Levaquin Lawsuit

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Side effects of Levaquin have been linked to permanent and debilitating nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy, which can last for months or years after last use of the antibiotic.

STATUS OF LEVAQUIN NEUROPATHY LAWSUITS: A growing number of Levaquin lawsuits are being pursued by individuals throughout the United States who have discovered that nerve problems may have been caused by use of the medication. Product liability lawyers are reviewing potential claims for individuals diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, or who have suffered symptoms of nerve damage.

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Antibiotic Aortic Aneurysm Lawsuits

Side Effects of Avelox, Levaquin, Cipro and Other Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics May Cause Peripheral Neuropathy. Lawyers Are Reviewing Lawsuits Nationwide.

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Antibiotic Aortic Aneurysm Lawsuits

Side Effects of Avelox, Levaquin, Cipro and Other Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics May Cause Peripheral Neuropathy. Lawyers Are Reviewing Lawsuits Nationwide.

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

OVERVIEW: Levaquin (levofloxacin) is an antibiotic that is part of a group of drugs known as fluoroquinolones. It is one of the most widely used antibiotics, and has been used by millions of Americans.

Prior to the introduction of generic competitors, Levaquin generated over $1.3 billion in annual sales for the drug makers.

Although the antibiotic has been on the market for nearly 20 years, it appears that potential Levaquin side effects have not been thoroughly researched and that inadequate warnings have been provided for users and the medical community about the risk of peripheral neuropathy, which can cause:

  • Pain in the Arms, Legs, Hands or Feet
  • Burning, Tingling or Numbness
  • Weakness, Tiredness or Heaviness
  • Sensitivity to Light Touches, Temperator and Motion

LEVAQUIN NERVE DAMAGE SIDE EFFECTS: Scientific evidence has established a link between fluoroquinolone antibiotics and peripheral neuropathy for decades, with the first published case reports coming as early as 1992.

Concerns about the development of peripheral neuropathy after using fluoroquinolones was raised by doctors from Infectious Disease Clinic and Microbiology Laboratory at Institut Jules Bordet of Belgium in 1992, in a letter to the editor of The Lancet, which outlined a case involving a 37 year old patient.

In 2001, a published study in the U.S. examined dozens of reports involving long-term peripheral neuropathy nervous system damage following use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, finding that over half of patients continued to experience symptoms more than a year after last use of the medication. Approximately 80% characterized the peripheral neuropathy problems as severe.

Although peripheral neuropathy warnings were added to many of the medications in September 2004, it appears that this information was false and misleading. The warnings suggested that the peripheral neuropathy problems from Levaquin were “rare” and failed to disclose that users may be left with permanent nerve damage.

Many users may have been able to avoid permanent and debilitating nerve injury if adequate information had been provided about the potential link between Levaquin and peripheral neuropathy, informing users and the medical community about the importance of switching to a different antibiotic upon the onset of symptoms.

In August 2013, the FDA announced that new and stronger warnings would be added to Levaquin, Cipro, Avelox and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The new warnings remove prior claims that the nerve damage cases were rare, and indicate that the problems may affect users for years after they stop taking the drug. In many cases the peripheral neuropathy causes permanent disability and limitations for the remainder of the users life.

LEVAQUIN RETINA DETACHMENT SIDE EFFECTS: In addition to claims for nerve damage, lawsuits over Levaquin are also being reviewed for individuals who have experienced retinal detachment.

Although doctors have long-suspected that Levaquin and other antibiotics in the same class of medications have a detrimental effect on connective tissues throughout the body, the manufacturers may have failed to adequately research or warn about the risk of eye problems and vision loss.

In April 2012, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that users of Levaquin may be five times more likely to suffer a retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency where the retina peels away from its underlying layer of support.

Some lawyers are now considering whether individuals may be entitled to financial compensation through a Levaquin retina detachment lawsuit if they suffered an injury, as proper warnings may have allowed individuals to avoid the eye problems, since prompt treatment may the retina from detaching completely.

Symptoms of a developing detached retina from Levaquin may include:

  • Flashes of Light
  • Floaters or “Hairs” Visible to the Temporal Side of the Central Vision
  • Dramatic Increases in the NUmber of Floaters
  • Feeling of Heaviness in the Eye
  • Dense Shadow Progressing from Peripheral to Central Vision
  • Impression that a Veil or Curtain Was Drawn Over Field of Vision
  • Central Vision Loss

LEVAQUIN TENDON RUPTURE LAWSUITS: In 2009, the FDA required a black box warning about the risk of tendon ruptures on Levaquin, providing prominent warnings for consumers about the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if discomfort in the achilles tendon is noticed.

In the years following the warning update, nearly 4,000 Levaquin lawsuits were filed by users who experienced sudden tendon problems. By late 2012 and early 2013, Levaquin settlements were reached to resolve most of those cases. New claims for tendon ruptures are no longer being pursued by most Levaquin lawyers.

