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.

>>REVIEW A LAWSUIT WITH A LEVAQUIN LAWYER<<

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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

James
I too have suffered the brunt of Levaquin. I work out daily & used to surf every weekend. Now, there are days I can barely pick up a glass of water. I have tendon issues in my elbows & knees. It has gotten somewhat better & somewhat worse – going back & forth. My best advice is to KEEP MOVING! Don’t let this stop you. You WILL get better… keep moving, keep your body circulating. Deep tissue massage has helped to alleviate some of the toxic poisoning this has left in my tendons. KEEP MOVING!
connie
While taking Levaquin suffered a complete tear of my supraspinatus from the bone, now have screws anchoring tendon/muscle back in place, painful all the time.
Patti
In January of 2007, I was prescribed Levaquin for 5 days for a UT infection prior to going on a cruise. During the cruise, my feet hurt me so badly, I was hardly able to walk. I did not know what was wrong with me. I was in extreme pain. When we returned home, I was getting much better. Shortly afterwards, I was again prescribed Levaquin for upper respiratory infection and again, the aching symptomes returned. I researched the Intranet and learned of the dangers of this drug, I called the doctor and he took me off this and prescribed something different. My feet contined to hurt to the point I went to a podiatrist. He informed me I had arthritis in both my feet even though I do NOT have arthritis anywhere else! They have progressively gotten worse to the point I can barely walk without shorts every 3 months. My entire life has been drastically chaned. Traveling is a concern because of my limited mobility and pain. This week, I saw another orthopedic specialist for my feet. He said “I have never seen this much arthritis in anyone’s feet at your age.” I am 64. He informed me that it was so bad that surgery would not be an option as it would only make the arthritis spread. I will go to a radiologist every 3 months for shots for the rest of my life. Although I have no proof that this drug brought this on, I simply know that prior to taking it, I did not have any feet issues. The quality of my life has been greatly negatively affected.
Tanya
I was disagnosed with Discoid Lupus some 15 years ago. I contracted an infection in my index finger (don’t know how). While trying to find treatment that would work with Lupus meds, the infection got worse. Long story short, I had to have surgery to remove the finger nail on 08/20/10. I went for follow-up today and was prescribed Levoquin 500mg. I am so glad I googled this drug. I will not be taking this med – there must be an alternative. My heart aches for the writers who have experienced these horrible side effects and I pray they aren’t debilitating or permanent.
Toni
After suffering a few weeks with a urinary infection, I was put on 500mg of Levaquin for 5 days. I was then told to take another round of Levaquin 750mg for 7 more days to be sure it would cover all the infection. After the first two days of being on the 750mg, I began feeling pain in my left knee. The pain was horrible for a few days. Then it moved into my right knee. That is when I began to wonder if this was a side effect of the antibiotic. I began researching to find out that my feelings were confirmed, Now I know why I could not even get up and walk due to pain in my knees. I immediately stoped the Levaquin! I just can’t believe this drug is still on the market??? I don’t know yet if the damage to my knees is permanent or not. I have to begin tests to find out. Stay away from this drug. It’s not worth the chance of damaging your body.
Stephanie
Levaquin triggered lupus for me, has anyone had that happen to them? I developed lupus symptoms after being on levaquin for a few days. I have now had lupus for about seven months now, thanks to levaquin.
Camille
I was prescribed Levaquin for sinus infection and approximately 7 days after taking it, I started breaking out with a rash all over my legs. 7 days after that, I started having severe abdomen cramping. I went to the er and they did a cat scan of my abdomen and saw severe infection in the small intestine. I was admitted to the hospital where I stayed 3 days. Blood tests revealed that my white blood cell count was 17000, my potassium was less than a 2, and my blood pressure was high. the rash has now spread to my arms and looks like blisters. I realy hope this rash goes away soon. I am still having abdomen pain.
