First MDL Levaquin Tendon Rupture Lawsuits to be “Trial-Ready” by Jan 2010

A status conference was held earlier this month before U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim, who is overseeing the federal Levaquin litigation consolidated in Minnesota. At that time, lawyers for Johnson & Johnson and lawyers for plaintiffs who have filed Levaquin lawsuits alleging tendon damage caused by the popular antibiotic, indicated that they expect the first MDL cases to be “trial-ready” by January 2010.

Levaquin (levofloxacin) is a drug that is commonly prescribed to stall the reproduction of bacteria and prevent infection. However, it has been linked to an increased risk of severe tendon damage and tendon ruptures.

A number of Levaquin lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson and their subsidiaries alleging that they failed to provide adequate warnings about the potential risk of tendon damage. The lawsuits claim that if users had been warned about the potential tendon side effects, they could have contacted their doctors at the first sign of problems and avoided a rupture or permanent damage.

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In June 2008, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated all Levaquin tendon rupture lawsuits before Judge Tunheim for pre-trial litigation. The federal process, commonly referred to as an MDL, allows complex cases with similar underlying questions of fact to be centralized before trial for purposes of discovery and management. If the cases do not settle or otherwise resolve during the pretrial proceedings, they are then sent back to the original court where they were filed for trial.

A status conference was held in the Levaquin MDL on September 4, 2008. At that time, the court was provided with an update by the parties about the number of cases that have already been filed in the MDL and estimates about the total number of cases that may be transferred.

According to minutes from the meeting, the parties suggested that they anticipate the first Levaquin lawsuits could be “trial-ready” by January 2010. However, additional lawsuits alleging tendon ruptures from Levaquin continue to be filed in the MDL and various state courts, which could ultimately impact the pace of discovery. In addition, an unknown number of people who have experienced tendon problems while taking the drug are still having their cases investigated by Levaquin lawyers.

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50 Comments

  • claireMarch 27, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    my former husband was on this drug although our son and i didn't know.his dr. gave him the highest dose possible even tho over 60 should shouldn't. he started having muscles issues low back pain ,fallin a lot. his dr. said the meds were staying in his system longer,yet they did not reduce his meds. he passed away and we don't know why. i came here to help our son bury him. now i have to travel[Show More]my former husband was on this drug although our son and i didn't know.his dr. gave him the highest dose possible even tho over 60 should shouldn't. he started having muscles issues low back pain ,fallin a lot. his dr. said the meds were staying in his system longer,yet they did not reduce his meds. he passed away and we don't know why. i came here to help our son bury him. now i have to travel home.

  • JenniferMarch 13, 2011 at 1:19 pm

    My 62 year old mom was in the hospital with what turned out to be a virus but because she has stage 4 cancer they pumped her full of 4 different antibiotics one being Levaquin now a month after being in the hospital (about 7 days being on 500mg Levaquin) the tendons in her hips will not support her when she first goes from sitting to standing. They shake uncontrollably and she has to brace her sel[Show More]My 62 year old mom was in the hospital with what turned out to be a virus but because she has stage 4 cancer they pumped her full of 4 different antibiotics one being Levaquin now a month after being in the hospital (about 7 days being on 500mg Levaquin) the tendons in her hips will not support her when she first goes from sitting to standing. They shake uncontrollably and she has to brace her self. She gets immediate headaches and low back pain at the sametime. It's enough she is fighting cancer but now this. Her dr. put her on steroids which seemed to help yesterday until late in the day her legs were back to giving out. I'm scared to death of a bad fall. She also now has a swollen area around her kneck/shoulder no one can figure out and I bet they find out its a tendon issue. We find out in the next few days

  • PamJanuary 19, 2011 at 8:23 am

    Is this case still open? I would like to be included. I did not know there was a suit. I took this med in 2003 and have been sick since. My feet feel like needles and burn all the time, my hands go numb along with many other issues.

  • janiceOctober 7, 2010 at 3:01 pm

    On Sept 3, 2010, I had a colon resection. My first check up with Dr was Sept 16. I had what could have been a little irratation from the staples on the incision. Dr prescribed 7 , 750mg Levaquin. After the 5rd and 4th pill, i noticed I couldn't move my arms. The pain was and still is so excruciating in the top of shoulder and all the way to my elbows. I did not know about this horrible pill. wen[Show More]On Sept 3, 2010, I had a colon resection. My first check up with Dr was Sept 16. I had what could have been a little irratation from the staples on the incision. Dr prescribed 7 , 750mg Levaquin. After the 5rd and 4th pill, i noticed I couldn't move my arms. The pain was and still is so excruciating in the top of shoulder and all the way to my elbows. I did not know about this horrible pill. went back to the Dr. after the 6th pill and he told me whatever I do , do not take the 7th pill. Today is Oct 7th. I am up all night in pain. Whenever I turn over I have to yell out. Also, i have pain in my head which I never had before.