Tags: Achilles Tendon, Fluoroquinolone, Levaquin, Tendon Rupture

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381 Comments

Lauren
This is in response to Stephanie: In September 2009 I was administered Levaquin intravenously for a dangerous cellulitis (due to a wound to the top of my foot from a feral cat’s claws) that swelled the entire foot to the ankle within a few hours and showed no signs of stopping there. The docs were afraid the pathogen might be MRSA, but the luckily it turned out to be Pasteurella. The infection was defeated, the swelling subsided, and the wound healed, all to my immense relief. In early 2010 I noticed a raised nodule on the back of one hand. A biopsy identified it as granuloma annulare, an autoimmune condition that has now spread of the tops of both hands. In May of 2011 I started waking up with pain and stiffness in the finger joints of both hands. Sometimes some of the fingers become locked in bent positions and I have to straighten them out with my other hand. Blood tests have revealed no inflammation or RA, but a positive ANA result of 1:160. Also, while I was receiving the Levaquin, my doctor noted that my fasting blood sugar, which was previously normal (~85), rose to about 115. After treatment stopped, it lowered to about 100. But the recent blood work that showed positive ANA also showed blood sugar back to 115. So it looks like I am developing lupus, and possibly diabetes, and it certainly looks as if both diseases may have been induced by my exposure to Levaquin. I am trying to prevent or reverse the progression of these ailments with life style interventions: weight loss (24 lbs so far – 30 to go), excellent nutrition (plant-based), daily strength training and aerobic exercise, stress reduction, more and better sleep. I have an appointment to see a rheumatologist for the first time, but I am wary of taking any standard lupus/autoimmune medications.
Heidi
Wow, I feel like I got off lucky! In May 2011 after several weeks of a flu going around I went to the clinic and after x-rays was told I had beginnings of pneumonia. I was given a 10-day dose of Levaquin. Aches started a couple days later, but I figured it was the illness. I also had shoulder pain and popping, my left hip hurt to lay on, joints ached and my groin/joint of my left leg hurt so bad to walk. At day 5 I felt so bad, I went back to the clinic, I felt like I had been hit with a truck, aching all over. more x-rays were done and I was told to be patient and let the drug work. It is now the end of July and I have aches through my ribs off and on, almost daily. I don’t trust my leg, so use a cane if I am out and about. It can be fine, then suddenly, I am hanging onto walls in order to move. When I went to my primary physician and told her about these aches and pains and what I had found out about Levaquin, she had blood test run and said that the tests said that any tendon damage is reversible. That was only mildly reassuring. I am afraid to exercise and of course, who knows how long this reversible will take. The irony? The doctors in the walk-in clinic I went to mis-read the x-rays and I did not have pneumonia or any sign of it according to the radiologist who sent the report to my primary! So I took this poison for no good reason.
Saundra
I was prescribed Levaquin for an upper respiratory infection on 11/13/10. By 11/19/10, I experienced excrutiating pain in my right shoulder, bicep, forearm, wrist. hand, thumb & fingers, along with not as severe pain in both Achilles Tendons and also my left shoulder. I was given two consecutive medrol packs which did no good. I consulted a pain management specialist and had an MRI done on the right shoulder since it was the most painful area. I consulted an orthopaedic surgeon who told me there was nothing he could do consulted a law firm who said they would take my case, but today, 6/28/11, I received a letter sayIing they would not take the case.
Ann
My father is right now in the hospital fighting for his life and we feel it was because of Levaquin 750 mg. Last week we brought my father into an urgent care facility because he was on the z-pak for a sinus infection and was not getting any better. He was short of breath and coughing a ton. They took a chest xray and he was diagnosed with pneumonia. They gave him 750 mg of Levaquin for 10 days. By day 5 my father could not walk and his legs were swollen and red. We rushed him into the hospital and he in in kidney failure. He cannot walk because the pain is so great not only in his legs but his entire body. He is also on his second round of dialysis in the last 48 hours. Did anyone have any kidney issues after taking this drug?
Lilly
My father was prescribed levaquin, took less than 8 of them (out of 10), and is now having problems with his achilles tendon. He can barely walk, and has to use a cane. A neighbor just told me about the relationship of this drug to tendon problems. The doctor never warned us about it.
Carol
Has anyone been able to find out any information about the class action lawsuit that is against these drug companies. That I heard is that a judge approved a suit over a year ago. Whats happening with it now and had anyone been able to collect any compinsation.
Emmitt
Please, are you able to Pm me and tell me few more thinks about this, I am really fan of one’s weblog… gets solved properly asap.
Bob
I’ve been prescribed Levaquin on 13 occassions. Before discovering the drug’s harmful side-effects, I : tore my anterior cruciiate ligament in off, tore my right bicep off, required sugery on my left hand to restore free movement of my fingers due to tendon swelling, have had several surgeries to repair torn rotator cuffs, I’m now required to wear supports in my shoes (created by a podiatrist) because the tendons in the bottom of my feet have lost their elasticity, and have had recurrent problems with my elbows and knees. I’m to have total knee replacement of my left knee in September.