RHONDA
I JUST RECENTLY FINISHED A REGIMEN OF LEVAQUIN . I SUFFER FROM HORRIFIC PAIN IN BOTH SHOULDERS, HIPS ARE STIFF AND MY LEGS HURT ALL THE TIME. I HAVE BEEN ON LEVAQUIN BEFORE BUT I CANT REMEMBER THE DATE. I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH PNEUMONIA AND PUT ON LEVAQUIN ABOUT TEN DAYS AGO AND MY PAIN IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. I HAVE END STAGE 4 LIVER DISEASE AND NEED A TRANSPLANT. SOMETIMES I THINK IWILL DIE FROM PAIN BEFORE I EVEN GET A LIVER. 🙁
Sandy
I was put on IV Levaquin while in the hospital for a severe case of Mastoiditis. When I was discharged I was prescribed the oral version of Levaquin and continued taking it for 3 more days. While in the hospital I noticed my right heel was starting to get very painful, along with my elbows and knees. I thought it was just from laying in the hospital bed. When I got home my symptoms worsened and I extremely tired and felt achy all over. My heels became so bad I could barely walk and my elbow was so bad I could barely hold a glass full of water or milk. It hurt that much. I went to my doc and wanted to make sure it wasn’t the infection spreading only to find out these are side effects of the Levaquin. He immediately took me off of the medication and I’m on day 2 without the Levaquin and I’m noticing I’m getting my energy back and the aching is starting to subside. However, my heels, elbows, and knees are still very sore! Had I known this drug had such adverse affects I’m not sure I would have allowed my doctor to put me on it. How do we know though. I was admitted from the ER and was in a lot of pain due to the mastoiditis. I never imagined the side effects from the drug would make me feel worse than the actual infection.
Almina
January 2010 hospitalized for pneumonia gave me Levaquin in my IV an 10 treatment after…I was tender footed after the 3rd day but I was sick didnt pay attention more than that….my 4th day out of the hospital my wrists an elbow the pain I have in that area undescribable it comes an goes often I went to my phsycian an they resfuse to put it off on the meds but that is when all my pain started its like im 80 now an Im only 42..the body aches OMG why did the hospital give me this medicine??
Bob
I’m 62 and was prescribed Leviquin 500mg On 07/09/2010 for 10 days for an infected right testicle. Aside from the initial stomach problems, which I considered extreme for an AntiBiotic i had no detectable problems. Now after being off of Leviquin for 10 days I’m beginning to have problem of pain and swelling in both legs from the Knee down. Both legs are swollen to the point that I cannot see my ankle bones and the bottom of my right foot feels swollen. I have had Tendon Pains in both thighs from Cotch to Knee that seems to improve with exercise but the swelling appears to be getting worse each day. I refused further Leviquin treatment once I found out here about the Leviquin Side affects and Lawsuits. I called the FDA for info and was met with instant recognition of the severity of Problems associated ithis drug.
Barbara
I went to the Hospital on June 6, 2010 with Pneumonia. They started me with Levaquin intrvenously..then when I left I had 10 days of 750Mg..after that, I went to my regular dr and he gave me another round of it. My arms/shoulders are so sore they few like they are out of their sockets and just hanging. I cannot sleep on them, I cannot even reach behind my back. I am 67 years old and should never have been given a drug that I think after reading all of these comments should have been off the market…now I do not know whether it will go away or I will have to live my life like this with all the soreness. I will never take the drug again…
Angelika
I have been prescribed Levaquin 500 mg for treating my bladder infection, over Doxycycline (which does the same thing). After just one time taking this absolutely horrible medication I had side effects like fainting, fast heart beating (thought I am having a heart attack) at 30 years of age. Well, I thought maybe it was in my head so I took the second pill in next day, but simptoms got even far worse. In the mornign of the third day, I have decided do not take this drug anymore, because I also experiencing horrible tight – burning – tingling pain in my right leg. Thank God for the web, where I researched this website with lots of other stories, which helped to make my decision even more clear to me “DO NOT TKAE THIS DRUG” even if somebody puts the knife over your throat!!!! I got myself back to Doxycyline. The conclusion is, every time you get prescription by ANY doctor, READ online all information about it before taking it! I am sure there is some kind of conspiracy going on agains all patients, how to not to treat our problems but HOW to Make our condition even worse, by hooking us on new drugs, making us use more Medical Insurance and pay more for medial services! Doctors are not OUR friends they are OUR WORST ENEMIES!!!! We trust BLINDLY to the Doctors BUT WE SHOULD NOT DO THAT!!!
