First Levaquin Tendon Tear Lawsuit Scheduled For Trial August 2010
U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim, who is overseeing all federal lawsuits alleging tendon ruptures from Levaquin, has issued a pretrial order which identifies 15 cases that will begin case-specific discovery and sets out a discovery schedule where the first trial should begin on or about August 2, 2010.
Levaquin (levofloxacin), which is manufactured by a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, is an antibiotic belonging to a group of drugs known as fluoroquinolones. It is approved for treatment of bacterial infections of the urinary tract, upper respiratory tract and prostatis, with annual sales of over $2.3 billion.
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.
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Learn MoreThe Levaquin tendon side effects have mainly involved the Achilles tendon in the ankle, but have also occurred in the knee, shoulder, hand and elbow.
Johnson & Johnson currently faces a growing number of Levaquin tendon tear lawsuits which allege that inadequate warnings were provided about the risk of tendon damage, which caused many patients to not recognize the early signs of an injury and prevent an actual tear of the tendon.
In federal court, the Levaquin litigation has been consolidated and centralized before Judge Tunheim in an MDL, or multidistrict litigation, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. The cases are being coordinated for pretrial litigation to prevent duplicative discovery and inconsistent pretrial rulings.
In an order issued February 20, 2009, Judge Tunheim identified 15 Levaquin tendon lawsuits which have been designated as “Phase I” cases, where case-specific discovery will begin. The other Levaquin lawsuits in the MDL will only have limited discovery at this time, including an exchange of fact sheets and medical records, while the parties focus on preparing the “Phase I” cases for early trials.
According to the schedule laid out in the order, all discovery depositions of plaintiffs, treating physicians and fact witnesses in the “Phase I” cases must be completed no later than September 1, 2009.
The parties have then been directed to meet no later than September 15, 2009, to discuss the scope of the bellwether cases, which will be the first of lawsuits to go to trial next year.
Bellwether trials are selected in complex consolidated litigation as the first cases to go to trial, where the issues presented to the jury will be representative of other issues that will come up throughout the cases involved in the litigation.
The lawsuits selected from the “Phase I” cases for bellwether trials, will go through expert discovery toward the end of this year and early next year. Pretrial dispositive motions and Daubert motions on the qualifications of the experts must be filed and served by April 15, 2010.
Judge Tunheim indicates that the Court and the parties will select the first bellwether case for trial after the hearing on the dispositive motions, and the trial is scheduled to begin on or about August 2, 2010.
At an early status conference on September 4, 2008, the parties had suggested that the first Levaquin lawsuits could be ready for trial by January 2010. However, the filing of additional lawsuits has slowed the discovery process and the parties have had differences of opinion about how the Levaquin trial and discovery plan and which cases should be selected for early trials.
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35 Comments
orenFebruary 5, 2017 at 5:39 pm
I am a renal transplant patient and was given Loflaxacin to treat pneaumonia. It immediately 3 days after taking, started to affect my tendons, ankles. I am in constant pain, and struggle to walk. I fear the damage, and possible future damage it may have caused. Can anyone help me with natural solutions to counteract it's affects ?
artMarch 28, 2011 at 9:06 pm
In March 2011 I took 4 (out of 7) 750mg doses, 1 per day, of Levaquin for a cough. My doctor said I could referee basketball and run a 10k that same week if I felt like it. No warning from the doctor or pharmacist. I ran the 10k 2 days after I took the 4th pill. During the run I felt my ankles, calves and knees stiffen up in both legs; started in left ankle after 2 miles. I am 58, run 5ks, 10ks [Show More]In March 2011 I took 4 (out of 7) 750mg doses, 1 per day, of Levaquin for a cough. My doctor said I could referee basketball and run a 10k that same week if I felt like it. No warning from the doctor or pharmacist. I ran the 10k 2 days after I took the 4th pill. During the run I felt my ankles, calves and knees stiffen up in both legs; started in left ankle after 2 miles. I am 58, run 5ks, 10ks and halfmarathons all the time and never had cramps or any leg pain prior to Levaquin. All of my joints in my body are popping and crackling, all the time. It has been 3 and a half weeks since my last dose. I have chronic soreness in ankles, calves and hamstrings in both legs. Randon slight sharp pains all over body. Legs feel like they have ICY/HOT on them all the time. Arch in my left foot started hurting today. I told my doctor and she prescribed me a week of Medrol (prednisolone). I really don't think it helped. I have remained somewhat active but I am not having fun and I am sore all the time and my toes are slightly numb all the time probably due to tendonitis inflammation in ankles and legs. Seeing a physical therapist tomorrow morning.
