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

Del-LORIE
I have had 2 unexplainable tendons ruptures. Both of my endo condylitis tendons. I was on I.V. Levaquin for 5 days for celluloid’s and then on oral 750mg for 10 days post hospitalization in January of 2008. My right tendon ruptured in March of 2009, this was very concerning to my doctors as my right wrist had been fused since 1991 and I was not using the tendon as others do. My left tendon ruptured on 12/7/2009 for no apparent reason or injury????
Joseph
I have serious congestion and sinustitis along with a head cold and slight sore throat. My personal doctor has just perscribed Livaquin for me. I’m 66 years old and was looking up the product and it’s side-effects. This is scarey to say the least. I’ll be getting the Rx later today and will comment to this website after taking the medication. Zephyrhills, FL
Sharon
My Mom had taken levaquin for URI.A dark spot appeared on her right ankle and her foot swelled.When she moved it,she was in terrible pain.Not knowing what caused it,thinking she had been bitten,she ignored it until she had a doctor appt.The doctor thought she had been bitten also.She was in the er not long after and was given levaquin for copd exacerbation.Her foot began to swell again and by looking,you could tell there was a tendon tear.She was taken off Levaquin and shortly after she could not raise her toes off the floor or bend her ankle.She is now having to wear a brace due to getting drop foot.All this,I know without a doubt was brought on by Levaquin.She is almost 80 years old and was able to walk 3 miles a day but now can barely get to bathroom and with her foot in condition it is in,she falls frequently.Both ankles swell along with knees now
Kathy
I was very sick last June with a respiratory illness and my dr.put me on this horrid drug. After none days I stopped taking it as I was having pain throughout my body….my left hand still hurts very badly at times and swells up and my legs and knees buckle under me at times with the pain. How this drug can still be on the market is beyond me. Kathy
linda
on December of 2007I was prescribed levaquin for a chronic sinus infection I woke up on new years day and could not move my right arm it was frozen in a bent position I went to numerous doctors who did all kinds of test and shots in my arm I was told I had tendentious in my elbow it took 2 months before I could straighten my arm and I still cant lift any weight I lost my job and now I am having all kinds of issues with other joints and arthritis that I never had be for I was in management now I am working in a call center and I have to wear braces on my arm and take pain medication just to do that job and to top it off I have been told the I have arthritis in my spine I cant even sit up to do that job the med’s don’t help any more I’m out on medical leave my finger joints swell to the point I cant use my hands this is just a nightmare I am so tired of taking pills just to get some relief why should we have to live with this much pain for the rest of our lives all the money in the world can not compensate for all this pain just what are they going to do ?
Taran
I was given 500mg/day Levaquin for a UTI on 12/30/09. I was on prednisone at the time. After taking the first pill, I developed hives on my face after 45 minutes and my doctor told me to take Benadryl and keep taking the Levaquin if the hives went away. The next day I took another Levaquin and saw my doctor in the morning; my blood pressure was very high and I was put on BP medication and told to keep taking the drug. By the afternoon it felt like my hands were trying to cramp, so I called the doctor’s office (it was New Year’s Eve) and asked if I should keep taking the medication. No call back. The following day, 1/1/10, my thighs began cramping 1 1/2 hours after taking the Levaquin. I stopped taking it after that but every time I took a Prednisone the muscle cramps in my legs grew worse and spread; it felt like icy hit needles were piercing my muscles. The muscle cramping started spreading to my shoulders and jaw. I got off of the prednisone but the muscle pains persisted; after several weeks of taking various vitamins and minerals I began to feel better and by 2/9 the pain finally receded to just my thigh muscles. Suddenly I relapsed and by 2/12 the muscle pain and neuroopathy returned all over my entire body. This time additional muscles started hurting. After two weeks 2/27 I relapsed again. Does this ever stop? Does anyone ever get better? I’ve added antioxidents and muscle massage, but my legs feel weak and unsteady. My arms have been hurting since the first relapse. I’ve seen that Vitamin D (probably one of the only vitamins I’m not overdosing on) could be added….what kind of detoxing have people been effectively doing?
Megan
i am 20 yrs old and i have tendonitis in my knee and wrist, after taking levaquin 9 months ago for an infection from a surgery, the doctors never told me that i could have gotten tendonitis, and its in my left hand which i dont even use.
paula
my mom took that medicine for about 2 years, and its like she is in a trans sometimes, just starring into space. She blinks, and bucks her eyes, constant chewing, moving her hands, rocking all the time, she cant sit still for nothing, and shes not even aware that shes moving. Before taking this reglan, she did not have any of these symtoms. Its really sad, because she is like a different person. The drug makers should be made to pay for ruining peoples lives.