Donald
Was given Cipro years ago for pneumonia. Took it for a couple days and stopped. Could barely walk from the car into the doctor’s office. I’m very physically fit and have been all my life, and that scared the hell out of me. Luckily I stopped before any long-term affects. Doctor said that I had a “rare” reaction. Yeah, right! Just covering her ass. Same thing happened when the doctor and a lipid specialist tried putting me on Statins years ago. I said I couldn’t run after taking them because the muscle cramps were so bad. They dismissed it because it was considered an “extremely rare” occurrence. Now of course it’s seen as commonplace. A big part of the problem is that the docs are in bed with the damn pharmaceuticals because they give them all the free drugs and other benefits. So doctors would rather prescribe medication than work with their patients to find alternative health solutions. What a goddamn scam and we’re their guinea pigs!
K Clements
I was given Levaquin in April 2008 and I have never been the same since. I noticed the second day that I was so sore all over my body. I thought the soreness was from tilling the garden, but then I got thinking that it was strange because I do it all the time. I just got worse and so sore I could hardly walk. I got on the enternet and read the side effects of the floroquinolone drugs. That was scary enough. On memorial weekend I started taking Tahitan Noni a over all nutritional drink and I could feel it flushing through my body. It really helped releave some of the pain, but the pain seemed to settle in my knees. In July I went to the orthopedic surgeon and had shots in my knees so I could walk. That did help for about 2 months. Then I was diagnosed with cataracts and had surgery on both eyes. I then started taking both Tahitian Noni and Monavie Juice, which just seemed to help me get by day by day. Then I started having trouble with my right foot and was diagnosed with Tarsal tunnel but opted not to have surgery and limped around for almost a year and then had physical therapy for 4 months which helped the plantar faciistis. In 2009 I tryed shots in my knees again and that lasted only about 2 weeks. I suffered with a stiff neck and went to physical therapy for that. In Aug 2010 I started with plantar fasciitis in my left foot. I have stuffed with it for almost a year even with physical therapy it is still bothering me and I can’t walk very far. I also in Oct 2010 had my right knee scoped and have had physical therapy for that. I have also started having bouts of abdominal pain and bowel problems. I had quit taking the Noni and Monavie and with all the muscle pain that I have had all along and the lack of energy I have started taking the Monavie again and that has helped and I can work hard for about 3 hours a day or every other day. Since I can’t walk long distances I have gained weight and now have to take pre diabetic meds. This has been going on since Spring 2008. Some days are better than others but I feel that the Levaquin did a trick on my body and at 62 I am glad that I am not the 80 that I feel most days.
April
‘@ years ago I was given Levaquin, Cipro, and Floxin, not at the same time. All I know is that I have never been the same. Im 32 years old, with nuasea, diareahha, and vomiting, sick stomach that cant handle anything.Body aches…its awful… i feel like in 80 years old..my bodies been damaged from medacine. I have been suffering for almost 3 years now…still trying to find out whats wrong, spending all my money and time trying to fix it so I can be a good mother for my family,my family i was and have been too sick to take care of for a long time now. This is a serious matter.
tricia
I went to the ER with symptoms of strep throat and/or Mono. They never tested for Mono though I still feel like I have it after 2 weeks. The Dr. Diagnosed me with PNEUMONIA eventhough I have NO symptoms of it…without even examining my chest! She prescribed me 750mgs of Levaquin for 5 days. I am sooo happy icouldn’t afford this poison! I got home from the pharmacy and researched Levaquin. I think that DR. Gets kickbacks from prescribing it! She never asked if I have pre-exisiting tendon problems or irregular heartbeat- just diagnoses me with something I obviously do not have without regard! I have Tendonitis in my left thumb & am prone to low blood potassium. For all I know this drug could have killed me or rendered me unable to function. What is wrong with the FDA and doctors allowing people to take this stuff into their bodies?!? This drug should be removed from the market immediately! I wish I could file a complaint against that doctor but I was smart enough to NOT take this crap! I guess there’s nothing I can do.
michelle
I had a cat bite in 2001 and had to have an IV right away. Then my Dr. put me on something to prevent any further infection (I assume it was a fluoroquinolone but my pharmacy changed ownership and I couldn’t get the name because of the torn labrium tendon in my hip.) When I went back to exercising (he gave me no warning) my right hip was hurting and I was limping. I went back to tell him and he told me to go in the jacuzzi. Next an xray showed nothing. I continued to limp and get chiropractic but nothing helped. Then in 2005 I got a urinary tract infection and the Dr. at the urgent care gave me Levaquin again. About 6 mo. later, in 2006,I got another UTI and went to my own Dr. He gave me Levaquin again. I was a basket case, I lost my memeory (my husband says it’s like asteel trap) I started having anxiety and depression and just couyldn’t think. My back was hurting severly and in 3 weeks had another UTI. When I told my Dr. I didn’t think the Levaquin was working for me he said that I am getting old and I need to see a specialist and he gave it to me again. I made an appt. but by the next day my whole body was in excruciating pain and I showed up at his office crying. He said it was my back. Since then I have had a complete hip replacement, shots in my knee, shoulder and bicep surgery and continued pain in my back and knee and tendonitis in my wrists, ankles, thumbs and the top of my foot. I have filed multiple complaints with the FDA and Ortho McNeill. The orthopedist that I went to said they know about the harm thid drug can do. This Dr. was our family Dr. for years and when I presented him with the online info he yelled at me that he knew all of it. I questioned why he had given me a pain reliever and muscle relaxer if he knew the side effects. Finally my chiropractor sent me for an MRI, not my longtime Dr. I am a fit 66 year old but I am unable to lift my Grandchildren without pain later.