JudithMarch 22, 2011 at 10:05 pm
I have been treated countless times over the past 10 yea s with high doses of levequin for sinus' infections, 14 to 21 days of it. Last June, 2010 I had to have a modified Bronstrom , along with other repairs in my right ankle . I had been asked several times how I did "so much damage" to the tendons and gave the same answer. I never hurt my ankle or had an injury to it. Even after the surger, [Show More]I have been treated countless times over the past 10 yea s with high doses of levequin for sinus' infections, 14 to 21 days of it. Last June, 2010 I had to have a modified Bronstrom , along with other repairs in my right ankle . I had been asked several times how I did "so much damage" to the tendons and gave the same answer. I never hurt my ankle or had an injury to it. Even after the surger, I continue to have problems with the tendons in the right ankle and both of my shoulders. I am a retried nurse and knew the side effects of the antibotic, there was never a "black box" on my bottle! I was forced to retire because of this. The pain I have suffered is enomorus. But life goes on. Yet, docotorsw continue to prescribe it!
MichaelMarch 7, 2011 at 4:06 am
Hello to the pompous advocate for Levaquin & Patients advocating for themselves.Aug 16,2008,being a Blessed Liver Transplant Recipient,I was prescribed (10) Ten Levaquin tablets,took for (3) Three days-One Tab per day...on the A.M.of Day 4,I hopped out of bed & promptly lost footing,hit the floor-called the Doc-she is very accomplished,yet after she called the Pharm acy & instructed me[Show More]Hello to the pompous advocate for Levaquin & Patients advocating for themselves.Aug 16,2008,being a Blessed Liver Transplant Recipient,I was prescribed (10) Ten Levaquin tablets,took for (3) Three days-One Tab per day...on the A.M.of Day 4,I hopped out of bed & promptly lost footing,hit the floor-called the Doc-she is very accomplished,yet after she called the Pharm acy & instructed me to finish the Levaquin.No Warnings on Bottle,except the "Drink Plenty of Water"label.RX bottle is right in front of me,& I'm surroun- ded by 9 Apple Boxes (Medical Research Files,start*12/27/94.Glass Houses are high maintenance,Eh?My once healthy joints have turned into Medically Verified Chronic Tendonitis due to 10 days of Levaquin and the Trust I placed in FDA & AMA's undisputed decision-making skills. I'm 59 & also use to work-out like a King Cheetah. Regards, Michael M.
CaroleMarch 5, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Ive taken an RX Leviquine 4 separate times in my life and other quins along the way for this or that. I had a rotator cuff repair in 2004. Dec 2010 dx with mild tear to Gluteus medius .I am a 60 year old women 123 lbs of good health other wise. I have other back issues also. My very first dose of Leviquine was givin to me in 2001,for a Sinus infection.
RachelFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:25 pm
I had 4 urinary tract infections in 2010, and was treated with Levoquin at least twice. For the past 2 to 3 months I've been complaining to my family about severe pain in my wrist on the tendon. I am an artist and use my hands for work, and have found myself having to stop working or take more and longer breaks because of the discomfort and pain I am experiencing. I have not yet seen a doctor ab[Show More]I had 4 urinary tract infections in 2010, and was treated with Levoquin at least twice. For the past 2 to 3 months I've been complaining to my family about severe pain in my wrist on the tendon. I am an artist and use my hands for work, and have found myself having to stop working or take more and longer breaks because of the discomfort and pain I am experiencing. I have not yet seen a doctor about my wrist. But I happened to be on one of my "breaks" when I saw the commercial on television today about the risks of Levoquin. I never would have associated my wrist pain with my UTI's! What should I do now? Would I have a possible case?
valnaFebruary 7, 2011 at 5:22 pm
I was given levaquin by 3 drs. My right has colasped and now left is starting to have severe pain. I am presently seeing dr. about surgery. Have also been hospitalied several time so do not know if levaquin was injected in ivs.