Patricia
I was given intraveneous Levaquin for two days for listeriosis, food poisoning, two years ago Oct. in a hospital. I had achilles problems within months of taking it not having a clue what was wrong. I have had muscle weakness in my knees and ankles since then.. I have also developed burning pain in my feet and calves which cramp up and are difficult to uncramp. I don’t trust my legs to go downstairs without hanging on to something in case my knees give out. My elbows and shoulders are also often weak and painful. A times now I feel foggy headed and not as alert as I used to be or able to concentrate. I chocked it all up to turning 59.
sue
i amon levaquin now just out of hos why why why ddoes drs prescribe this med kmowing there is a lawsuit against this drug iam very upset with my dr iam praying i will not have any prob since the dr knows i am elergic to almost every antobic donthey know this drug is dangerous
Robert
I was prescribed Levaquin in Sept 2007 and have suffered from pain since then. I contributed the pain to just getting older. My hands have lost most of there strenth. I thought it was just arthritis. My wrist are weak and I can’t lift my right arm up because of my rotater cuff. I suffer from severe pains in my feet and heals after walking or standing for a couple of hours. I have popping and cracking in my arms and shoulders. I have lost my gripping abilities and strenth in my arms and hands.
Gary
Just from reading a few of the comments i am almost sure this is my problem.I have been treated for MRSA,a very bad bacterial infection called staph.I would get cured from it and then m onths later i would get again for no reason.Levequin was given to me introvenously.I am sure this is my problem.
Federico
my mother just came form the dcotro and now has to be hospitalized, she is showing a 70% deterioration in her tendons, a 65 year old women in the health of thrity year old can barely move and is forced to use a walker and needs assistance in almost all aspects of daily life.
Karen
14 day course of Levaquin for pneumonia – one week in I did some shopping and lifted some shopping bags, two days later I couldn’t dress myself, lift anything, had severe snapping of tendons in shoulders. Now 10 days after stopping the drug, I am still very sore in my shoulders and even the slightest increase in activities of daily living leaves me sore in my muscles and joints all over when this never happened before – I used to be fairly active, but not now. It hurts to walk around and do minor activities. My doctor had no clue and tried to tell me this was from a virus, but his nurse had heard of this before and she advised to get this to my pharmacy so that I would never get this drug prescribed by mistake in the future. I just hope I’ll heal intact and not have lasting disability. I feel like an old woman now…. even with a “black box warning,” none of the ‘professionals’ I dealt with said anything about this — I had to read the detailed warning info online to find an answer
bob
I was given three Levaquin due to a prostate biopsy–a couple days later I started to experience tenderness of my rght achilles my Chiropractor adjusted my foot thinking a bone was out of line–two weeks later we tried a herbal patch–no relief. Four weeks of on and off tenderness I suddenly hear on an ad on TV–have you recently ruptured or tore your Achilles? an have taken the anti–biotic Levaquin etc.—I remembered my Dr. mentioning a md starting wth a “L”–The dots finally became connected !! Sord continued until eight weeks after the distrss started–I stepped onto a slight incline-and SNAP!!!–Complete tear— Sown back together etc–That was i June–still have not fully re-established my conditioning lost in my legs– Hoping the Class Actions make those guys pay for all our my and all of the above victims misery!!!
Debbie
I am a registered nurse of 19 years. I worked very hard to become a nurse, and I loved my job. I recently became disabled at the too young age of 55 years, partially due to unexplained, irreparable tears in both of my rotator cuffs. For the past 4-5 years, I have been experiencing severe, debilitating pain in both shoulders, with no known injury having been done to them. However, what we do know is that I have been on Levaquin and other quinolones several times (for some nasty respiratory infections), in the past 8 years. Until the last year or so, I was never told about the risk involved with the quinolone classification of drugs. Now it may be at least part of the reason I cannot work as a nurse any longer. The physical pain is unbelievable at times. However, the professional betrayal is something I cannot even begin to put into words. As a nurse, I trusted the pharmaceutical companies to ensure safe, thoroughly tested medications were the only medications that made it to the general population with a very rare exception. Oftentimes I was the patient taking the drug prescribed by my family physician, but frequently I also had a role in delivering those drugs to patients in the hospital, and they trusted me to be safe, too. I gave the drugs as ordered, telling the patients that they would get better, just like their doctor and the drug company promised. Now I find out that in the case of Levaquin and similar type drugs, the pharmaceutical companies hid the truth, and that their greed has cost a lot of innocent people something that no amount of money can ever replace- their health, happiness, and well-being. May God forgive them.