Carl
Took levaquin for four days and stopped because of severe ankle and wrist pain. Luckily read the warnings beforehand. Symptoms seemed to disappear for a few weeks other than some tightness/soreness. About a month after I developed cysts on my heel and wrist. Diagnosed as simple Ganglion(sp.) cysts so no treatment. Really starting to wonder after finding this site. I have pain when I grip things for extended periods. Recently I was lifting heavy items at work and awoke the next morning with a softball sized ankle. Xrays negative but diagnosed with ligament damage. I thought I justed lifted wrong. hmmm………..
Jim
I have taken Levaquin 4 times for recurring sinus bacterial infections ! Each time I was prescribed this drug, the Dr. said this is what is required to kill this particular BUG ! I began to experience a weakness in my right hand ,[opening the gas cap on my vehicle ] . This problem becme so acute I had to use both hands to open the cap.I am 6 ft. tall and weigh 230 lbs. The problem has turned into Dequervain tendonitis in both hands over a period of 6 mos.I was prescribed apain killer /anti inflamitory diclofenac . After 2 wks. I am still having problems with pain, and have switched to Motrin and am taking 3 doses of 600 mgs. each daywhich helps with the pain. Iam a GUN ENGRAVER and I work with my hands as often as Ican to supplement my Income. I am afraid if do my work, Iwill damage my tendons even further ! I would appreciate some help from the manufacturer if there is a CLASS ACTION SUIT brought or not ! This is an insidious drug that actually does way more potential harm to a body than good and should be removed from the market as soon as possible !!!!!
Larry
The middle of March I was given Levaquin which I had commented on earlier on this posting. This is an update. When my feet swelled, it caused me to be very inactive. I got around by sitting in a wheelchair and moving my feet. The inactivity caused me to get a blood clot in my leg and a peice of it broke off and went my lung and almost killed me. It has been 3 months now since I took Levaquin. After 1 week in the hospital, I went home and continued to have foot pain localized in my big toe and ankle. So they started to give me gout medicine, which don’t seem to be helping. I still have difficulty walking. Why is this medicine still being prescribed? Why can’t we sue them since this medicine changes people’s lives forever.
Mary
I was prescribed Levaquin in April 2009 within a week I started having heel pain but kind of thought it was my shoes. In July of 2009 I broke my ankle and damaged my tendons and ligaments. I had to wear a walking boot for 8 weeks along with going to physical therapy. I still had heel pain after all of this. 2 weeks ago I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. So far I have had 2 shots in my foot and given a brace to wear all of the time and a splint/boot to wear at night. I am an avid softball player and this has slowed me down tremendously. For the past 10 years I have played from February through December playing at least 7-12 games a week now since taking Levaquin I can barely make 2 games a week. I don’t want to retire from the sport that I have been playing for most of my life but it looks like I am going to have to. It is very hard to have an excercise or a job that doesn’t involve being on your feet.
David
I went to urgent care on June 2nd. with what I thought was pneumonia; an X-ray determined that it was. The doctor prescribed Levaquin, the first dose of 750 mg by IV. Then four more 750 mg pills on the following four days and instructed me to see my regular physician on the following Monday, June 7th. She re-prescribed a reduced dose of 500 mg tablets for five days and said I was to return on Thursday, June 10th. I told her that I felt as bad as I did Monday and that since Monday I had experienced high heal chord tone and that it was difficult and painful to walk. She said to discontinue the Levaquin at once because in some cases it could cause severe tendon damage. Why was I not told at the outset that this was a possibility? I can barely walk and the pain is constant. I have also been racked with bodily pain and am exteremely tired all the time.
Deborah
I was prescribed Levaquin for bronchitis in May 2010. I took the pills for 5 days and stopped because my knees became swollen and very painful. For the last 3 weeks it has been very painful for me to walk. I cannot get a full nights sleep because my legs ache very bad. I can’t sit still because of the throbbing pain. My legs muscles feel very weak and it is difficult getting up from a chair or even trying to sit down on the toilet. I hope there is help out there somewhere.
Laurie
I was prescribed Levaquin last week for bronchitus. I read the drug pamphlet about tendon problems/ruptures, but I didn’t worry about it too much because all drug phamphlets seem to have tons of potential problems, so you just begin to ignore them and trust your doctors. After 3 days I started having pain in my middle back and my heal and achilles tendon started feeling tight and a little sore. Day 5 the achilles tendon in both ankles is sore and after reading through several of these posts, I am terrified of long term effects/damage. Why hasn’t this drug been pulled from the market??