Dawn
I was given levequin for 7 days due to bronchitis. Two days Later I developed rotator cuff tendinitis. I also have joint pain, Muscle twitches and strange skin sensations. My arms hurt at times and my toes, hands and fingers are very achy.
William
I took levaquin one month ago. After the first pill my neck was sore . I stopped right away because I read the warnings. one day later my hamstrings hurt. The next day I couldn’t turn my neck and my eyes were extremely dry .It’s been three weeks and now my wrists, thumbs, ankles, Shoulders,feet neck, eyes, and hips hurt 24-7. I can’t even hold a frying pan without extreme pain. I’m a 30 year old male in great shape . I haven’t worked in 3 weeks. My doctors have thrown out three different syndromes that it has caused. I’m going to loose my job and health care. I looked back 2 years ago and i took cipro for 20 days .I had problems then but never tied it to the medicine . This time I took one pill and I have tendonitis , possible reactive arthritis , vision problems and my life is over . I have been in bed for three weeks. Just filed short term disability . After that is over I have no job or health care and I will be homeless. Thanks levaquin for ruining a healthy 30 year old males life.
David
Do any law firm know after the first bellweather trial in Minnesota, is there any possibility that there will be pretrial settlements? I trust that all of the above victims have filed a claim. All of the above complaints should be forwarded to the United States Justice Department. I revealed my situation in a comment made on 15Nov2010 and there still remains no case resolution.
Vivian
WOW!!! I really can’t believe what I am reading . I have used a lot of this med. Mostly for sinus infections . Then about 2 2 1/2 years ago I noticed an annoying pain in my right shoulder when I would move a particular way I pushed it into the back of my mind figuring be careful what I do and it will go away. Wrong it has never gone away it has only became worse. My Dr. Had me have an MRI which showed I had a small tear in my rotater cuff I have never injured myself and I couldn’t figure out how this happened. I have had some non steroidal steroid injection ( I am allergic to steroids) it did not help. The bad part is I have been continuing use of leviquin my Dr should have connected the dots. The pain is at times Unbearable. I don’t usually post anything but I feel like this really needs to be out there I wish someone would have told me sooner.
William
It’s been a year and four monthes since I was precribed leviquin,. In the first four days, mylower legs got aso sore I could barely walk, Then I went to bed and a wheelchair. for a month i was pretty much immobile then I triesd cruches, The third day I found that my left achilles tendon was severed, nad boy did that hurt. Bblah,blah with the docs and in March I went to surgery, the Ortho doc was great and the patch has held so far, But I tell you, the right tendon is as hard as a rock, my hands,wrists, shoulders and knees are not very kind to me anymore. Some attorney in Texas says hurry up and wait
Mary
My significant other was prescribed a pill (levaquin) in the doctor’s office and then we proceeded to go for a chest Xray, he walked in and came out of the facility in a wheel chair! The prescription of levaquin was filled and one pill was given that afternoon, the next morning he had difficulty breathing, went to ER there it showed he was having irregular heart beat, I said to his doctor, “have you read the side effects?” he seemed annoyed at my question, and when they put him in a room in the hospital he had been put on an IV with that god awful antibiotic, his heart went into RACE!!! He passed away in the hospital 8-22-09 after 2 days of his gasping as if he had been running for a long distance. Something has to be done about prescribing this killer antibiotic and the doctors who prescribe should lose their license to practice. I would be suing his doctor and the manufacturer if I thought I would qualify. (two weeks prior his heart doctor gave him a clean bill of health, said he had a good strong heartbeat and to come back in a year) So much for the drug Levaquin!!!!
Brian
Was just prescribed levofloxacin in Brazil 1000 mgs per day for 12 days as a last resort for pneumonia. Finally read about it on Wikipedia after 8 days and was shocked. As soon as I finished the course the infection which had retreated to a a slime in my throat immediately dove for my lungs again. I was told about intramuscular injections of a pharmaceutically prepared eucalyptus oil and a couple of other things that are not available in this State anymore but are still available in the one below here. Got some and started it immediately. One shot knocked it 95% out of my lungs and another 24 hours later knocked all of it but less than 1% completely out. I had bought three ampules for three injections as I was told that was the course but will keep the other for an emergency. No idea why the injections are no longer available in this State other than they are very cheap.The medial mafia is very strong here just as it is in First World countries. Apparently this injectable eucalyptus oil is an old remedy down here. No information on it on the net in English and only the product insert in Portuguese is on the web. I am experiencing pains in my wrists and again an old plantar fascitis complaint popped up after the levofloxacin. Have started a complete detoxification procedure with major amounts of water and herbs to hopefully offeset any further issues. I feel this is key for everyone experiencing the same symptoms or worse.