  • SusanSeptember 30, 2010 at 9:03 pm

    My doctor prescribed Levaquin twice for a total of seventeen days for an UTI. After taking the drug, within 30 days I began to have swelling in my hands, feet, wrist, shoulders, knees and ankles. My medical doctor has diagnosed me with RA and I am now waiting for the results from my workup with a Rheumatologist. I have had all of this pain for four months now and it has been so painful and life[Show More]My doctor prescribed Levaquin twice for a total of seventeen days for an UTI. After taking the drug, within 30 days I began to have swelling in my hands, feet, wrist, shoulders, knees and ankles. My medical doctor has diagnosed me with RA and I am now waiting for the results from my workup with a Rheumatologist. I have had all of this pain for four months now and it has been so painful and life altering. Has anyone else had a diagnosis of RA after taking Levaquin?

  • JoeSeptember 11, 2010 at 2:11 am

    Dear Levaquin damage sufferers; Hello. I am one of those lawsuits being filed in Minnesota. Have waited years for this. In Dec.2005 I worked in a high class hotel as a concierge / bellman , when I came down with a flu with fever and weakness but no nausea. After three days my electrolytes got out of balance and I fainted while standing and going to the bathroom. I fell face first on a har[Show More]Dear Levaquin damage sufferers; Hello. I am one of those lawsuits being filed in Minnesota. Have waited years for this. In Dec.2005 I worked in a high class hotel as a concierge / bellman , when I came down with a flu with fever and weakness but no nausea. After three days my electrolytes got out of balance and I fainted while standing and going to the bathroom. I fell face first on a hard floor with all my 230 lbs. I crushed my septum, loosened teeth and was knocked out with blood everywhere. My son barely revived me and I was raced to our local hospital by ambulance. I was rushed in at about 10 PM on a Saturday night. I was diagnosed with flu, fever, electrolyte imbalance, very beginning bronchitis and of course head trauma . My face was so swollen, eyes black, teeth loose, lips swollen, crushed nose pushed over at a 90 degree angle to the right, swallowing blood with every swallow. Couldn't talk well. Totally traumatized. In two hours the ER doc said he was sending me home! I PLEADED with the ER doctor through mumbling bloody lips not to send me home. I told him ( through tears and I was 54 ) I had never felt so physically traumatized and susceptible in my life. Like I was just in a serious head injury car accident while being in one of the most powerful flu's at the same time! Sorry, take these two pills ( levaquin ) and leave. I did so and 15 minutes later I was wheeled out to my wife's car. 3 minutes into the ride home I fainted again! My frantic wife raced me back to the ER and they dismissed this fainting as a "vagal" response. They THEN put me in a "recovery room" until the next day and gave me two more Levaquin tablets in the late morning and sent me home later in the afternoon. They also gave me another 5 day dose of Leavquin to take home. Starting that night at home in bed my body was ravaged by the most nightmarish symptoms I have ever experienced. My shoulders and arms and hands would burn like they were on fire...then go numb and ice cold ! My intestinal insides were being ravaged as well. Rumbling, gas, pain, bladder would feel like bursting then nothing! My arms felt like they were being ripped out of their sockets! I found out later my right rotator cuff tore THAT NIGHT! I was getting these electric type ZAPS throughout my entire body! Like electric shiocks. They would make my head jerk. I was getting prickly feelings all over and on my scalp. I got so weak I thought I was dying. I couldn't even raise my arms! I was so tired but just before I could fall asleep I would get these body shocking zaps as I mentioned and these would shock me back awake. Almost asleep I would have these mini-nightmares! The most frightening things I have ever had. Like I was in you-know-where! By the next morning I was going into shock. I had my daughter call 9-11 and again I was raced to the hospital. They asked me what was wrong and I told them everything I could - the unbelievable weakness and spot seeing and I know I mentioned my shoulder, arm and hand pain and then numbness. They asked me what I was taking. I told them Levaquin! They did their basic tests and didn't find enough with EKG, blood, etc. to call in a specialist. They just wrote my terrifying experience and complaints off as anxiety and loaded me up with Atavan and SENT ME HOME! I went back to the ER 5 more times in the first week or two..telling them I was dying! They never ONCE even considered the fact that the only medicine or drug or chemical I taking in my body ( and the only one for two years! ) was this Levaquin! It was like NO ONE THERE had the slightest clue about Levaquin and it's side effects! Have to end this but I have painful tendonitis all over now for 5 years. My GI tract was so destroyed ( ulceration, inflammation and scarring in middle intestines ) I lost 40 lbs. in two months. When I tried to eat I would go into excrutiating pain and even shock with shaking. I developed brady cardia into the high thirties, got asthma, ringing in ears, nerve system problems, eyes got worse in weeks, weakness like you can't believe, fibrillation problems, skin rashes, fungus problems all over ( right hand skin turned white and peeled like a snake that first week.) Neurological problems, post traumatic stress, anxiety and depression. Feel like I am dying all the time. Lost my career, almost my family ( wife is on edge of nervous breaksown from my financial and emotional breakdown after 5 years of trying to keep us afloat. ) This is all true. I never ever had problems like this before I was 54 and took only one medicine ( Levaquin ) for 6 days back in Dec. 2005 when all this happened to me. There are many MANY horrible damaging side effects with Levaquin besides tendon rupture. It didn't kill me but it killed my daily life. B E W A R E ! This stuff is too powerful. It's toxic. I have lost 90% of my life from this. It took me 3 years but I finally got a 750 dinky little SS disability check now after making 30,000 a year before. Tell everyone you know what you are hearing about this monster drug Levaquin. May God have mercy on all of you who have been damaged by Levaquin. In my case...nothing ever got better! And it's been 5 years!