Frank
I was in the emergency room back in July of 2006 for severe bronchitis. After many treatments for breathing I was given an antibiotic(not Levaquin) and sent home. He also gave me a prescription of Levaquin with the instructions that if the first antibiotic did not work, I should take the Levaquin. I eventually got better without taking the levaquin. The following year, I got bronchitis again and after about a month of trying to fight off naturally I decided to take the Levaquin sine the expiration date had not expired. I later started experiencing spasms in my hands and forearms a well as pain in the bottom of my right foot. Based on the symptoms, it appears to be Plantar Facitis. I associated this all with getting older and had never heard of these side effects from Levaquin.As of December, I started experiencing bouts of double vision and a headache that won’t go away. Could these latest symptoms be caused by the Levaquin I took 2007?
elaine
i have tendonites in my left hand which hurts in the wrist and thumb. i have to wear a brace to do anything.i am also starting to have pain in my right wrist.it is very painful.i have taken levaquin for years for different infections elaine l
Barbie
I began a ten-day run of 500 mg Levaquin once daily with Flagyl twice daily on May 20th following an emergency lapratomy. I immediately had problems with a terrible metallic taste in my mouth and a diminished appetite. A few days following surgery, I was sitting with my father when I experienced a sharp, stabbing pain shooting through my left arm. I honestly thought I might havae been having a heart attack because I’ve always heard this could be a symptom. But I checked my pulse, and it seemed fine at the time. In the last two weeks I have experienced atypical periods of hot flashes and anxiety. The anxiety is interfering in my relationship and with my daily duties as a mother. I was just telling my son’s grandmother this morning about it and stated that I almost feel I need to see a psychologist because of it. This sort of statement–or this condition, for that matter–is out of the ordinary for me. I only searched for information on Levaquin after my mother told me this afternoon that there were serious warnings about the drug. After reading this website at length tonight, I am going to be very mindful of any additional atypical problems that might arise, especially sudden pain where none has previously existed. I pray I am one of the lucky ones, though, who can detox this out of my system. I sure am going to do everything I can–starting tomorrow morning–to try.
Diana
In Feb.2009 I had pneumonia in which I was given Levaquin,I did not tolerate it well as I was always sick on my stomach and head aches.I then had Rocky montain spotted fever a few months later and again was prescibed Levaquin this time I took it only 2 days and was sick again. I thought that the pain in my feet& ankles was due to my shoes so I bought new ones but the pain was always there, of course I was not aware that this medicine was and still is the cause of my pains’. Is this a rest of my life pain? How long must I and all the others put up with the pain?
C CROCKER
IN JULY OF 08 I WAS GIVEN CIPRO FOR A BLADDER INFECTION AT AN URGENT CARE. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER MY TEMP SPIKED AND I STARTED VOMMITING. THE ER DR. DID BLOOD WORK-UP AND DISCOVERED LOW WHITE COUNT. HE ATTRIBUTED THIS TO A PROBABLE TICK BITE AND PRESCRIBED LEVAQUIN. IN THE MONTHS SENSE I HAVE HAD SHOTS AND THEN SURGERY TO MY WRIST.( THIS WRIST IS NOW AT IT AGAIN VERY WEAK ,SWOLLEN AND PAINFUL)I AM NOW TAKING PREDNISONE AWAITING AN APPOINTMENT WITH A RHUEMATOLOGIST. WITHOUT THE PREDNISONE I CAN BARELY WALK ACROSS THE FLOOR. PAIN IN BOTH WRISTS BOTH KNEES,ANKLES, FEET, HANDS, FINGERS,RIGHT CALF, BEHIND RIGHT KNEE AND SO BAD IN THE NECK. WHEN I TRIED TO DISCUSS DRUG SIDE AFFECTS WITH MY DOCTORS THEY BOTH JUST DISMISSED IT. IS THIS CAUSED FROM THESE DRUGS AND DOES IT PASS. IT HAS BEEN SEVERAL MONTHS.