Abigail
I was prescribed Levaquin 3 separate times over a 2 year period for complaints of sinus pain (possible infection), and bronchitis. I felt sick while taking the antibiotic but the doctor said it was the best thing on the market so I took it. I now suffer from extreme ringing in my left ear, and also left eye is blurry. My shoulders ache and I seem to be experiencing a lot more inflammation in my joints. These episodes did not occur previous to taking Levaquin.
laura
I was in the hospital in 2001 in intensive care due to an infection from a surgery and was given extreme doses of Levaquin. The following year I thought I had broken my collar bones because of the severe pain that i felt, and to find out it was bilateral bicept tendonitis in both shoulders with bloody fluid and bursitis. That year I also was diagnosed with planters fasciatis. I still have issues with both and have had numerous shots and medications to try and control the pain. I think they need to do more studies for longer periods for medications before they release them for use.
Susanna
I had a nasty UTI and was placed on I believe 750MG Levaquin for 21 days. I developped severe pain from top to toe. My husband and I asked our Uro Doc. if this could be related to the Levaquin. He said right away “Impossible”. So we let it slide. IF he had paid attention or heed to the pain I described he at least could’ve had it flagged in my file. He didn’t. because of that I have been on Cipro (same family) for extended periods of time. Now mind youI am a quilter. I also have ALWAYS done Pilates exercise on a DAILY basis for about 12 years. I also have trained for the 60 mile (3 day) breast cancer walk, and have been able to easily walk 10 miles a day. I used to ski and body surf in the ocean. So I had 2 surgeries last year, non related. I gave my body ample time to recover. I did fine and everything healed great. My body can not handle most narcotics. I have a choice, be in pain or puke my guts out, even while taking antiemetics. Last Thursday I again tried to get back into my exercises. Some how I have not been able to do my normal Pilates exercises anymore, so I got myself a Wii Fit+. Pain, PAIN and 100 times more PIAN. Okay, lets try to just get back into walking. Walked 1 or 2 miles, easy pace. I have been in Pain since Last week Thursday SO bad that I had to take 1 Norco every 4 hours and all I could stomach with that was 12.5mg Phenergan per 12 hours. besides that all I ate was whole wheat crackers and 7UP. Liquid vitamins and minerals and electrolytes. I’m an LVN (Hospice nurse for 20 years), so I do know how to take propper care of my body. I am not only furious with the makers of this drug, but I am also extremely MAD at my URO Doc. who acted so ignorant. First of all I would LOVE this product be taken OFF the market. Black warning is the LEAST they could do. Next I want to know if I would be financially better off to hire my own lawyer to sui not only the makers of this drug but also to go after this idiot of a Uro Doc. of mine. Since I was born and raised in Holland I’m not for frivoloud lawsuits, on top of that as a nurse you do have a better understanding about mistakes made UNintentionally. But this Levaquin has ruined my LIFE.
Cancer Patient
I took Levaquin on and off for months to fight infections from chemotherapy and many surgeries. Both the tendons around my knees are shot. Every tendon is my body is inflamed. This is two years after the medication. The infections would have killed me so, I guess this side effect is not so bad.
Randall
At age 46, I didn’t connect the relationship between this drug and my Four joint surgeries, planar facitis, and permanently loose joints until reading several postings tonight, but I now believe there is one.