mary
I too, am suffering from debilitating thumb pain in both hands, and no dr seems to know wat the cause is…i was put on levequin for sinus and resp infections a couple years back, but developed an allergy the medication. after reading the comments on here, i strongly suspect it may have something to do with this horrible condition that has afflicted me. I feel like I’m 90 as well… I ache all over and get no relief. Worst thing is, I was a pro piano player and i can barely play anymore.
T. Lucas
Join our facebook page and please sign the petition The Fluoroquinolone Wall of Pain http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Fluoroquinolone-Wall-of-Pain/209182505773463 Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic Toxicity (Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox, Floxin) http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/FluoroquinoloneToxicity
Suzanne
Levequin has caused me to be diagnosed with Achilles tendonitis in both ankles, and is causing me severe elbow pain. I won’t be able to return to my current job, and will be having to pay lots of doctor bills!
Teresa
My left shoulder, elbow and arm is in pain as well as my left knee all in the muscle…I took Levaquin for a UTI because I am allergic to Penicillin, I am off of the Levaquin now but am wondering if this is some kind of side effect from the drug, I am only 43 years old.
Tony
I was presribed levaquin and cipro they have ruined both achilles tendons and only once I had suicidal tendencies I am to have a (ftl) on my left tendon, I went to ortopedics and a rhuematologist.The last orto I went to knew the consequences of the drug and has been very helpful. From what I am researching is that the drug co. knew of the side affects. I was prescribed these drugs in 2007
Saundra
There is no solution or cure for the damage caused by Levaquin. I’ve spent five months trying to get relief. The only help comes from deep steriod injections, under sedation and x-ray so that the pain management specialist can put the steroid directly into the site of the tears. The greedy drug manufacturers have gone too far with these particular antibiotics and they have the gall to defend what I consider a crime to humanity. I’ve given up all hope that my injuries will ever heal and look forward to a life of severe pain.
Thomas
I had a mastiodectomy in my youth from a bad ear infection when i was fifteen. That was 1996. Over the years the hole enlarged and i became more and more prone to infections. In late 2004 the infections were so recurrent the doctors decided to try Levaquin because the were worried about me developing an infection resistant to other antibiotics. While it didnt help my infection problems all that much (and i was put on levaquin 3 times for 10 days each) i started having other problems, mainly a tendon problem in my shoulder.As time went on i started having more problems with tendons and joints and the doctors and myself figured i was overworking my body and suffering from some form of arthritis and tendonitis.As yet there have been no treatments able to alleviate the symptoms and the only joint not having tendon issues is my right knee.I dont know if this will help me or anyone else but there it is for all to read. I have no reason to be anonymous about it i am on disability now and have little to lose were i to be given a problem about it.All i want to know is two things 1. are there other problems associated with levaquin and 2. is there anyway to fix these problems.
Brian
In April 2008, I was given Levaquin 500mg for 10 days to treat an upper respiratory infection. Within a few days, I developed pain in my lower back which then eventually spread to my entire body. I went back to my physician who prescribed the Levaquin and he diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. I strongly disagreed with his diagnosis since the severe pain I was suffering seemed related to the Levaquin. After a few visits to my physician, he referred me to a rheumatologist. The rheumatologist made the same diagnosis of fibromyalgia which I again disagreed with. I ordered the medical records of both physicians and I discovered that both of them were documenting that I had the “trigger points” related to fibromyalgia even though neither physician ever checked me for those trigger points. My pain grew worse and worse with time. It felt like I was being cut with razor blades all over my body. I finally contacted a friend who does alternative types of treatment. She is a D.O. and has no loyalty to the drug companies like many physicians do. She informed me that I had been affected by Levaquin. She proceeded to “detox” me with homeopathic treatments. Miraculously, the severe pain that I was feeling is no longer a problem for me. I guess it wasn’t fibromyalgia after all.
Debby
I was prescribed levaquin September 2010, for a suspected UTI. Upon starting the medication, my joints became painful. My right shoulder was especially stiff and sore and my range of motion became less and less. I was prescibed a thirty day course of prednisone which helped the joint pain except for the pain in my right shoulder. I cannot lie down on my right side and cannot raise my right arm. The pain keeps me awake and even prescribed sleep meds and 800 mg. Ibuprofin is not helping. In February 2011, I had an MRI, which showed a rotator cuff tear in my right shoulder. I had no idea how it became torn. I came upon this websight while trying to research any meds that I take which may have caused the tear.