Christa
Took levaquin in late 2006, early 2007 for diverticulitis. Was taking it for at least a month and a half. I had flair ups which caused the doctors to keep prescribing it to me (along with Flagyl). Later that year I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, which I was on pain meds early 2007, So I’m not sure if the damage happened then or now. In Jan this year, I started experiencing pain in my Achilles Tendons. I got an MRI in March (wasn’t sure what the pain was, and let it go for a couple months), stating that there are partial tears in my Achilles tendons as well as painful scar tissue. I tried walking boots, therapy, and my therapist said most likely I will have to have surgery. Surgery has not been scheduled yet, but I’m pretty sure I”m headed down that road. I’m in SEVERE pain, and it hurts to walk. I manage, because I have to. But the pain gets to me sometimes and I just can’t walk. I don’t use any support system for walking, which I probably should be using. I need to see my doctor about that. I heard of this issue with Levaquin and wanted to find out more about it.
Priscilla
My new doctor prescribed Levaquin and Flagyl in combination for what she thought might be diverticulitis. After filling these prescriptions, I read the horrible side effects. My husband got after me and told me I needed to take the meds or notify doctor that I did not want to take them. I felt bad and decided to take them. Now I feel worse from the pain all over my body. I don’t feel like going to work and my husband is (once again) mad at me for looking lame and lazy. He has no idea the pain I’m in and even though I tell him, he does not take it seriously. I am scheduled to see this doctor again and have a word with her regarding her poor choice of medication.
Larry
On May 10, I went to my doctor for a bad cold. He said I had a touch of pneumonia and gave me levaquin Three days later my right ankle began to swell. Two days later my left ankle swelled. I stopped taking the medicine and started reading about side effects on the Internet.I went back to my doctor a week later, telling him I thought I was having side effects.He said he had never had anyone have side effects from Levaquin. he gave me Prednisolone abd Lasix for bringing the swelling down. I was given an Ultrasound to check for blood clots and blood tests which eliminated many things that could have caused it at this time I no longer can walk and I am in a wheelchair that we had from my deceased mother. I’ve been back to the doctor for more blood tests which will iliminate other causes of swelling in my legs. I am seventy one years old and the drug information said that side effects are more prevalent in people over sixty. I.don’t know if I have permanent damage in my ankles but I’m still not able to walk. this medicine should be taken off the market
Sheila
I had surgery last July for a bone spur in the right foot achilles tendon that had broken off. After the surgery, I had a blood clot in September then cellulitis in November. It was in November that I was given Levaquin. In February of this year 2010 I began having pain in my left heel. I had an MRI and it is a partial rupture of my achilles tendon. Could this have been caused in February with the med taken in November? Thank you!
carol
Had pneumonia, was given a 5-day dose of levaquin by an urgent care doctor. Since he gave me samples, there was no information to read and he didn’t explain the possible side effects. The day after I started taking it, I had pain in both calves, hip and shoulder. Never had a problem in the legs before. It’s been about 7 weeks since I stopped taking it and I have had pain in my calves every day since. Now I have pain behind the left knee as well. It’s hard to get out of bed in the morning, or stand up after sitting for a while. Going up and down stairs in tough. I am an otherwise healthy person, used to exercising every day. That’s hard to do now. I’ve been to my doctor, chiropractor and even a massage therapist. Nothing’s helping the pain. Has anybody recovered from these side effects…and how????
Pauline
Has anyone filed a class action sue against this pharmaceutical co. ?
Pauline
back in Dec of 2009 , i was diagnosed with bronchitis , the Dr. put me on Levaquin for 10 days, by the ninth day i was unable to walk , i had swollen knees , elbows and shoulders . Went back to the Dr.s , they couldn’t figure out what was wrong . They put me through a battery of tests which everything came back negative. I am now seeing 2 rheumatologists and they can’t figure it out either . Most of my lymph nodes are swollen now. They did some MRI’s on my knees , both were inflamed with fluid on them. We are now in May and i am very frustrated with all of this . I am on prednesone and gabapentin which isn’t helping . I just wonder how long it will be before all this pain goes away.