Cynthia
There is all this talk about Levaquin but the legal profession is forgetting or turning a blind eye to those of us who have been affected by the newer fluoroquinolone, FACTIVE. I have been dealing with multiple system failures from this toxic drug that was given to me for sinusitis in 2008. I too had to have my rotator cuff repaired. It also torn my gastrocnemus muscle, caused diabetes, malabsorption, vitamin deficiencies, steven johnson syndrome, uclerated my intestine and much more. I’ve had multiple surgeries since 2008. But what about those of us who are dealing with the same harm by the hands of different drug companies like Oscient? In March, 2009, the US Supreme Court opened the door for the legal profession to go after the drug companies when it ruled in favor of a woman (Diane Levin) (Levin v. Wyeth) who sued Wyeth Pharmacutical for the loss of her arm when she reacted to a drug that did not warn about the adverse reaction that caused her to lose her arm. The Court held that the our founding forefathers never intended for the FDA to be the sole keeper our safety–that the drug companies, who in the past, enjoyed the protection of Federal Preemption, should be accountable for what they make. This was exciting news for those of us suffering from the toxic affects of these fluoroquinolones. Sadly, however, not all of the different drug companies have deep pockets, therefore, the legal profession only chooses to go after those they can make money off of. This is not justice, it simply is another way of making money on those of us who were harmed in the first place. So I ask myself “What is justice then?” Is it about helping those of us who have astronomical medical bills at the hands of the drug companies who make millions if not more from these drugs? Perhaps it is cheaper for the companies to just settle and continue to make more of these drugs. Did you know that 1/2 of all of the fluoroquinolones made since 1960 have been removed from the market because of toxic adverse reactions? That’s profound. But the question that begs an answer is, why are the drug companies allowed to continue to make more of these drugs in the first place? The answer use to be that the drug companies were not accountable but the LEVIN case should have changed that for those of us who suffer. Again, sadly it did not because the legal profession is not going after all the different companies who make these drugs, they only go after those who they can make money off of and because of that, these other companies will continue make more of these toxic drugs and simply call them by a different name. The golden lesson learned from all of this for me is to not trust the medical profession since their glass ceiling is shatterproof and they all band together so tightly like the gentleman who wrote about covered wagons circling together to win the fight. We don’t have a chance unless the legal profession takes on the giants but if there is no money in it, then we lose–sad for those of us who did not take Levaquin but took FACTIVE–we are the ones who have been harmed twice, first by the drug, then by the legal profession who fails to go after ALL the companies who made the fluoroquinolones.
Lori
I had know idea what has been causing pain in my shoulders, knees, and elbows until I read this blog. I have taken Levaquin off and on now for almost three years for sinus infections. Most recently following sinus surgery. It is a relief to make the connection between my pain and when I have been on Levaquin. I was starting to think that something else was going on. I am currently on Levaquin and have two pills left. I can barely get out of bed in the mornings for the shoulder pain on both sides. I am stopping now and when I see my doctor next week we will need to find an alternative antibiotic for my sinus infections.
Terresa
Update on how sever the damage has become in lft knee from tendon damage as of today 01/03/2009 I got up this morning and my Knee was the size of 3 knees and my right knee has become to pain the same way I couldn’t get out of bed I needed help in doing everything today this is a total embrassment. Tell everyone not to take this drug it has destroyed my life. I’m just wondering how well this surgery is going help will they give something else that will create another problem for me or will this just worse.
Terresa
I have had problems in my left leg and knee server swelling in my knee. I will be having surgury due to this medication. There was no warning lable about tendon damage or I wouldn’t have take this stuff. I have trouble get up and in and out of a car. This has been a major handicap for me.
JOAN
last month i took levaquin, for the 1st time,,,500mg for 7 days. for a sinus infection. about a week later, i had severe … .pains in the back of my heel. finally went to the orthopedic dr………..and mentioned to him,iwas getting over a sinus infection and took levaquin…… that was the starting of something unknown to me. as of now….i have a walking boot on, with severe tendonitis on the achellies tendon. have no idea when it is coming off……it is not any better……i got curious, when my drugest called ( 1st time in 20 years, to see how I was doing ) no black box warning on my pills. being a retired nurse,i got my wakeup call, the hard way.i can’t go work, untilthe dr. releases me.
stacy
I am on leviquin for the 3rd time in 3 months for sinus infections. This is the only antibotic that is working. The side effects were so bad that I had to take a day off inbetween each dosage. I don’t know if this caused the infection to remain or not. I had burning skin, rash and muscle pains like I had just spent a day moving heavy furniture or something. The only warning I have gotten is from 1 pharmacist the 1st time I got it and she said not to do any heavy lifting or exersizing as this could cause tendon rupture. On the bottle I got today from another pharmacy there was no warning and I didn’t even get a printout about the medication. If I were not suffering from a severe post surgical infection of the sinuses I would not take this drug.
Leti
anyone with hip pain (mild, severe or otherwise) possibly associated w/Levaquin use as well? I’ve been rx’d this antibiotic numerous times and recently completed a 14-day course followed by hip pain for which I have seen a RA doc, my PCP and been in the ER.