BalbirJanuary 7, 2011 at 1:40 am
After taking levoflaxacin I had suddeen raptures on my left foot, I was naive even doctors did not explain I lost my left foot and am an amputee, I moved back to Malaysia and am one who lost a limb forever Just the doctors must know and explain better as we all depend on all best advice given by dioctors , but I am a amputee forever Was too late for me to know, the raptures latter turned into gang[Show More]After taking levoflaxacin I had suddeen raptures on my left foot, I was naive even doctors did not explain I lost my left foot and am an amputee, I moved back to Malaysia and am one who lost a limb forever Just the doctors must know and explain better as we all depend on all best advice given by dioctors , but I am a amputee forever Was too late for me to know, the raptures latter turned into gangerine and this is where i anm now
beverlyDecember 27, 2010 at 4:36 pm
I fell and broke my tipia from my tipia plateau and my ACL and other tendons tore off with it. I was hospitalized and had surgery. I wasout of work for 6 months. The orthopedic surgeon said he had never seen a tea like that before. I was on levaquin many times for sinus infections, and after sinus surgery. do I have a claim that the levaquin weakened my tendons and casued this damage?
RJGDecember 20, 2010 at 8:22 pm
Oops. A couple of typos above: "Spet/Pct" should be "Sept/Oct" 2008. "send pain" should be "sense pain"
RJGDecember 20, 2010 at 8:19 pm
I had 2 major surgeries in Spet/Pct 2008 plus another two due to complications from one and exploratory for the other. The hospital specialists prescribed Levaquin. By mid 2009 I had, for the first time ever, very painful "tennis elbow" which after weeks of Physio ended up with a cortisone shot in late 2009. A year or so later it recurred and I had a second shot. Now it is back again and I don't w[Show More]I had 2 major surgeries in Spet/Pct 2008 plus another two due to complications from one and exploratory for the other. The hospital specialists prescribed Levaquin. By mid 2009 I had, for the first time ever, very painful "tennis elbow" which after weeks of Physio ended up with a cortisone shot in late 2009. A year or so later it recurred and I had a second shot. Now it is back again and I don't want any more cortisone. A couple of months ago I started experiencing pain in the opposite arm and shoulder. Initially it was mainly when I rotated or stretched the arm but now it is a nagging, almost constant, shoulder pain accompanied by random shooting pains down the outside of the upper arm. The latter are usually when the upper arm muscles are used. Range of motion is restricted (e.g. can't reach behind my back). And now I am starting to send mild pain in the other shoulder (to which is attached the arm with tennis elbow). The Levaquin was prescribed, I believe, for precautionary post-op reasons - I was pretty much out of it at the time. I took Levaquin for at least a month (I need to find my records to be exact but I can tell from Quicken when I bought the refills). I was 60 at the time and had never had tendon pains before as far as I can recall. My 'sport' is soccer refereeing - not tennis or squash or racketball or golf etc.
DouglasNovember 26, 2010 at 6:36 pm
I was given Cipro (just like Levaquin) for four weeks (for Prostatitis) from a year of cycling? (Urgent Care in Elk Grove, CA). A Urologist who works with my wife said Cipro was overkill. When I asked my FP about my VERY sore left heel tendon, he said he might have heard of that, but he gave me four more weeks of Cipro. This started on 7/12/10. Four months later it is still sore to walk more t[Show More]I was given Cipro (just like Levaquin) for four weeks (for Prostatitis) from a year of cycling? (Urgent Care in Elk Grove, CA). A Urologist who works with my wife said Cipro was overkill. When I asked my FP about my VERY sore left heel tendon, he said he might have heard of that, but he gave me four more weeks of Cipro. This started on 7/12/10. Four months later it is still sore to walk more than a mile.