Michele
My husband was prescribed levaquin on Jan. 4, 2010, for bronchitis. By Jan 7, his ankles were painful and his walking was impaired. On Jan. 8, he revisited the doctor because he was not feeling better. After a chest x-ray indicated air under the diaphram, he was admitted to the hospital for a CT scan and observation. We told each doctor about the ankle soreness; I also think he was given levaquin in IV form while in the hospital. By the time he was released on Jan. 12, my 65 year old husband walked like a 95 year old man. He was given a script for levaquin, but by then I had looked this drug up on the internet and called the doctor’s office saying he would not be taking it. I now list it as a drug allergy. Finally, after several months of continued pain and impairment ( all of which was mentioned each doctor’s visit) I made an appointment with an orthopedist who sent my husband for an MRI. He has a complete rupture of the left Achilles tendon with considerable separation between the two ends, and a tear in the right Achilles tendon. We were referred to an orthopedist in Philadelphia who says the only option is surgery on the left ankle tendon which will involve reconstruction and possible resection. Wonderful, huh? My husband has other medical issues which may make his recovery difficult. He is very weak (has done very little since this occurred in January) in his leg muscles. Crutches are going to be a challenge. He has orthostatic hypotension which causes shortness of breath and chronic renal disease. He has been on prednisone since August, 2009 for the renal disease. We expect at least 8-10 weeks of non-weight bearing recovery which will be much harder if he can’t use the crutches. Everyone says what a great drug levaquin is, but from what I read on web forums, I don’t even think it should be on the market. My husband retired on Dec. 31, 2009. I don’t think this is what he pictured his retirement would be like.
Charles
Wow, lots of bad stories. My wife was perscribed Levaquin for a sinus infection this week. She hasn’t had any tendon problems however she can barely function from the nausea. Are there any doctrates here that can tell me why this is still being perscribed if it has such determental effcts?
Maria
I was given leaving samples twice for sinus infections by my doctor. Once in 2006 and again in 2008. After taking this medication I began to have severe headaches, but did not stop taking the medication the first time. I then started having shoulder pain so severe that I could not sleep due to the pain. I thought it was just arthritis. I then started having neck pain on the same side as the shoulder pain. After taking this medication for the second time I experienced the same symptoms as well as others such as having a numbness on the right side of my body with a coldness feeling, and after having test done nothing was found. I was then referred to a chiropractor and after several treatments of therapy the right side got better, but the left side still bothers me. I was then referred to another Dr. and he stated that I had tendonitis and did ex-rays and I also received a cortisone shot in my shoulder. I am still having problems out of my shoulder and has not been able to go for further treatment due to work schedule.
Lloyd
On October 31,2009, I was hospitalized for steroid therapy and for five days I received injections of solu-Medrol. Upon discharge the doctor prescribed 750 mg Levaquin for six days. After three days I could not walk. My tendons in both legs were stiff and I lost all balance. Since then I have been treated by a foot and ankle doctor, and have taken physical therapy. Today, April 27, 2010 I still cannot walk far without a cane of a walker, and the pain on the bottoms of my heels is often unbearable. Do not take this drug under any circumstances if you have any allergies to flouroquinalones such as Cipro.
Shari
In early April 2010, I was prescribed Levaquin for a sinus infection by my physician. I read the side effects but thought my doctor knew my body after being my physician for almost 20 years. I took this drug for 5 days and by the fifith day I was in so much pain I could barely walk or move my body. I had to take tylenol every 4 hours for the pain. Now the pain has all settled on my left side – my back, hip, thigh, knee – with muscle cramps in my left leg and pain in my ankle and foot. I also have a rash on my left foot, now going up my left leg, and I have a lump on the bottom of my left foot. Darvocet, Vicodin, and Dilaudid no not stop the pain, even taking two at a time. I find that Percocet, if I take two, will make it so I can sleep. I try to take one every two hours during the day but not if I am at work. The pain is so bad that I have to take pain medication. I have been to my family doctor, a rheumalotogist, and a neurologist, none of who know what is going on with me. This pain all happened when I took the Levaquin – the nastiest medicine I have ever taken. In reading the history of other people who took this I can only hope that I can get relief and not have it for the rest of my life. I have missed too much work already…… I can’t believe any one would ever allow this to happen TO ANYONE!!! I now walk with a cane when the pain is too bad but cannot walk without pain and a limp. IT also affected the left side of my neck up into my head.
norma
I have just finished a five day course of levaquin, couldn’t understand why the back and front of my knee was so painful, I all of a sudden couldn’t walk,I went to this website to see if it was the levaquin because I am in so much pain…..trying to flush it out of my body if possible….why were we given this drug?
