my shoulders but my legs and ankles. I can hardly put my clothes on much less take them off over my head. It feel like at times I have been electrocuted across my shoulders. This is not the only aide effects I have but this is the worst one I have found, and enough to tell about at this time. Thank you.
PAULADecember 17, 2016 at 11:40 pm
I took levaquin late December 2015 - January 2016, and I developed a pain in my right shoulder almost immediately, but I had no idea what caused it, until one day I came home from work and saw a segment on the dangers of levaquin, I asked my doctor about it in March, but she blew it off, in July I started having excruciating pain in my right shoulder, so my doctor sent me to physical therapy, whic[Show More]I took levaquin late December 2015 - January 2016, and I developed a pain in my right shoulder almost immediately, but I had no idea what caused it, until one day I came home from work and saw a segment on the dangers of levaquin, I asked my doctor about it in March, but she blew it off, in July I started having excruciating pain in my right shoulder, so my doctor sent me to physical therapy, which did not help, I underwent any ultrasound in October and I was told I had tendonitis, and my doctor sent me to an orthodpedic surgeon, who gave me a cortisone injection, which didn't help, I had an MRI done a week ago, and I have been diagnosed with a tear in my tendon, I will be undergoing surgery in January 2017 to repair the tear. My surgeon said that yes the levaquin could have caused this.
KarriAnneSeptember 13, 2015 at 2:29 pm
I received Leviquin in May 2015. In June I fell and received a rotator cuff tear. I have synovial cysts on my left hand and numbness in the fingers on the right. I have floaters and double vision in my eyes. I have severe arthritis pain (I do have RA) and depression with some anxiety. I suffer pain in my neck as well. On Monday I will get the results of the MRI and EMG and will not be supris[Show More]I received Leviquin in May 2015. In June I fell and received a rotator cuff tear. I have synovial cysts on my left hand and numbness in the fingers on the right. I have floaters and double vision in my eyes. I have severe arthritis pain (I do have RA) and depression with some anxiety. I suffer pain in my neck as well. On Monday I will get the results of the MRI and EMG and will not be suprised if if the results are what have been discussed in this chat. Good luck to everyone and I hope you all do well.
D. LindbergMarch 10, 2015 at 10:44 pm
I took Levaquin several years back for a bacterial infection. Within days, I was bed ridden and crying in pain from my legs! Felt like my muscles were twisting in knots! Called my pharmacy and they said get OFF the Levaquin. My legs are weak now, I have had several serious falls that broke bones, req stitiches, and surgery! Then I began to have spells where my right eye would have a horrific pain,[Show More]I took Levaquin several years back for a bacterial infection. Within days, I was bed ridden and crying in pain from my legs! Felt like my muscles were twisting in knots! Called my pharmacy and they said get OFF the Levaquin. My legs are weak now, I have had several serious falls that broke bones, req stitiches, and surgery! Then I began to have spells where my right eye would have a horrific pain, my head felt like electrical charges were being shot thru my body. I let the spells go because of the cost of medical care. Last November 25, 2014, I had the worst spell yet, for days afterwards I could not focus and I was extremely dizzy. My MD sent me to a Neurologist. After MRI's, Cat-Scans, I was told they do NOT know what is causing my spells, so they would treat it as migraines. The medication for migraines does NOT work. I read up on Levaquin and found where it can cause CNS problems. This is what is wrong with me, but at the time I saw my Neurologist I didn't know that Levaquin can cause this. If you are having CNS problems and like me, it does NOT run in your family history, and you have taken Levaquin, notify your Doctor. I am going o notify my Neurologist!
D. HatcherDecember 27, 2014 at 7:39 pm
I was given Levaquin 11/30/14 for bronchitis. Five days into taking this medication I had severe shoulder pain in right shoulder, I called my physician who said the drug could not have caused this problem. His advice was to d/c the medication, which I already did due to internet research. It is now end of December and now the pain in also in my left shoulder and both arm muscles. I am also seeing [Show More]I was given Levaquin 11/30/14 for bronchitis. Five days into taking this medication I had severe shoulder pain in right shoulder, I called my physician who said the drug could not have caused this problem. His advice was to d/c the medication, which I already did due to internet research. It is now end of December and now the pain in also in my left shoulder and both arm muscles. I am also seeing floaters in my eyes. I think we all deserve compensation of this drug. I am now seeing an orthopedic who denies its the drug. I had MRI....tendon damage!
GailJuly 9, 2014 at 6:06 pm
I took levaqiun for a bacterial infection the first time i noticed severe pain in my knees.Told my doctor who said theres no way it was the levaquin!!! So a month later still havin knee pain the doctor gives me levaquin again. Trusting my doctor i took it again. Today i can barely walk! My legs and knees are swollen i cant even put my weight on my legs.. I have to use a cane to walk.