tcjOctober 9, 2010 at 2:17 am
Took Levaquin about 5 days in late December 2009 for sinusitis and have been dealing with bilateral tendon pain, swelling and weakness ever since. PT is important once rupture risk is past (especially eccentric exercise that loads the tendon but does not injure it) but it still takes a year I understand to heal. I hope that comes to pass - I am getting so tired of feeling so frail and having to [Show More]Took Levaquin about 5 days in late December 2009 for sinusitis and have been dealing with bilateral tendon pain, swelling and weakness ever since. PT is important once rupture risk is past (especially eccentric exercise that loads the tendon but does not injure it) but it still takes a year I understand to heal. I hope that comes to pass - I am getting so tired of feeling so frail and having to do rehab and pay for it (only 50 and I was playing tennis before making the mistake of taking this drug). Neither doctor nor pharmacist told me about possible danger of this drug despite my expressions of concern about taking something I've never taken. I was also prescribed a nasal spray (corticosteroid) to use at the same time. Anybody else also take Levaquin and a steroid nasal spray at the same time for a sinus infection?
CarnaSeptember 11, 2010 at 6:16 am
In July 2010 I went to a walk in clinic for a UTI which included significant bleeding and was prescribed 250mg/ twice daily of cipro for 3 days. I returned to the clinic and a NP gave me 3 more days of cipro 500 mg/ twice daily. When this did not clear up the in UTI then a third visit with a different physician resulted in the Levaquin being prescribed for 5 days, 500 mg/twice daily. On the th[Show More]In July 2010 I went to a walk in clinic for a UTI which included significant bleeding and was prescribed 250mg/ twice daily of cipro for 3 days. I returned to the clinic and a NP gave me 3 more days of cipro 500 mg/ twice daily. When this did not clear up the in UTI then a third visit with a different physician resulted in the Levaquin being prescribed for 5 days, 500 mg/twice daily. On the third night my upper arms and shoulders were so painful I could hardly lift them up. My hands felt like I'd been squeezing and turning a wrench nonstop for days. I could hardly open and close my hands and my elbow tendons hurt all the time. This is mid-September and I can not lay on my sides, the pain nothing like sore muscles, but all day sharp miserable pain. I have lifted weights since I was in my early 20's and stayed fit with no injuries or arthritis. I am turning 58 and I literally aged overnight. I read the warnings, but was healthy and under 60 and have no drug allergies. I knew the next day it was the drug. This drug should be banned.
RobbiSeptember 2, 2010 at 7:45 pm
In 2009 (California-SBCtny) I was given the drug levaquin iv in an ER. I came to during a induced 2week coma with a drainage coming from my chest. The dr’s Informed it was a pulmnary … then approx 7blood transfusions later… It has taken me an entire year to present to cope with the drugs lingering effects. It will likely take a lifetime to recover from the oversights by those involved in administr[Show More]In 2009 (California-SBCtny) I was given the drug levaquin iv in an ER. I came to during a induced 2week coma with a drainage coming from my chest. The dr’s Informed it was a pulmnary … then approx 7blood transfusions later… It has taken me an entire year to present to cope with the drugs lingering effects. It will likely take a lifetime to recover from the oversights by those involved in administration…
FrancineAugust 26, 2010 at 7:49 pm
I took Levaquin back in Nov. of 2009, bor pneumonia. This was prescribed for me by an emergency room doctor, she never for warned me of any dangers of taking this medicene except that it would probably be expensive. Since taking this medicene the muscles in my leg hurt constantly from the knee up my thigh. I barley lift it up off the floor some days and walking or trying to go up stairs, it feels [Show More]I took Levaquin back in Nov. of 2009, bor pneumonia. This was prescribed for me by an emergency room doctor, she never for warned me of any dangers of taking this medicene except that it would probably be expensive. Since taking this medicene the muscles in my leg hurt constantly from the knee up my thigh. I barley lift it up off the floor some days and walking or trying to go up stairs, it feels as though something is not connected and the pain is horrible. I think the doctors should be somewhat responsible for alerting patients.