Terri
In June ’07 I got Ecoli and was treated with Levaquin, Phenergan, Heparin, Lovenox and Coumadin, to name a few. In 2008, I was given Cipro. I was prescribed Cipro again in 2009; I didn’t get it filled. Somewhere in the middle of this, my symptoms lead me to believe that I had been severely damaged by these poisons. Since the time of my first dose, I have torn something my heel where there is now a knot sticking out, both Achilles hurt and Plantar Fascia, both heels, my sternum collapsed to some degree on me one afternnoon when I rolled myself down onto my back on the floor, I have the worse shin-splints of my life, I keep a low-grade fever, both elbows below the joints hurt and both shoulders, the tendons on top of both ankles are extremely tender to touch, standing is difficult for any length of time, I have chest pains, twitching below my left eye, both wrists ache, my joints make popping noise, both knees below the joint hurt, I felt a burning/tearing sensation in my outer thigh muscle as well as my right upper arm muscle. I feel as though I am literally coming apart at the seams. I was running my own shop at the time. I am a new “Grammy” who can’t hold her grandson very long or play. I haven’t worked for over two months now. I can’t do anything like I did just three years ago. They should be made to take it since they say it’s safe.
Jackie
Levaquin…never again will I take this….I have had a few back procedures before surgery and they have given me Levaquin…and about 3 months after taking it a few different times…I was rushed to the hospital with extensive bleeding…….well I told the hospital my symptoms and they said you have ischemic colitis….never heard of it before..they said have you been on any antibiotics..yes I said Levaquin….that is what caused it they said…constantly running to the bathroom sometimes not making it……..sometimes in public and can’t get to bathroom in time…this is horrible…I have recently been on it again after 3 years and it was for a bladder infection…and thought I was going to die…was so sick…and in bed for three days…good luck everyone….now when asked what I am alergic to I say Levaquin….very bad antibiotic
Jennifer
I am 37 years old and feel like Im 80… I was given Levaquin for my Uterus. I was given a script to take 1 pill a day for seven days and only got to the 5th day… I woke up and my arms,elbows,knees,hips,feet,hands etc. were so inflammed and hurt like crazy.(Still Are) Sometimes my hands tingle and go knumb. I did have blood work done but waiting on the results. I was told it’s possible I have Rhumeratoid Arthritis… I was fine before taking Levaquin… I just had to buy a cane to help me get out of bed in the mornings… Im taking pain meds for the moment and it does help but who wants to live on pain meds… I pray I don’t have to live like this. IT”S CRAZY!!!
Josh
I was misdiagnosed by a doctor who gave me levaquin for a month. it didn’t fix what was wrong with me but gave me a messed up digestive system, decrease in sperm production and intense pain in my right knee. make sure you get 2 to 3 opinions when offered levaquin
Sue
I took 500 Mg of Levaquin for 10 days in Jan 2010 for a lung infection, got another one in March 2010 and took 750MG of Levaquin for 8 days, on the 7th day all my joints started hurting so quit taking it after the 8th day. It’s now 3 wks later and my hips and right knee joints are hurting so bad I’m can barely function. Does anyone have the answer on how to get rid of this pain, the pain changes daily, sometimes better, sometimes worse but always there. Has anyone got over this pain after taking Levaquin?? Is there anything I can take to get my life back. I can’t ride a bike, or walk like I did. Having trouble doing routine housework. I need answers.
Darren
I took one pill Monday April 5, 2010 before I found this site (same day I took the pill). I cried after I saw what my future (or lack of future) looked like. I immediately took 8 charcoal pills (for poisoning) and several yogurts to induce diarrhea. So far my symptoms are a back-ache and right leg feels funny. Furthermore, the depression is very real and heart-breaking. Per Susan above, if it becomes bad, I don’t want to live. But, what do I do for my family? Summary: Male, Age 41, took one pill 500mg Will post in a week or so what symptoms or not that I have for the record.
Susan
Since taking levaquin Jan 13 2010 my muscles are so weak and tender I can not get up the stairs. My Dr. took me off tricor which I had been on for 10 years. Now my cholesteral and triglyercides are skyrocketing.?? I was robust now I am a cripple. I dont want to live like this. I dont want to live.