Gayle
I took Levaquin samples and part of one prescription for chest congestion three years ago. In January ’09 I developed a torn tendon in my foot, and knowing nothing about the side effects of Levaquin, have dealt with tendonitis for the past 2 years. The doctor I consulted wanted to know how I injured my foot. As I told him, I did nothing but walk on it. My doctor says it has now progressed to tendonosis. I have constant foot pain and it has limited my enjoyment of walking, dancing and doing daily things which involve standing such as work.. It was not until this past December that I developed another chest cough and went back to the same doctor. I was given a R/X for Levaquin. I filled the r/x but read about the side effects and refused to take it. I even asked for an alternate R/X but was refused. This was given to me as something which worked really well, but instead has given me a chronic tendon problem. The next step will involve surgery.
Jean
In June-2009 I was given levaquin for bronchitis. In Aug 2009 I was having such severe shoulder pain which was so bad I went to the hospital. I was medicated and told to see a shoulder specialist. The shoulder dr. told me after mri that my rotator cuff has a 50% tear. This was not from a fall or accident or injury of any kind, it just came on suddenly and at 50 years old I just chalked it up to wear and tear, but now I have my doubts.
John
I was prescribed Levaquin 750mg after surgery two years ago. I currently have the same pains described in every comment. I am unable to live my life. The pain is unbearable at times. Besides the pain, the other part that hurts the worst is that my dear wife doesn’t believe me about the pain. She is a PT and blames my pain on in acitivity. I only wish I could have some activity but afterwards it takes days to recover, and be able to walk like a 50 year old instead of a 80 year old man.
elizabeth
I to am still suffering with pain in my tends and want to know how i to can get on on this lawsuite.I to have been takin Levaquin 500mg.
Elizabeth
Let me start off by saying that at the time I took Levaquin I was on medical leave because i had surgery. I am 45 yrs old who had been having problems walking for over 15 years and was just recently diagnosed with severe aortal blockage and had a bi-femurol bypass. After surgery and recovery I could walk and walk and walk. Then I took Levaquin. One month ago I was prescribed 750mg of Levaquin, 1 a day for 3 days for a UTI. Day 1 felt ok, day 2 felt ok, went to bed on day 2 and woke up the next morning wishing I would die. Thought I had the flu because my whole body ached. DID NOT take 3rd pill. Took about 4 days to return to some form of normalcy. Then the muscle weakness and joint pain started to become more pronounced. Went to my Doctor who has said he believes I had a severe adverse reaction to the Levaquin. He did a full blood workup and everything appears normal. He said the only thing at this point we can do is wait and see once it leaves my system for good if the problems I am experiencing will go away. I went for so long not knowing about the blockage, underwent very major surgery which gave me my life back. To have it taken away within 3 months because of an antibiotic is just unbearably painful! This drug should be taken off the market!!
Andrea
I’ve taken Levaquin regularly for years now, both the 500mg and 750mg and I’ve never had any problems with it. I think since the lawsuits came out, it’s like a placebo effect and everyone thinks they’re having symptoms from the Levaquin now. Just saying. With as much as I’ve taken Levaquin, I should have symptoms. I had a friend that used to be a pharmaceutical rep & Levaquin happened to be one of her products & since it is one of the only antibiotics I can take, I had TONS of samples. My MD didn’t have to prescribe it for me because everytime I was sick, I told him I already had samples. I’m not convinced of the hype over Levaquin.
Melanie
I have taken LEVAQUIN twice; both for about 1 1/2 to 2 weeks.This was in 2009-2010 Here i am 35 years old and thinking that its just a part of getting older. I cant sleep,so i have been prescribed sleeping medicine. i have been diagnosed with tendonitis in my shoulder, extremely painful, even with steroid injections every three months. I cannot lift over 5 lbs. in that arm. Both my arms go numb as well intermitantly. I also have severe weakness in my lower legs and feet. most of the time the muscles in my legs spasm and i cant do too much walking ; if so the next few days i am paying for it severely. I am unable to walk at all. Since taking this medicine i have to be on another medicine for heart palpatations that are untrolled without medication. I ache all the time, I had a spinal fusion to my neck shortly before taking LEVAQUIN. I dont think this surgery had anything to do with what is going on in my body. I am too young to be going through this…The makers of LEVAQUIN need to be held accountable for not letting people become aware of what they are putting into their body and the possible side effects. I strongly urge anyone who even thinks of taking this medication LEVAQUIN to beware….
mike
I used levoquin about 4 weeks ago, since then i have experienced : very heavy legs and pains in my feet and all joints. I thought i was just getting sick with the flu so ignored the problem and keep taking motrin which really does not help. Today I decide to look up the drug on google and found all this out Im SHOCKED that my dr. even put me on this medication. My occupation requires me to stand long periods 8-10 hours per day and by night time I have to hold on to the furniture and walls to walk. Can anyone tell me how long this will last. I was a very healthy 49 year old until now.
Jeff