  • laurieAugust 21, 2010 at 3:40 pm

    I took levequin in May of 2008 for a sinus infection. 5 minuites after taking it I rushed to the hospital with an allergic reaction. Within days I heard a loud "pop" while coming down a flight of stairs. Went to my podiatrist and after 1 failed round of physical therapy was in surgery for a complete lateral rupture of achilles tendon on my left foot. Also removed the bursa sack on that foot. H[Show More]I took levequin in May of 2008 for a sinus infection. 5 minuites after taking it I rushed to the hospital with an allergic reaction. Within days I heard a loud "pop" while coming down a flight of stairs. Went to my podiatrist and after 1 failed round of physical therapy was in surgery for a complete lateral rupture of achilles tendon on my left foot. Also removed the bursa sack on that foot. Have since had 2 courses of physical therapy and another surgery to repair tears in the achilles, bursa sack and a gastrock resection. I am now seeking a second and third opinion and it doesn't seem promising. I also had no warning from the pharmacist about the dangers of this drug. I tell everyone I know about the dangers.

  • DonnaJune 27, 2010 at 3:07 am

    I was given Levaquin and Cipro about every 3 months for 2 years for chronic sinus infections. The pain in my legs, arms and especially feet became progressively worse and took about 4-8 weeks to get better. Ikept telling my doctor this and he brushed me off. I finally figured out it was the Levaquin and Cipro after my symptoms got progressively more severe. (I now have a different doctor.) I've[Show More]I was given Levaquin and Cipro about every 3 months for 2 years for chronic sinus infections. The pain in my legs, arms and especially feet became progressively worse and took about 4-8 weeks to get better. Ikept telling my doctor this and he brushed me off. I finally figured out it was the Levaquin and Cipro after my symptoms got progressively more severe. (I now have a different doctor.) I've had to cut back to part time at work. I can't afford this. I can hardly make it through 2 1/2 days at work. I can't do most of what I used to because of the pain I continue to have in my legs and feet. I am stiff and my joints hurt. But I'm not entitled to any compensation because I don't have ruptured tendons. The drug must come off the market.

  • JimJune 12, 2010 at 1:53 am

    As a pharmacist, I saw first hand the tendon damage done by Levaquin. Six years after taking the drug myself for a resistant sinus infection, I still have constant pain in my ankles, shoulders, and wrists. I filed an adverse drug incident report with the FDA and never even got a response. I wrote the manufacturer and was sent a nice letter advising me to discuss it with my doctor. At that time, [Show More]As a pharmacist, I saw first hand the tendon damage done by Levaquin. Six years after taking the drug myself for a resistant sinus infection, I still have constant pain in my ankles, shoulders, and wrists. I filed an adverse drug incident report with the FDA and never even got a response. I wrote the manufacturer and was sent a nice letter advising me to discuss it with my doctor. At that time, the manufacturer was concealing reports of tendonitis and ruptured tendons. I will gladly testify as a pharmacist in this case . This drug needs to be pulled completely from the market. The tendon damage sometimes does not show up for MONTHS ! This is clearly stated in the information the FDA now requires to be handed to every patient receiving a prescription for Levaquin . This should really be a criminal lawsuit !

  • CrisMay 10, 2010 at 9:49 pm

    I have been on Levaquin 500 MHD for about 7 weeks then Dr. Put me on the 750mgs on the 2nd day of the latter is when my troubles started both ankles, knees, hands, arms, and shoulders are on fire intense burning and numbness. I also have a killer rash all over including my mouth. Ugh!!! I have been to a podiatrist he says it is definately from the medicine now I must see family Dr. What do I do???[Show More]I have been on Levaquin 500 MHD for about 7 weeks then Dr. Put me on the 750mgs on the 2nd day of the latter is when my troubles started both ankles, knees, hands, arms, and shoulders are on fire intense burning and numbness. I also have a killer rash all over including my mouth. Ugh!!! I have been to a podiatrist he says it is definately from the medicine now I must see family Dr. What do I do??? Can anyone guide me in the right direction?

  • IreneApril 7, 2010 at 11:08 pm

    While on vacation in Wyoming last year, I experienced severe pain in my upper back on both sides. I thought it might have been from sitting so long on the flight from NJ so I just dealt with it. After a white water rafting ride the pain became extremely severe. By the time we got back to the hotel, I had a fever of 103 and was throwing up. This continued all night. By the morning I was in the hosp[Show More]While on vacation in Wyoming last year, I experienced severe pain in my upper back on both sides. I thought it might have been from sitting so long on the flight from NJ so I just dealt with it. After a white water rafting ride the pain became extremely severe. By the time we got back to the hotel, I had a fever of 103 and was throwing up. This continued all night. By the morning I was in the hospital with the diagnosis or kidney stones and Pyelonephritis (infection of the kidneys). I was given Levaquin via IV treatment for 3 days with continued treatement when I finally arrived home. Since this treatment I cannot lift anything without burning pain that shoots through both arms or cannot walk or climb stairs without burning pain in both legs. I feel like I'm 100 years old instead of only 54. I never thought that this medication could be the cause of the symptons I am experiencing. Thank you for all your comments...At least I know it is not because I'm getting older, which all the doctors I have visited have claimed it is.