Mary
I was given 750 mg. Levaquin in emergency for a UTI infection the end of February. After day 2, my head became so sore & stiff I could hardly move it side ways or up and down with such severe pain. I went to the Dr. as instructed by emergency. He said to cut the pill in half. After 2 more days, I was in such pain I had to put a neck brace on. The Dr. said to stop Levaquin and prescribed step-down Prednisone and pain pills. The Prednisone relieved some of the pain the first 2 days and then nothing. The pain was so bad the pain pills didn’t even touch the pain. It has been almost a month now with attacks of pain in the neck tendons shooting up into the head and behind the eyes to the point where I need the neck brace. Ibrophen relieves it somewhat, but I have to take it several times a day just to exist. I see the Dr. again tomorrow. Will it ever quit. Why in the world do Drs. prescribe this awful drug when one reads the side effects. It should be taken off the market. My husband was prescribe Levaquin to prevent pnemonia. His reactions were just as severe and ended up with diarrhea for 2 weeks of which he dropped 20 pounds. I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD REPORT THESE SIDE EFFECTS TO THE FDA AT 1-800-FDA-1088 OR VISIT www.FDA.gov/medwatach to try to get this thing off the market with negative side effects.
Leslie
My doctor started me on Levaquin in December 2006.. I continued to take the drug for severe sinus infections and pneumonia. Over the course of 2 years i took Levaquin several times, not realizing that it was causing the pain in my feet and ankles. I received treatment for a tore tendon in April of 2007-physical therapy. Not aware that Levaquin was causing the problem I continued to take the drug. In 2008 I started receiving shots in my ankles and feet for tendon problems that I was having. The shots did not help. I had surgery in August of 2009, the doctor said my tendon on my left ankle was shredded. I still have pain in my foot. I also have ruptured another tendon in my left foot, which I am seeing the doctor for today. The side affects from Levaquin have caused me severe pain, and I have lost the ability to walk without pain. This is a horrible drug that needs to be removed from the market.
Francine
Had sinus infection back in January, the doctor gave me levaquin and steriod to clear it up fast. It went away and now two weeks ago I woke up with serious shoulder pain shooting down my arm, back and neck. Pain was so unbearable that I cant even hold my 2 year old son. I went to a doctor who gave me motrin and tylenol, this isnt helping because the pain is still here. I am really confused as to WHY doctors would prescribe this to patients knowing there are serious side effects. Why would pharmarcies sell the drug knowing this. It should be banned forever. It is ruining many lives.
Karen
I was given Levaquin on 3/8/10 for an ear infection that had not responded to previous treamtment, 500mg for 10 days. Day 2 I came down with what I had thought was a virus, body aches, congestion, coughing, sneezing. I began to have severe pain behind both knees, neck and left shoulder that I associated with the virus and my chest seemed to be sore and tender with shooting pain in my left ribcage, which I thought was from coughing so much.I quit taking the Levaquin after 7 days, I just felt sick and hurt all over. I am still having pain and stiffness behind both knees and feel weak all the time. I am not getting any better and I have not taken a pill for 8 days,still have pain in my ribcage also. I am going to see my doctor tomorrow and see what she says about this, I feel that I have some kind of damage in my knees and left shoulder that is yet to be determined.
Wendy
I was given Levaquin by my physician about 3 weeks ago for a urinary infection. About 8 days in I got a small rash on my stomach. I thought it was just a skin irritation. Then the next day, I woke up and couldn’t walk. The pain from my hips to my legs (both) was horrendous. I thought it was just sciatica which my husband has. I fell outside. For several days I stayed home and rested my legs. I continued taking 800 mg of ibuprophen which my Dr. had prescibed with the Levaquin. No relief. I called the Dr. and he saw me the next door. He said I had a severe allergic reaction to the Levaquin and gave me a shot, told me to rest, and come back in a week. Still in pain, he said nothing for pain except Tylenol. He took blood. I came back in a week (last Thurs.). The doctor said my blood work came back fine but he had no idea what was wrong and that I should have all the Levaquin out of my system. Another week has gone by and I have an appointment with a spine and pain specialist. What am I to do? I have constant pain up and down my legs and especially by my ankles and feet. I am a runner ( 7 miles a day) and this is really killing me.
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