First of all to the doctor and naysayers that are leaving comments. Unless you have experienced these problems first hand and hurt like we do. Please don’t get angry at us for telling our stories. I’m not an ambulance chaser and I absolutely hate going to the doctor. Since taking levaquin my life has been a living hell! I was prescribed levaquin for a prostate infection in 2002-2003 and ever since my body has gone from healthy to haywire. I have chronic back pain, my legs hurt constantly and when I wake up it feels like someone hit every joint with a hammer. I have had horrible bouts with vertigo, and last but not least my debilitating panic attacks and anxiety. I WAS a massage therapist but could not continue working as the pain was getting overwhelming and I couldn’t hardly stand because of the vertigo. The anxiety of just getting to my next appointment each day became horrifying. So somebody tell me this. How could I have felt great one month and so bad for so many years. I was not injured, I took my vitamins and ate pretty well. But took levaquin and things changed. I was given samples at first and then went and got my prescription later. What a mistake!! The samples had no warnings at all and after 4 weeks I finally read them when I got the prescription. Yes the side effects were shocking to say the least and they failed to mention tendon damage at that time. Word is they knew what the problem wasnbefore the FDA stepped in. I am not angry at my doctor he was just trying to help. But why such an EXTREME medication for a prostate infection. So long story short I hurt so bad most of the time and my nerves are a wreck for no reason. I think I was poisoned by the levaquin. It’s been 8-9 yrs later and I had suspected it from the start. It’s no coincidence. Somebody should be held accountable so it doesn’t happen again. LEVAQUIN a huge mistake of science why were we the guinea pigs.
Jan
I was given Levaquin in November for an URI. Two days after starting it, I was barely able to walk. The pain was almost unbearable putting weight on my right foot. I had been sick that week with a sore throat and had been off work and had been laying around all week. I thought my lower back was out causing my hip to hurt. I went to the chiropractor a few times during December but it didn’t help any. I was in so much pain but being a nurse and having to work I just kept trying to ignore it. I started having muscle cramps all over my body, along with lower back and hip pain. Finally at the end of December my doctor ordered an MRI of my hip and low back. It showed bulging discs in my lower back and also a cartilage tear and extensive bursitis in my hip. I got a steroid injection in it and it didn’t help a bit. I went to physical therapy twice a week for two months. I was unable to work during January and February. I am now back to work, working only 4 hours a day but when I come home and on weekends, I am unable to do anything else. I have been unable to sleep in my bed since this started in November of 2010. The pain is really bad when I lay on either side, so I have to sleep in a lounge chair. I never had a problem like this before. I am also having alot of pain in my opposite knee which the doctors say is because I am favoring that leg because the other one is in pain. I am having joint pain all over my body. Is that because of the Levaquin too? I know the side effects don’t mention the hip very often, but it seems to be a strange coincidence then, that it all started after two doses of Levaquin.
Ray
I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in Oct of 2003.I had surgery in Dec of 2003,everthing went fine as per my Dr.Over the yrs from my surgery i had assorted joint pains,but just thought it was the fact that i am active(gym,sports,cycle,runner) and was getting older(i was 43 when diagnosed).I lived with the pain,it would come and go.In April 2010 i had had pain in my left achilles area of my leg,i lived with it thinking it was just like all my other joint pain.Finally it became to much and to the doctor i went.After x-ray,sonograms and mri, i was diagnosed with micro tears in my achilles tendon and tendonitis.My doctor put me in a ridgid boot for 6-8 weeks and then on to 4 month of PT.After my PT and my doctors ok i was good to go,back to cycling and running and all my activities.But mind you still pain in my elbow hand and knees periodically.Now fast forward to feb 21,2011 when i ruptured my right achilles tendon,which required surgery a week later.I sit here casted to my knee recieving calls from friendof good wishes ,after the response of “ewwwww you did what….that has to hurt”.But also people asking me what antibiotic i recieved in the hoptipal for my cancer.I had no clue at all of any of these problems with Levaquin,let alone that i had been given it through my IV in the hospital.After getting my records and information together i saw that i was in fact given it.Well after all my pains and rupture i see that levaquin is the problem.I just never thought that a drug with this history would still be on the market.Or at least someone would notify me that i had recieved this drug and asked if i had any side effects.I guess they really didn’t want to know the answer,so they didn’t ask the question.
Erica
I was given Levaquin for a sinus infection in Deceber 2010. Within less then a week of taking it I started to feel tingling in my left hand. It turned out that the Levaquin had damaged my ulnar nerve, making my left hand basically unable to use. I stopped taking the drug immediately as I noticed that in the fine print it says that it may cause nerve damage. It is now mid march and I have still have a slight tingling sensation in my left ring and pinky fingers. This drug is TERRIBLE! !!!
Jennifer
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
Charles