  • curtissFebruary 13, 2010 at 9:25 pm

    I recently had surgery for a tendon rupture of my left anterior tibial tendon after being on an avelox regimin to treat pneumonia.

  • name withheld by requestNovember 30, 2009 at 11:33 pm

    Words fail me in trying to describe the awful chain of consequences following the injestion 20 months ago of three levaquin pills at 500mg each. If my body were a race car, then it felt as if I had hit a retaining wall while doing a hundred miles per hour on a race track. My wheels just came off. For a better part of a year I felt as if I were lying semi-conscious under the wheel of a Mack truck[Show More]Words fail me in trying to describe the awful chain of consequences following the injestion 20 months ago of three levaquin pills at 500mg each. If my body were a race car, then it felt as if I had hit a retaining wall while doing a hundred miles per hour on a race track. My wheels just came off. For a better part of a year I felt as if I were lying semi-conscious under the wheel of a Mack truck. I could'nt sleep for more than a couple of hours per night. I was a walking zombie during the day. (Natural sleep does'nt work for me any longer: 'Til this day I still can't nodd-off to sleep even when I try to nap during daylight hours.) I was intensely agitated. My thoughts raced as if my brain were hyper-chrarged on caffeine. My forebrain felt an odd physical sensation as if it were wedged tightly in a vise grip or by a pair of pliers. I had eye floaters and saw blurry, white-outs at the periphery of my vision. Sometimes I felt faint and came close to passing-out. I experienced panic attacks, racing heart, and pain in the hamstrings and at my Achilles heels. I lost words in mid-sentence, I could'nt complete thoughts. I could fill a notebook pad with bizarre and frightening adverse reactions to this antibiotic. Medical personnel denied there is any connection to levaquin and my horrendous symptoms that make me sound as if I had been roasted chemically around a spit maintained for the benefit of my doctor in league with big pharma. Imagine telling a doctor that you felt like a zombie while your mind raced as if you were high on amphetamines. Are'nt these symptoms mutually exclusive? How could agitation and crawling zombie-ness occupy simultaneously the same breast? Try telling a doctor that you feel like a defective billboard on a Las Vegas strip --- all the lights in your brain are firing on and off at the same time. Look again, doctor, at your medical books and best practices! What do you make of this nonsense? Your invasive tests and MRI and blood work-ups turned-up nothing on which to hang your diagnosis. Prevailing conventions and your professional experience amount to near uselessness. At the risk of possibly estranging you, doctor, may I suggest we live in Aldous Huxley's BRAVE NEW WORLD? Advances in pharmaceutical engineering are pushing us pell mell into an age whose promises, implications and constraints we only now are just beginning to fathom. How a medical profession can remain in denial about its complicity and role in wreaking havoc upon some of its patients is unfathomable. I don't think for a moment it's witting or deliberate malfeasance by 98.4% of practicing physicians. What is it about the human condition or human limitations that allows such extraordinary folly by the best & brightest? Does one really need to subscribe to religious belief in oder to apply the Hippocratic oath on a daily basis? Has applied pharmaceutical technology outwitted its own handlers? I am truly baffled that a prescription medicine felled me so obviously, so completely but the entire medical profession has circled its wagons to shut-out the notion of a misapplication of its own medicine. Is it hubris? stupidity? greed? Do the threat of lawsuits so frighten doctors? Why the gobbledy-gook, why the double-speak, why the patronizing and condescending disbelief among doctors who ought to keep an open mind about the unknown effects of chemical compounds that pharmaceutical laboratories churn-out every year by the thousands? And, churn-out in the midst of a thirty-years' orthodoxy about "de-regulation" that gutted the FDA from doing its job to safeguard consumers. Big pharma currently pays for half of the FDA's budget. Is there not an obvious conflict of interest in allowing the judged to buy their own judges? Jeez, where is big goverment's guiding and protective hand when we need it? Out-sourced & privatized by some profit-seeking pharmaceutical company whose notion of the commonweal extends only to its shareholders at the end of the fourth quarter in the current fiscal year? Really, the corruption is frightful, the ignorance is total, the loss of innocence is guaranteed. We understand why sick people quake in their boots. If they don't, they should.

  • Mr. GilNovember 21, 2009 at 5:26 pm

    I was given Levaquin in 2001 for a kidney infection. I experienced hallucinations after 2 doses and discontinued taking it. Immediately afterwards, I was too exhausted to move at all for a period of about a week. My chronic fatigue and constellation of fibromyalgia-like symptoms (including severe brain-fog, which is ruinous for people like myself who solve technical problems for a living) grew [Show More]I was given Levaquin in 2001 for a kidney infection. I experienced hallucinations after 2 doses and discontinued taking it. Immediately afterwards, I was too exhausted to move at all for a period of about a week. My chronic fatigue and constellation of fibromyalgia-like symptoms (including severe brain-fog, which is ruinous for people like myself who solve technical problems for a living) grew steadily worse over a period of about two years, and have persisted to the present with very slow progress during that time. I want my life back.