JOE
YESTERDAY! Im 45 years OLD I Was prescribed 750mg of Leviquin once a day for 7 days ::::::::::::::ONLY TOOK ONE PILL::::::::::::::::::::: ALL MY BODY START TO ACHE, FEELS LIKE NEEDLES ON MY HOLE BODY, I DIDN’T RESIST THE CLOTH THAT I HAVE ON. MY LEGS AND TONGE WERE SWOLEN, I FEEL A BURNING SENSATION ON MY BODY. MY EYE SIGHT WAS BLURRY AND I WAS EXTREMELY WEAK. IT WAS REALLY SCARY. :::::::::::::::::::DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DeBonne
The antibiotic Levaquin was prescribed by a physician in Bloomington, Il for a sinus infection I contracted in February 2009. I asked the nurse at the Prompt Care Health Center about the prescription strength of Levaquin, because I was more familiar with Zithromax used for treating sinus infections. The nurse had not informed me of the side effects of Levaquin. I experienced no side effects when I used Zithromax and my sinus infects were cured. On the first night I took Levaquin, I felt helpless laying in bed feeling as if seemed something had ripped through the muscles of my entire body. After taking the fifth of 5 Levaquin pills over the course of 5 days as instructed, I began to experience problems walking properly as my knees became swollen. All of a suden, I had probIems getting up from my desk in the office after sitting for more than an hour, walking down the stairs (I had to take the elevator), and getting into my car. This was the start of unforseen months of agony brought on Levaquin (some sort of myalgia). I was in a lot of pain for months and the doctors in Bloomfield, Illinois were helpless. I had MRIs performed on both knees and they revealed tears my knees, I never had in my 48 years of age until I took Levaquin. I was hastily told by a prominent orthopedist from the area that I needed to do surgery (i.e within less than 24 hours of my discovery). What a jerk!. I consulted with another orthopedist who suggested I never needed surgery immediately. To this day, I still have problems with swelling in my knees and walking properly at times. This discomfort was brought on by taking Levaquin. What a gross discomfort. I have a question for Johnson & Johnson’s Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Who were the test subjects for this drug? Mice?
patricia
I too am having problems after taking this Levaquin 500mg for 5 days now ; I had a ear infection and found myself in the ER the doctor gave me one pill while I was there and a prescription; the ear infection is somewhat improved although it shouldve been gone by now . I am having incredible pain in my ankles my wrists and my knees. I have decided it was the antibiotic and looked for a “double blind study” for side effects on searching for this I came across this website. I only took the stuff for 5 days and I hope that therre are no long term side affects, I am also having nightmares at night which is not usual for me, dizziness,and nausea . About a year ago I had another infection in my sinus in which an antibiotic was prescribed the same day I was given a flu shot and a whooping cough shot I suffered joint pain at that time but thought it was due to the shot it took about 6 months to get over that one and this is exactly why I do not go to doctors, I will be checking to see if the medication I was given in may of last year is this antibiotic if so I know now never to let it be prescribed again although the ear infection is still there I will not be continuing on in the medicine I would rather suffer the pain in my ear than to suffer the pain I am having in my joints and in the back of my head . Its all about the all mighty dollar whatever happened to honesty from what I can see from reading all of your stories this has to been know about and that sucks! By the way I am 47 and somewhat healthy normally
frank
PLEASE—IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY AND YOU’RE NOT DEATHLY ILL WITH PNEUMONIA, DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG!!!!! I took two pills of Levaquin 500 mg for a mild UTI. Within a day, I had an excruciating headache. By day two, I had pains in my joints so I stopped taking it. ONLY TWO PILLS and what followed was: -joint aches and pains -insomnia -severe dry eye (ducts all dried up a week after taking this drug) -wandering and severe pain in my feet bones-on top of feet -weak and sprained-feeling ankles -shoulder pain -muscle weakness -caffeine intolerance–I can’t have ANY coffee; it keeps me up all night -impossible to exercise, run, jog, anything. Before I took this poison, I was going to the gym four times a week for high impact step aerobics. I am 38 years old and formerly, in perfect health. Two months later, I’m still experiencing many of the symptoms re: joints, tendons, dry eye, caffeine intolerance.