LeanneAugust 26, 2010 at 12:03 am
I was given Levaquin 500 mg/twice per day plus 50 mg of prednazone for 10 days to treat reocurring pneumonia in February 2010. It cured the pneumonia but at what cost? I started experiencing pain in my left heel in May. Consulted with a Foot/Ankle specialist in July when tearing pains were increasing with normal daily activity. I've been in a "boot" for the last 5 weeks and using Flector a topi[Show More]I was given Levaquin 500 mg/twice per day plus 50 mg of prednazone for 10 days to treat reocurring pneumonia in February 2010. It cured the pneumonia but at what cost? I started experiencing pain in my left heel in May. Consulted with a Foot/Ankle specialist in July when tearing pains were increasing with normal daily activity. I've been in a "boot" for the last 5 weeks and using Flector a topical adhesive patch daily hoping to prevent it from tearing. Only time I don't wear the boot is when I'm sleeping. I see the doctor in 3 weeks - he says there isn't anything else to be done - other than surgery.which he says will require a year-long recovery process! Side affects information provided with the prescription said "some" patients experience tendoniitis of the Achiles tendon - seemed really odd. Since seeing my doctor, I've talked with 5 other people just in my little world who have had the same problem after taking the drug. My internist said the incidence was 1 in 1000 who experience this problem. I think it is much higher than that!. He gave me levaquin because I'm allergic to penicillin. Next time I'll take my changes with an allergice reaction!
jianreAugust 13, 2010 at 3:22 am
I was admitted into the hospital due to UTI last week. Over the weekend, I was injected with drug Levaquin 500mg along with constant I.V. in the arm, didn't have any reaction. HOWEVER, on Monday(4th day), just before I left the hospital, I was injected with one last bag of Levaquin without I.V. following it. Upon arriving home, I felt a sudden sensation of 1. extremely tireness 2. weakness in m[Show More]I was admitted into the hospital due to UTI last week. Over the weekend, I was injected with drug Levaquin 500mg along with constant I.V. in the arm, didn't have any reaction. HOWEVER, on Monday(4th day), just before I left the hospital, I was injected with one last bag of Levaquin without I.V. following it. Upon arriving home, I felt a sudden sensation of 1. extremely tireness 2. weakness in my arm and leg, hands and feet. 3. numbness in my arm and leg, hands and feet. 4. cold sweat in my arm and leg, hands and feet. 5. chill. I was feeling cold all night. 6. extreme fetique, however having hard time sleeping. I thought it was the result of 5 days of I.V. in the hospital, so I went to sleep. The following morning, as soon as I woke up, the same symptom continued (however it lessened a bit). That same morning, I acquired Levaquin 500mg as prescribed by my doctor. As soon as I took the first pill of Levaquin 500mg, all the symptoms came back worse than ever. I started to feel hopeless and weak, sweating, insensitive to temperature ( I'm a snowboarding, I had to wear a jacket in 90 degree weather). sweating, numbness, weakness in my arm,feet,leg,hands. weakness all over my body, couldn't concentrate, couldn't rest/sleep. I called the doctor and was told to go back to emergency room to acquire a new antibiotics. I have never had any allergic reaction to any other drugs before, this drug is the only one. I went back to the emergency room, did urine and blood test, nothing. However, I was starting to feel better than (10pm at night), and was prescribed another medicine. I was fine the following day using the new antibiotics Cephalexin 500mg. the day after that, in the morning, after I took Cephalexin 500mg and antianxiety pill, I had that weak feeling again, it lasted a few hours, but for the rest of the day I took 4 more Cephalexin and I was fine. I am wondering if Levaquin was still remaining in my body or has caused neural damage. Please be aware of all the symptoms I have had with Levaquin. I was fine when I had I.V. on, however, in normal setting it was an awful awful drug. I hope my symptoms go away soon.