  • heleneeSeptember 19, 2009 at 3:54 am

    i went to google severe headaches and eye lids swollen and this levaquin stuff pops up ,i was just hopitalized with pneumonia a few weaks back and was given this stuff durin my whole stay plus afterwards they gave me a generic form of it cause i couldnt afford the real thing once out , i got a massage after hospital stay and i bawled cause it hurt so bad every were she touched i have severe lowe[Show More]i went to google severe headaches and eye lids swollen and this levaquin stuff pops up ,i was just hopitalized with pneumonia a few weaks back and was given this stuff durin my whole stay plus afterwards they gave me a generic form of it cause i couldnt afford the real thing once out , i got a massage after hospital stay and i bawled cause it hurt so bad every were she touched i have severe lower back pain ,my glutes,my arms tingle and go numb i have constant back pain,im tired and just ache kike crazy ,i forget what im talking about ,i cant sleep.my eyes are going blury a bit ,i owe $9,000 cause of my hospital stay already but i cant bare these strange headache s sometimes my brain feels like its on fire or in a vice grip ,my eyelids were so puffy they touched my eyelashes i dont know what to do

  • RolandSeptember 12, 2009 at 4:42 pm

    I was on 250mg of Levaquin for 5 weeks - it almost destroyed my life as I could barely get out of bed for 10 weeks. I have improved and can function but I cannot exercise which was daily for me. My legs and ankles are so tight. I would never recommend this drug to anyone - the risk is way too great.

  • MickiSeptember 8, 2009 at 9:23 pm

    I was given Levaquin about a year ago for a respitory problem and after 3 days of taking it, I had a bad panic attack and couldnt breathe well, my heart was racing, which made me more panicky. I had to call 911 to come and get me and take me to the hospital. I only stayed for about 6 hrs in the ER, but they said I had an adverse reaction to the Levaquin. So I will never take it again.

  • BobSeptember 7, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    I am writng for an elderly friend who does not have family or computer...took 750 mg doses ofLevaquin for about 2 weeks...for respiratory infection shortly after his lower legs/ankles swelled to the point of not being able to walk without severe pain...that was followed by severe pain in achilles tendons...both conditions still persist...he is 84 years old & miserable!

  • StormySeptember 7, 2009 at 3:01 pm

    I took Levaquin due to an infection in the breast after I had radiation treatment for breast cancer, now it hurts to walk in the morning, it feels like my achilles tendon in my right foot is going to snap, and I have had pain like RA in my left thumb and they checked my blood and found no RA... now after reading all of this I am sure it is the Levaquin.

  • ShahabSeptember 3, 2009 at 8:15 am

    I was given levaquin due by two different doctors. One to prevent infection when I was going through a urethral therapy and second time by my primary care physician for my sinus infection. I think the urethral therapy was done last May-June 2008 and early that year my PCP also precribed levaquin. Later the same year I discoverd that my L5/S1 disk has an annular tear that is now resulting in lo[Show More]I was given levaquin due by two different doctors. One to prevent infection when I was going through a urethral therapy and second time by my primary care physician for my sinus infection. I think the urethral therapy was done last May-June 2008 and early that year my PCP also precribed levaquin. Later the same year I discoverd that my L5/S1 disk has an annular tear that is now resulting in lot of pain. I still going thrugh several therapies (accupuncture, chiropractor and physiotherapist) but my disk problem is not going away and I am contiue to have excuriting pain all day. I wish I knew this before hand

  • LoriSeptember 2, 2009 at 7:36 pm

    I took one course of Levaquin for a UTI and sinus Infection the first few days I was nauseated then at the last my tongue swelled and got blisters.From then on I have had dry mouth and this has been 1-2 years ago. Also my right arm has become weaker and weaker with soreness and burning sensation in the bicep area. Have not seen a doctor with it as I have no insurance and wasnt really sure what ha[Show More]I took one course of Levaquin for a UTI and sinus Infection the first few days I was nauseated then at the last my tongue swelled and got blisters.From then on I have had dry mouth and this has been 1-2 years ago. Also my right arm has become weaker and weaker with soreness and burning sensation in the bicep area. Have not seen a doctor with it as I have no insurance and wasnt really sure what had caused it until I saw the bad drug ad on t.v. and that explained it all. Has anyone else suffered these symptoms?

  • EllenAugust 31, 2009 at 1:32 pm

    Was put on Leviquin 750mg at the end of May 09 for 5 days. On day 5 doctor added Prednisone. Next day I started the first day of an 11 day headache, severe right side pain, terrible nightmares, nasty rash on both shiins & ankles, sudden high blood pressure, fluid on my right knee and terrible pain in my right elbow. 9 days later my doctor put me on another 10 days of Leviquin. Most of the horrible[Show More]Was put on Leviquin 750mg at the end of May 09 for 5 days. On day 5 doctor added Prednisone. Next day I started the first day of an 11 day headache, severe right side pain, terrible nightmares, nasty rash on both shiins & ankles, sudden high blood pressure, fluid on my right knee and terrible pain in my right elbow. 9 days later my doctor put me on another 10 days of Leviquin. Most of the horrible symptoms have worked themselves out of me except for my elbow. But, I had to have a CAT scan due to the headache, & x-rays of my right side looking for a cracked rib. I had an MRI two weeks ago and met with the surgeon last week. I have severe tendon damage as well as the UCL ligament being ruptured. Surgery is set for the end of September. This was a terrible experience and no one caught it. Not the doctors and not the pharmacy where all were filled. My orthopedic surgeon told me they don't even THINK about prescribing Leviquin because they operate on all the people suffering from it's side effects. I am very upset this drug is still being prescribed while so many others are suffering as I am. I intend to follow up with the FDA and any legal method available to me.