katherineMay 21, 2014 at 3:53 pm
While I'm levaquin in 2012 I had a sever tendon injury causing the lose of the use of my right leg. I lost my job because I couldn't work. I had six months of Therapy. Still today I have pain. There was a loud pop noise, then pain and swelling, and complete lose of use of the right leg. MRI , xray, done
TeresaApril 25, 2014 at 6:47 am
I took generic levaquin on two separate occasions within 9 months. The first time the Dr prescribed 2 rounds of rx and then 9 months later another, both times for pneumonia. I now have terrible pain above the arches on both feet. My feet hurt at night in any position. I was told by my podiatrist it was caused by the drug's side effects. I need to know if there is a class action case that I can [Show More]I took generic levaquin on two separate occasions within 9 months. The first time the Dr prescribed 2 rounds of rx and then 9 months later another, both times for pneumonia. I now have terrible pain above the arches on both feet. My feet hurt at night in any position. I was told by my podiatrist it was caused by the drug's side effects. I need to know if there is a class action case that I can join. Unbelievable this drug is on the market causing so much damage.
beverlyMarch 27, 2014 at 12:04 am
I took levoquin in nov.2009,for upper respiratory infection,,they were samples from my dr. 3 months later left arm hurts so bad.had a rotor cuff tear..surgery by a spurs dr. had neck fusion because of compenstating for shoulder I yr,later back to neck dr.have to have more surgery on neck because rotor cuff is torn worse tissues and tendon will not hold the surgery..now they're wanting to do should[Show More]I took levoquin in nov.2009,for upper respiratory infection,,they were samples from my dr. 3 months later left arm hurts so bad.had a rotor cuff tear..surgery by a spurs dr. had neck fusion because of compenstating for shoulder I yr,later back to neck dr.have to have more surgery on neck because rotor cuff is torn worse tissues and tendon will not hold the surgery..now they're wanting to do shoulder replacement..i'm alleregtic to everything.so much pain .had polio 57 yrs.ago right arm is palalized. it is after the blackbox warning.and I am not eligible for any compensation..but I had samples no blackbox warning.JnJ should be accountable for something I think
dawnJanuary 16, 2014 at 3:31 pm
I agree dr.s should not rx this crap knowing how many people were hurt by it DON;T take this I took 2 pills one Saturday and one sunday the first two days I got out of the hospital by sunday into Monday my arm was in severe pain I had thought I pulled a muscle or something then I waslooking on internet and tere are so many lawsuits its ridiculous why are they still able to sell it and what kind of[Show More]I agree dr.s should not rx this crap knowing how many people were hurt by it DON;T take this I took 2 pills one Saturday and one sunday the first two days I got out of the hospital by sunday into Monday my arm was in severe pain I had thought I pulled a muscle or something then I waslooking on internet and tere are so many lawsuits its ridiculous why are they still able to sell it and what kind of doctors would rx it knowing what may happen.
PatOctober 11, 2013 at 5:06 pm
Why is this drug still in pharmacy\\\\\\\'s??? I started taking it October 2, 2013, for a sinus infection, by October 7, I had a ruptured bicep tendon. When I read how long these types of ruptures have been reported I am so angry! I have new pain in my lower legs , ankles, hips and lower back and am concerned that something is going on. How long does the harmful effects remain in the body and[Show More]Why is this drug still in pharmacy\\\\\\\'s??? I started taking it October 2, 2013, for a sinus infection, by October 7, I had a ruptured bicep tendon. When I read how long these types of ruptures have been reported I am so angry! I have new pain in my lower legs , ankles, hips and lower back and am concerned that something is going on. How long does the harmful effects remain in the body and what will it take to get this drug company\\\\\\\'s attention as to the harm being done?
BeverlyMarch 31, 2013 at 2:49 am
A friend of mine was on Levaquin back in 2006/2007. She suffered a meniscus tear and hip tendinitis, and is still having problems. I was wondering if J&J will settle those soon?
TammyNovember 28, 2012 at 11:43 pm
I was rx Levaquin in May of 2011, I started taking it on a Tuesday, by Sunday, I could not walk. I literally could not put one foot in front of the other. I called My dr that next Monday, he immediately stopped the Levaquin. I was bed ridden for two weeks becauseof the tendonitis per doctors order for fear of rupturing tendons. After finally being able to walk again,. I have rolled my akles 3 time[Show More]I was rx Levaquin in May of 2011, I started taking it on a Tuesday, by Sunday, I could not walk. I literally could not put one foot in front of the other. I called My dr that next Monday, he immediately stopped the Levaquin. I was bed ridden for two weeks becauseof the tendonitis per doctors order for fear of rupturing tendons. After finally being able to walk again,. I have rolled my akles 3 times falling. My right ankle is still not healed all the way. I have excruciationg pain in my calves, my ankles and the arch of my feet and this is November of 2012. I have been on Muscle relaxers and Norco since June of 2011 to manage the pain. I have had MRI which showed tendonitis and inflammation around the right ankle. I have been to a Vascular Surgeon to rule out PVD. Nothing. I am now waiting for my appt with the orthopedist on 11.30.12 to see what they can do. I am at my whits end. I need some help/advice.
RonnieOctober 8, 2012 at 2:36 am
I have taken Levaquin on two occasions close together and it was a very strong dose, and now I have severe tendon damage in my left forearm and I need to know if there is a way to know if it is from the Levaquin, and how long after taking the Levaquin can it still do damage to the tendons, does anyone know the answers to these questions.
RonnieOctober 2, 2012 at 3:54 am
How can you know if the tendinitis is caused from the Levaquin, and how long after taking the Levaquin can it still do damage to the tendons?
JoeSeptember 29, 2012 at 1:11 am
Any news regarding the levaquin trial going on in Illinois?