RichardJuly 31, 2010 at 5:09 am
This was given to my 84 year old Father who I take care of , I do not think he will ever recover , this seems pretty slick with no Dr's giving a Warning , when he has been threw this treatment with terrible results before , he had an operation on his Achilles tendon . But they uses the Latin name or a generic name , we are not sure what name was used , this time we are Positive
EugeneJuly 28, 2010 at 8:39 pm
STAY AWAY FROM CIPRO AND SIMILAR ANTIBIOTICS Hello, i am a 27 year old athletic healty male, was prescribed CIPRO, 500mg 2 times per day for 2 weeks, for a supposed bladder infection. 3 days later my left had hurt so bad i cant button up my shirt for work with out excruciating pain. 3 days after initial dose discontinued use of CIPRO, however i now have pain in both my knees, shoulders, hands, wri[Show More]STAY AWAY FROM CIPRO AND SIMILAR ANTIBIOTICS Hello, i am a 27 year old athletic healty male, was prescribed CIPRO, 500mg 2 times per day for 2 weeks, for a supposed bladder infection. 3 days later my left had hurt so bad i cant button up my shirt for work with out excruciating pain. 3 days after initial dose discontinued use of CIPRO, however i now have pain in both my knees, shoulders, hands, wrists, and neck, pretty much all over my body. 800 mg of motrin does not help with the pain. I fear working out as i used to, i dont want to suffer a tendon tear, its only been a week since my first dose. I pray it doesnt get any worse. Prescribing this class of antibiotic is pure ignorance. Doctors should know better!
MarilynJuly 28, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Had a severe stroke and was paralized on my right side caused from Levaquin. Lots of documentation to assist in this case !
christineJuly 18, 2010 at 9:55 pm
I have a tear in my left achilles tendon and some weirdness in the right. I am having another MRI on Friday for the right one and my left shoulder that has been having chronic issues for sometime now. I was on levaquin and prednisone at the same time in August of 2009. I have since read that those are a horrible combination and risk factor for the ligament tears. I have 6 kids and am so angry that[Show More]I have a tear in my left achilles tendon and some weirdness in the right. I am having another MRI on Friday for the right one and my left shoulder that has been having chronic issues for sometime now. I was on levaquin and prednisone at the same time in August of 2009. I have since read that those are a horrible combination and risk factor for the ligament tears. I have 6 kids and am so angry that I've been in a cast for the last 5 1/2 weeks and will need physical therapy on my left foot. Can't wait to see what the MRI on Friday shows regarding my right side. What legal actions are available to me?
GayleJuly 5, 2010 at 1:55 pm
It must be wonderful for you to be so astute, j quintana, but the truth of the matter is, not many people read the long white paper that comes with their medicine because if they did they would never take anything, as just about every medicine lists death, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, etc. So, some of us, who are desperate with a wound that will not heal and wish to avoid septic shock will [Show More]It must be wonderful for you to be so astute, j quintana, but the truth of the matter is, not many people read the long white paper that comes with their medicine because if they did they would never take anything, as just about every medicine lists death, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, etc. So, some of us, who are desperate with a wound that will not heal and wish to avoid septic shock will take an antibiotic. I never take drugs unless I have to. I even rejected the tamiflu when I had swine fever and went home and bit my nails until my temperature went down to 104. So stfu and go build your body. You probably take half a million "herbal supplements" from the health food store that you know nothing about. I took levaquin for a brief period, and a year later after bilateral aquilles tears, tendonitis in both hands which has resulted in permenant arthritis and a broken shoulder, I continue to go to physical therapy five days a week, I spent two months in a hyperbaric chamber, I have the best physicians in my area trying to help me, and I'm in constant pain. As soon as I walked in my G.P.'s office and told him that I walk like a duck with much pain he asked me if I had been on Levaquin. Two MRI's later I was casted on both legs and hands for two months. Instead of being grateful that none of these things happened to you, you are snarky and smug. Watch out for those human growth hormones. Who knows what the studies will show ten years from now, you jerk.
AharonJuly 3, 2010 at 10:19 pm
I have a chronic cough with colored flagme for more the 6 months, I was prescribed Levaquin 500 mg for 7 days, I took it, It did not cure my cough. my side effects a repain/discomfort/swelling at the back of my knees and the back og my heels. can anybody suggest another cure?
j quintanaJune 25, 2010 at 10:10 am
They put warning labels in the information your pharmacist provides. If you took it post july 2008 you should have read the warning and done your own research. I'm a bodybuilder so I pay close attention to what I put in my body. I was prescribed this for an infection and it went in the trash after I got it home and read the warning and did an internet search. This stuff is horrible and I feel sorr[Show More]They put warning labels in the information your pharmacist provides. If you took it post july 2008 you should have read the warning and done your own research. I'm a bodybuilder so I pay close attention to what I put in my body. I was prescribed this for an infection and it went in the trash after I got it home and read the warning and did an internet search. This stuff is horrible and I feel sorry for anyone that blindly trusted their medical provider and didn't care enough about their health to look at the warnings. Your mistake though.