  • MarieAugust 19, 2009 at 6:21 pm

    Levaquin has been the prescription of choice for chest and uti infections by my doctor. I have not been able to use my right arm for at least three years. I have gone through physical therapy 3X and nothing resolves the pain even pain medication. The stabbing, burning pain in my shoulder is unbearable. I cannot do anything physical (golf, bike riding, swimming, cleaning or picking up my grand[Show More]Levaquin has been the prescription of choice for chest and uti infections by my doctor. I have not been able to use my right arm for at least three years. I have gone through physical therapy 3X and nothing resolves the pain even pain medication. The stabbing, burning pain in my shoulder is unbearable. I cannot do anything physical (golf, bike riding, swimming, cleaning or picking up my grandchildren) for years. I am so happy to have found this venue. Now I have the answer.

  • AlanAugust 19, 2009 at 11:59 am

    I just talked to one of the firms that has clients of this suit. I have severe pain in my bicep tendon and the orthopedic told me it may tear since is it is so worn. Other tendons in my shoulder have frayed badly too. It's painful all the time and I wonder if the next thing I lift will pop that tendon in two. I took Levaquin in 2008. The lawyer or paralegal told me they can't help me. So, I[Show More]I just talked to one of the firms that has clients of this suit. I have severe pain in my bicep tendon and the orthopedic told me it may tear since is it is so worn. Other tendons in my shoulder have frayed badly too. It's painful all the time and I wonder if the next thing I lift will pop that tendon in two. I took Levaquin in 2008. The lawyer or paralegal told me they can't help me. So, I guess I need to talk to some other firms to see if they agree. I know these firms are looking for cases that are severe and obviously connected to Levaquin, but does that leave all the rest of us out?

  • TonyJuly 30, 2009 at 1:47 am

    I took Levaquin for sinus and prostitis infections. One was in 2000 and in 2001 my bicep tendon ruptured. I also took the prescription in 2008 for prostitis and just 1 month ago I again tore the other bicep tendon. I do not take many pills at all, so I know that this prescription has to be what caused my tendon ruptures.

  • PamJuly 29, 2009 at 11:19 pm

    I was given levaquin on a regular bases for diverticulitus flare ups. I was told by my doctor to go this route until surgery was the last option. I was on this medication for 3 years or more and 3-4 times a year towards the end. I have problems with the achilles tendons being swollen and tender to touch but I have pain in my legs and also joints especially shoulders, I walk like I'm 80 when I[Show More]I was given levaquin on a regular bases for diverticulitus flare ups. I was told by my doctor to go this route until surgery was the last option. I was on this medication for 3 years or more and 3-4 times a year towards the end. I have problems with the achilles tendons being swollen and tender to touch but I have pain in my legs and also joints especially shoulders, I walk like I'm 80 when I first get up and at bedtime it takes awhile to get comfortable to be able to fall asleep. Now it all fits as far as the symtoms I'm having.

  • SamuelJuly 25, 2009 at 9:55 pm

    I took Levaquin early 2008, I had to have rotator cuff surgery June 2008. I thought I must of injured it someway, but I have just heard of this levaquin warning and am wondering if this is what cause it.

  • BobbieJuly 21, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    I have a tear in my posterior tibial tendon which I have been trying to heal for more than a year. Before learning that the tendon was torn, I suffered with pain in that tendon. If I had been alerted to the relationship between Levaquin and tendon problems, I would have reacted differently. I have taken Levaquin several times in the past couple of years and I'm interested in learning about the con[Show More]I have a tear in my posterior tibial tendon which I have been trying to heal for more than a year. Before learning that the tendon was torn, I suffered with pain in that tendon. If I had been alerted to the relationship between Levaquin and tendon problems, I would have reacted differently. I have taken Levaquin several times in the past couple of years and I'm interested in learning about the connection between the 2.

  • lindaJuly 9, 2009 at 3:28 am

    i took levaquin on dec. 26 ,2007 woke up new years day and had no use of my righr arm i have regained limited use of my arm but i lost my job it took 6 months to find another one but i cant work in mt field so im making almost half of my salary and on the verge of losing everything i worked for i contacted a lawyer but it been almost two years i will probably be homeless before this is over they a[Show More]i took levaquin on dec. 26 ,2007 woke up new years day and had no use of my righr arm i have regained limited use of my arm but i lost my job it took 6 months to find another one but i cant work in mt field so im making almost half of my salary and on the verge of losing everything i worked for i contacted a lawyer but it been almost two years i will probably be homeless before this is over they are not going to hear the first case until january im 3 months behind on my mortgage one month an all my household bills i dont even want to talk about my credit cards and a 6 year old grandaughter and a dissabled husband i have to take care of this drug has ruined my life

  • MaryJuly 8, 2009 at 4:08 pm

    I have emphazema and take levequin 750 for infections in my lungs. But wake up in the night with leg cramps so sever it brings me to tears. This past regiment of 10 days The knot on the back of my leg lasted a few days of me having a limp and pain. To day I just realized why.

  • JoJune 27, 2009 at 7:33 pm

    OMG I took Levaquin two weeks ago for diverticulitis and it was AWFUL. Numbness, ears ringing, and dizzy spells from hell. I stopped it after 3 days. How do you get your money back from the pharmacy for this crap? Mine cost me $131!!!!!