I am brain damaged from Cipro and Avelox. My brother died from Achalasia, failure of the stomach valve. The valve is supported by tendons. These drugs are fed to chickens for rapid growth. Per the Poultry Assn. If allergic do not eat chicken. These drugs also affect kidneys. All pet foods contain chicken. See how many cats have lost kidneys. Kings market sells Free Range Chicken, no Antibiotics. When the hell is this going to be stopped.?
Miles
I was prescribed Levaquin for a very mild,maybe even non-existent case of pneumonia.Took the first 500 mg tablet at 4p.m and was unable to sleep that night and began to have bad pain in my left shoulder about mid-night,as well as a racing heart beat.The pain continued until about 4 p.m the next day.Luckily the pain has subsided but two days after taking that one dose I still feel a twinge of pain from time to time in that left shoulder.Hope it goes away completely.I’m glad I only took the one pill but I wish I had not even taken that.
Diane
Levaquin was given to me in July 2009 during/after surgery. My initial reaction was extreme itching which lasted for 2-3 days. Severe pain in backl, hips, knees, heels and most recently right thumb swelling and much pain in my right thumb and hand- currently, not as sever in left thumb and hand. Initially thought it was carpal tunnel – still waiting on results from xrays. I was also diagnosed with shingles after surgery – my vision has decreased and my overall health has been compromised. Working is getting more challenging – what am I to do?
Laurie
I have taken Levaquin many times over the years and had no clue of the possibility that damage can be done to my tendons from taking this med. I am allergic to many medications. Levaquin and Cipro are two I can take… but now it appears I’m taking Levaquin off the list too. Last year I took Levaquin for bronchitis twice… followed by tendonitis in my elbow that took months of therapy to get to where I didn’t have to wear the brace… This past December (after Christmas) I had bronchitis again, so my doctor put me on Levaquin. I ended up being on the med for 14 days straight because I couldn’t get rid of the bronchitis. Just last Friday, I was WALKING up my stairs at my home and my right knee started hurting, then after two more steps, my knee dislocated. I can’t get in to see the orthopedic surgeon until tomorrow morning… and I’m counting down the hours until I can find out what is going on with my knee and why on earth it would have come out just from walking up the stairs. I’m fit and go to the gym regularly… but I don’t go crazy with weights…I’ve been doing more cardio (recumbent bike) than anything. There is no reason I can see that would be causing me the troubles with my tendons… other than possibly of this medicine causing this to happen. I’m for sure going to mention this to my orthopedic surgeon tomorrow to see if the meds I have taken will change our plan of action on how he tries to get me back to normal… if normal is even possible… I have to ask why on earth is this medicine still on the market??? What is being done for those who have accumulated medical bills as a result of this medicine?
Rosa
I was given Levaquin for an infection. It affected my mind – I had nightmares, and was severely depressed. I was admitted to the emergency room twice, had severe chest pain in the thoracic area, and a sense of weakness for weeks. Doctors should strictly check the records for their patients, I had a stroke 5 years a go, and the medicine I take was very dangerous with the Levaquin.
Brendan
A client and good friend of mine was an All American Tri-Athlete before he was prescribed Levaquin in 2009 for a sinus infection. Shortly after his initial course on Levaquin, he ruptured both plantar fascia tendons in his feet. Not making the connection he was prescribed another course of Levaquin for another sinus infection and shortly after that cycle ruptured a tendon in his elbow. This is no coincidence. To the gentlemen who criticized those handling Levaquin lawsuits, unfortunately, lawsuits are the only way to bring safe change. J&J was asked to modify their warning labels in 2006 to better warn those taking the medication of its known side effects. Did they listen? No. So a lawsuit had to be instituted in order to get J&J to comply. The profits are too high for pharmaceutical companies like J&J to change what they are doing. The only thing the gets their attention is the loss of money through lawsuits. Yes, frivolous lawsuits have no place in society and are a waste of everyone’s time and money. But this litigation is anything but frivolous. It is the last resort for those injured through no fault of their own.
Irene
Was prescribed Levequin in December for 10 days…1 day after I stopped it I had pain in right shoulder, which moved to left shoulder, then to left knee. It settled in the knee and swelled up and was hot and very painful. The Dr. suspected tendonitis. This all started on Jan 3, 2011….today is Feb. 15, 2011 and I am scheduled for surgery on March 8th, 2011 to remove “debris” that has all of a sudden appeared making it very difficult to walk. Swelling is still there. I continue to inform everyone I know NOT TO TAKE LEVEQUIN….I NEVER had issues with my knees…I’m a bowler and a walker….this came as a shock to all of a sudden have issues so severe with my left knee as soon as I stopped taking the Levequin.
marti
i was just given a 10 day dose of this med. i swear i feel like im going nuts.i cant sleep , im more anxious then before.i have the feelings to cry outta nowhere and i feel like i am puffy .i am also more tired then normal(i have lupus).my eyes feel like i have smoked pot fordays(i havent).i have one pill left and i dont think i can bare to take it.my hips are killing me and my elbows hurt.wanna call my dr. but she already has issues with me from my chronic pain from nerve damage in my neck.oh i was put on this for sinus infection that i cant seem to get rid of for over 2 months.A i going crazy????
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