JUDYJune 15, 2010 at 3:52 pm
I JUST HAD SURGERY FOR A TORN TENDON THIS WEEK. I ALSO HAVE CRONIC BRONCHITIIS AND PNEUMONIA. TAKEN LEVAQUIN MANY TIMES. JUST HAD FINISHED SOME IN I THINK APRIL OR MAY. DO I HAVE ANY LEGAL CLAIMS AGAINSTG THE MFG?.
NancyMay 11, 2010 at 8:18 am
I have been given this drug off and on for 5 years(starting in 2005) at different time lenght of IV's, and some in which the doctor gave me samples since my insurance cost on this drug was way too much. One stretch of IV's lasted 17 days in the hospital for pneumonia. I had no idea this drug was laying in my system as a sleeper drug. Well I am considered a high risk for surgery since I have a f[Show More]I have been given this drug off and on for 5 years(starting in 2005) at different time lenght of IV's, and some in which the doctor gave me samples since my insurance cost on this drug was way too much. One stretch of IV's lasted 17 days in the hospital for pneumonia. I had no idea this drug was laying in my system as a sleeper drug. Well I am considered a high risk for surgery since I have a few issues, but I had no idea I was facing a life sentence from it. July 9th 2009, I had a (r) knee replacement, along with a (L) knee athro. 6 Weeks post op, I encounter a (r) quadricep complete rupture, so on Oct 20th, 2009 we went in and repaired it. The doctor said he had to shave a lot down to get to some tissue he felt might hold. 24 hours went by in the hospital and my lungs take a whammy.. So levaquin was once again pumped into veins as a standard protocol. Then by the 8th week, I felt pop-corn popping going off in my (R) quadricep, and it was confirmed on March 8th 2010, in which I found out the following.. the (r) quad was re torn completely, the (L) quad was in the process of tearing, both hands are affected, and both elbows suffer with severe tendonitis, and both my rotary cuffs are torn. My doctor who is an extinguished ortho-surgeon, stated that my tendon and ligaments have pin sized holes in the them, and I responded that I felt with what happened after the right tendon repair that I didn;t think my body would substain another surgery since I could die, and he clearly blurted out that under no circulstances would he perform any surgery on me at all. Now or ever would he. I was sent home with a customized wheel-chairl prescription and to follow up with my already existing pain-management doctor who is a stickler and a bit stingy on my meds. My hands are now getting to the point of needing specailized utensils to feed with. I am in my hospital bed here at home most of my days, except for doctor appointments which have become hystrical to watch them load me up. How long will this stay in my system and will the pin-sized holes ever straighten out. My legs (knees) look deformed with the muscles just hanging out where-ever, huge dents in my palms, and my elbows are that white out fainting pain, and my shoulders you can see the inside flesh just gathering with gravity. On top of that, I have severe bone marrow pain due to my polycythemia ruba vera. I am ready to load the 32, and just pray for forgiveness from God as I pull the trigger. Most likley this will happen soon.. who would know that the FDA would allow a medication that they knew had this Black Label Tag to it, and state that your doctor thinks the side effects are less greater that your need for the drug itself, I say come live in my shoes are sit and watch this horrible pain... I have bitten the bullut now as long as I could ... enough is enough... perhaps if I take my life from it pain ,, it would cause others to see the danger and perhaps shut it down once and fore-all... whelp thanks for reading my post and maybe this life or its meer existance of a life should be shown on television for all to see, how dangerous the drug can turn out to be.
ArthurApril 5, 2010 at 7:37 am
I am a diabetic and I took Levaguin for a infection on my left leg. I now have numiness in the grion area, which is very apparent when I stand, bend over or walk. I also have a great deal of discomfort in the back of my legs.