  • DavidMay 9, 2009 at 10:26 am

    I took Levaquin in Feb. 2005. In March I had a rupture of my right tendon. I was homebound for 1 year and still have problems. My left hand and elbow had numbness and pain for years after that. I had surgery on my hand and elbow Dec. 2008. I am otherwise a healthy person. The Doctors said they didn't know why this was happening to me. I'm so f'ing pissed that I will make the Levaquin people[Show More]I took Levaquin in Feb. 2005. In March I had a rupture of my right tendon. I was homebound for 1 year and still have problems. My left hand and elbow had numbness and pain for years after that. I had surgery on my hand and elbow Dec. 2008. I am otherwise a healthy person. The Doctors said they didn't know why this was happening to me. I'm so f'ing pissed that I will make the Levaquin people pay for this. I will contact an attorney on Monday morning.

  • MichaelMay 9, 2009 at 3:15 am

    I started coming apart about two years ago. Went to my prescription history at Walgreens.com and connected the dots. Both elbows, knees, adductor tendon, insomnia, hip pain. Had 2 courses of costly rehab, and my work requires me to be on my feet all day. I hope there is an attorney out there who can help me. Medical bills have bankrupted me as well!

  • sharonMay 7, 2009 at 10:40 pm

    in sept 08 i was prescribed levoquin and again in oct08. at the end of nov 08 suffered a torn rotater cuff and torn laborum of the right shoulder. surgery was required and am currently stll in physical therapy an unable to return to work.

  • shelleyMay 7, 2009 at 5:51 pm

    your x rays will show no damage to anything you had an allergic reaction to one of the most toxic drugs on the market today i know because it happened to both me AND my 80 yr old mother too i wish you all the luck in the world!!!

  • LouiseMay 6, 2009 at 5:36 am

    My doctor prescribed Levaquin on April 24, 2009. I got so sick that I could not move my arms, legs and my tongue swelled. I called the Dr. after 2 bills and he said to stop taking them. My arms are very soar and I cannot lift anything with my left. It hurts to move it. It feels like I have sprained it bad. I am calling my Dr. again tomorrow to have it x-rayed. I have and have had very bad he[Show More]My doctor prescribed Levaquin on April 24, 2009. I got so sick that I could not move my arms, legs and my tongue swelled. I called the Dr. after 2 bills and he said to stop taking them. My arms are very soar and I cannot lift anything with my left. It hurts to move it. It feels like I have sprained it bad. I am calling my Dr. again tomorrow to have it x-rayed. I have and have had very bad head aches.

  • carlMay 3, 2009 at 4:10 am

    Started Levaquin 750 mgs for 10 days for a sinus infection on 4/11. On the 6h day (4/16) I had a complete rupture of my left Achilles Tendon without warning, or any symptomoloy. Surgery to correct on 4/21. Face 12 weeks of working with a cast, then after that phyisical therapy. I am 51 years old... This is NOT right...

  • KimApril 25, 2009 at 2:21 pm

    I was treated for possible kidney stones at first, but after a few more tests, was rules out and told me I had a cyst on my ovaries. I was put on levaquin for 2 weeks. I now have a problem all on my right side from my hand up to my neck and both of my inner thighs. I never had a problem sitting in different positions because I was highly flexible. Now I can only sit straight but not for a long per[Show More]I was treated for possible kidney stones at first, but after a few more tests, was rules out and told me I had a cyst on my ovaries. I was put on levaquin for 2 weeks. I now have a problem all on my right side from my hand up to my neck and both of my inner thighs. I never had a problem sitting in different positions because I was highly flexible. Now I can only sit straight but not for a long period of time. It is also now impossible for me to lift my arm straight into the air, or turn my arm backwards. I always slept on right side at night and now it is impossible so it takes me hours before I can actually get comfortable and fall asleep.

  • MelissaApril 8, 2009 at 4:41 pm

    I am so upset with this drug I don't even know where to begin. I too was prescribe levaquin for an infection. I was given this drug several times for years. I had numbness in fingers, hands and feet. Now my acl in my right knee blew, my mniscus in my right knee is torn and now my right rotator cup is done! I tore the main tendon supporting it. I started having pain in my right shoulder shortly aft[Show More]I am so upset with this drug I don't even know where to begin. I too was prescribe levaquin for an infection. I was given this drug several times for years. I had numbness in fingers, hands and feet. Now my acl in my right knee blew, my mniscus in my right knee is torn and now my right rotator cup is done! I tore the main tendon supporting it. I started having pain in my right shoulder shortly after taking it plus all the numbness but never thought it was linked to the drug. Now, all these symptoms make sense. I have been having pain in both my achilles areas, I just prey to god I don't develope problems in that area. that will cripple me for life. I have problems walking now. I just want a cure! I feel like I'm just going to keep falling apart. Like it's never going to end!

  • SEAKELPMarch 18, 2009 at 2:38 am

    Dad took 500 mg for 7 days. Experiencing shortness of breath, weakness, insomnia, dry mouth, numbness in hands, swollen ankles and feet, depression, difficulty in walking, conjunctivitis, sore shoulder, lung inflammation, difficulty in urination, Now in hospital for almost three weeks. Doctors at first failed to tie symptoms to Levaquin.This was systemic poisoning, a tragedy. Docs discovered Lymp[Show More]Dad took 500 mg for 7 days. Experiencing shortness of breath, weakness, insomnia, dry mouth, numbness in hands, swollen ankles and feet, depression, difficulty in walking, conjunctivitis, sore shoulder, lung inflammation, difficulty in urination, Now in hospital for almost three weeks. Doctors at first failed to tie symptoms to Levaquin.This was systemic poisoning, a tragedy. Docs discovered Lymphoma in lungs at hospital. Was this also caused by Levaquin? Gave him retuxin for that on top of Levaquin side effects. Oncologist at first failed to recognize the underlying problem, I suppose. Getting all kinds of drugs and antibiotics, without proper nutritional support, in my opinion.

  • markMarch 16, 2009 at 12:55 pm

    i just recieved about levaquin,which really concerned me,i just finished my prescription of levoquin for pneumonia on march3rd 09 and since then my pneumonia hasn't gotton any better i actually feel worse i went to hospital,and they told me to go home and finish my medication,my syptoms now are i get headaches,really tired i find sore,weakish,and my lower right side has been hurting,,now that i se[Show More]i just recieved about levaquin,which really concerned me,i just finished my prescription of levoquin for pneumonia on march3rd 09 and since then my pneumonia hasn't gotton any better i actually feel worse i went to hospital,and they told me to go home and finish my medication,my syptoms now are i get headaches,really tired i find sore,weakish,and my lower right side has been hurting,,now that i seen this email.i am gonna contact my doctor and tell her about these symptoms..

  • JamesJanuary 29, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    I took this drug Sept 1/08 for lung infection. At the end of Sept started with pain in left heal which I attributed to old age. I found out on Thanlksgiving day about the possible side effects from this drug so went to see Orthopedic Surgeon on Friday 11/28 , Diagnosed with a partial tear and tendenittis in Left Achilles Tendon. I have been in a boot or custom brace since then and may require su[Show More]I took this drug Sept 1/08 for lung infection. At the end of Sept started with pain in left heal which I attributed to old age. I found out on Thanlksgiving day about the possible side effects from this drug so went to see Orthopedic Surgeon on Friday 11/28 , Diagnosed with a partial tear and tendenittis in Left Achilles Tendon. I have been in a boot or custom brace since then and may require surgey to correct problem. No warning issued when prescription was picked up.

  • ChristopherJanuary 22, 2009 at 10:10 pm

    I was prescribed Levaquin when I had pnemonia in April of 2008. My top lip became swollen beyond belief. It was so swollen, I was afraid that it was going to explode so I called the doctor that prescribed the medication and I returned to the doctor.

  • RonDecember 23, 2008 at 6:20 pm

    My husband was admitted to hospital, for one night, with a lung infection and given levafloxacin intravenously. A District Nurse then continued treatment at home for a further 6 days. On Day 2, my husband mentioned that he had severe pain in his ankles. Followig day the nurse said she had spoken with her boss who said "there could be problems"like this with the drug. It resulted in him being taken[Show More]My husband was admitted to hospital, for one night, with a lung infection and given levafloxacin intravenously. A District Nurse then continued treatment at home for a further 6 days. On Day 2, my husband mentioned that he had severe pain in his ankles. Followig day the nurse said she had spoken with her boss who said "there could be problems"like this with the drug. It resulted in him being taken to see an Orthapaedic Surgeon, by ambulance, who diagnosed that both his Achilles Tendons were ruptured. It's not possible to operate because of his lung condition so he has to hope that they heel in time. Very painful to walk and can't manage stairs. He is angry to say the least!

  • karenDecember 17, 2008 at 3:45 am

    Emergency Room prescribed Levaquin AND NSAID's for bronchitis/sinus infection- NO mention of risks/side effects. Horrible drug- could not sleep & thought I was developing heart problems. NEVER take this drug!

  • PaulNovember 12, 2008 at 7:59 pm

    Was prescibed Levaquin for a kidney infection May 2005. Shortly after I woke up with numbness in my right arm, leg and foot. Tingling on the skin of my torso and loss of strength. My daughter noticed me tripping over stuff in the garage. I went in Monday Dr refered me to nuerologist Never did I consider the Levaquin until I saw this site and the date on the old pill bottle.

  • JuneOctober 29, 2008 at 2:13 am

    I went to my Dr for chest congestion and was given levaquin for 7 days. after day 3 I statred experiencing muscle pain from my legs up to my neck. and tingling in my hands and feet. I stop taking the drug however I was hospitalized for 6 days.

  • Johnson & Johnson Faces 33 Tendon Rupture Lawsuits Involving Levaquin : AboutLawsuits.comOctober 23, 2008 at 1:08 pm

    [...] to court documents filed in the Levaquin MDL, Johnson & Johnson currently faces at least 33 tendon rupture lawsuits involving their popular antibiotic. However, that number will likely grow substantially over the [...]

  • AndreaOctober 21, 2008 at 7:27 pm

    I got intense pins and needles which leads to severe numbness in hands after 2nd day on Levaquin 750mg. Did anyone else experience this?

  • stephanieOctober 20, 2008 at 1:19 am

    i have severe pain in knees and legs, and also in arms and hands. i have taken levaquin twice.

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