Melissa M.March 16, 2010 at 4:42 pm
I took levaquin about 3 years ago for an ear infection/sinusitus. Ever since, I have had pain in my achiles when walking(I have to stop walking a lot and wait out the pain). I don't own a car, so I take public transit and have to walk a lot. And I stand and walk all day at work. It has slowed me down and I have a lot of pain. I am afraid it will effect my job. I also immediately following the[Show More]I took levaquin about 3 years ago for an ear infection/sinusitus. Ever since, I have had pain in my achiles when walking(I have to stop walking a lot and wait out the pain). I don't own a car, so I take public transit and have to walk a lot. And I stand and walk all day at work. It has slowed me down and I have a lot of pain. I am afraid it will effect my job. I also immediately following the levaquin started to have tendonitis in my arm and cervical problems with neck. As if all my muscles and tendons are tightening up. And stomach problems. I really hope they take this off the market or only use it in life threatening cases. I'm 37 and feel 87!
DebraOctober 31, 2009 at 5:20 am
I have never felt such pain. It islike walking on razor blades. I have had to have $400. pair of orthotics made for my feet and now have to wear special shoes that cost alot. All because I had an infection in my sinus and ear. The levaquin did not even work. I had to try something else to get rid of the infection. Planer Facitious is very very painful.
JohnOctober 16, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I had an emergeny appendectomy in 2006, and just prior to my surgery, they started an IV and hung a bag of Levaquin to "prevent infections"! I knew what it was because my wife was put on it after her C-section! Shortly after I recovered from the surgery, I noticed that I had a hard time walking because of a sore achillies tendon. I don't think that I have torn it (they both bother me, right mor[Show More]I had an emergeny appendectomy in 2006, and just prior to my surgery, they started an IV and hung a bag of Levaquin to "prevent infections"! I knew what it was because my wife was put on it after her C-section! Shortly after I recovered from the surgery, I noticed that I had a hard time walking because of a sore achillies tendon. I don't think that I have torn it (they both bother me, right more than left), however I am a very active individual and I am on my feet quite often all day long due to my job duties in the medical profession. I have been to the ER due to the pain and was prescribed naproxen 500 mg. Everytime I play softball, which is about 2-3 x/week, the next mornig I wake up and have a hard time walking to the shower....it's only 30 feet away! Never before Levaquin have I had ANY issues with my achillies (bilaterally), and now I fear too much activity may jeopardize my career because I need to walk! I hope that no one else has to deal with this painful problem, however it seems as though it is pretty wide spread! Oh, I was never told anything about the drug other than it was to fight off infections!! "Ouch" is all I have to say, and sadly it is a daily thing!
LauraSeptember 8, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I was put on levaquin last week for bronchitis and my achilles tendon popped yesturday... I could not believe the pain, it was a white-out of pain and I fainted. how can a drug make your achilles tendon pop??????
c. colSeptember 5, 2009 at 3:03 pm
What can one do for rutured tendons? My mother was on Levaquin for 3 months (yes, 3 months for complications with infection after hip surgery) and now has numbness and pain in both hands. Is there any way to repair tendons or ease the pain? Will it eventually heal?
John GAugust 31, 2009 at 2:10 am
I took IV levaquin in November 2002 and ruptured the tendon in my right hand in September 2006. In addition, I experienced my first ever bout of Colitis in January 2003. For a long time, I've believed that my colitis was caused by the levaquin. Now I'm reading that the levaquin is linked to Tendon problems. I need a good attorney to represent me - I live on Long Island, in NY.
maryMay 10, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Someone needs to notify all people involved in this case that tendon rupture is one of the symptoms of fluoride poisoning, and that Levaquin is loaded with it. Practitioners in the US, however, are rarely trained in diagnosing fluoride poisoning. The "medical specialist" and chemists at Levaquin's manufacturer, Ortho-McNeil, could not even tell me how much fluoride in a single dose was bioavailab[Show More]Someone needs to notify all people involved in this case that tendon rupture is one of the symptoms of fluoride poisoning, and that Levaquin is loaded with it. Practitioners in the US, however, are rarely trained in diagnosing fluoride poisoning. The "medical specialist" and chemists at Levaquin's manufacturer, Ortho-McNeil, could not even tell me how much fluoride in a single dose was bioavailable after ingestion. They did not know, themselves, and answered (laughing), "None."