Nancy
I had taken Levaquin for sinus infections. Last time in August of 2007, within 12 days I was DEAF in my left ear, has anyone heard of anyone losing their hearing after taking this drug?
Ross
I was first given Levaquin for chronic sinusitis in Dec 2001 and then again in Feb 2002. About the same time, I started having severe pain in my joints. In April of 2002 I returned to the doctor with extreme pain in all of my joints and especially my shoulder. I was diagnosed with a rotator cuff injury and since have endured a total of three surgeries on both shoulders and one elbow surgery. I still live in constant pain despite the surgeriesand extensive physical therapy. My life went from being a very active, athletic person to a life of constant pain and depression. I have been forced to give up the things in life that I truly enjoyed.
Michelle
This medication was the only thing that helped my chronic sinusitis. Yes, I had some nervousness the first couple of days but was fine thereafter. I cannot take the 750 mg dosage as it causes severe nausea. My mother (who was 75 years old at the time) did rupture her achilles tendon shortly after being on this medication. I find that there are times when I read all the side effects of the medications that I start to feel some of those symptoms.
lee
I started taking levaquin on november 21st for a sinus infection and bronchitis. I began to notice twitching in my left leg and pain in my calves. also, I am extremely weah my muscles are sore and the joints in my fingers ache. Even the palms of my hands hurt. Can this be a result of levaquin? I have two more doses of 1000 mg. left to take.
Barbara
this drug almost killed me , i was so sick from it. had the side affects for many months of diahrea and feeling like i had the flu.
John R.
I was prescribed Levaquin for a sinus infection a week ago. 5 pills one every 24 hours. The first day my heart was racing, the next day I woke up and my left cheek was swelled like a balloon. That night I took the scond pill and my mouth swelled up (the cheek was still swelled badly.) Next morning I noticed my eye was swelled up now and I was very dizzy. After just 2 pills! This was Thanksgiving and I ended up in ER. My pulse was extremely edangerously high as was my blood pressure, my face looked like a monster’s. The DR at the hospital told me to throw away Levaquin. Now as of today I am on another safer antibiotic, steroids and benedryl. My eye is still swollen but the check and mouth are down. My pulse/pressure is also down. But I am still having the racing heart off and on. The DR at the ER was surprised this was precribed for me initially for the sinitis instead of a more milder anti-biotics, and over the phone, without an exam. Stay away from this drug, it is life threatening.
Suzie
I was prescribed Levaquin for a potential kidney stone/infection about 4 months ago. The first night of taking it I noticed that I felt like my eye on the right side and my jaw were puling and contracting. The meds worked for the “infection” however, now I am spending more time at the Dr.s office than at work.. I have severe, stabbing pain and tingling on the right side of my head and in my ear, so much that I had to get my hair cut very short, because I couldn’t comb it. The Dr.s have ran tests and found “nothing wrong”. I’ve seen an ENT who now is sending me to a neurologist. My other symptom is that I have such pain in my ankles and achileas tendin that I can’t make it down the stairs -without taking it one step at a time and turning sideways. I am thinking my suffering is due to taking the drug. I am still suffering with the pain and it is constant, somedays worse than others. I have been very upset because there is no diagnosis, as of yet.
Charles
After taking Levaquin for general infection prevention after removal of my gallbladder, I suffered serious tendonitis in my peroneal tendon of my left ankile and also suffered the worst tendonitis of my right elbow imagineable. I am unable to play tennis but continue to try to make the tennis elbow go away. Neither injury is going away on its own or with therapy and total lack of playing any tennis at all. I may have to give up tennis forever. My arm feels as if something inside might break if I merely hit one forehand shot.
JR
WHY are doctors prescribing Levaquin if it is not ABSOLUTELY a necessary? I was prescribed this drug without a blood test diagnosing anything, xrays that were non-conclusive of anything, and they give me a drug that caused tendonitis in my left elbow and left achillis tendon? All the doctors seem to be VERY aware of the risk (non that were given to me prior to taking it) and 7 days later BAMM, here are the conscequences! This drug should be taken off the market.
Diane
I was given Levaquin pneumonia, first by infusion in the hospital, then in pill form for a total of 3 weeks of treatment. No one told me about the side effects. I now have constant pain in my shoulders, hips and knees. When I wake up in the morning even my hands are stiff and sore. I have to hold on the the stair railing and the wall to make it down the stairs into the kitchen and living room. I am currently taking Tramadol and Norco for the pain but it doesn’t help much at all. I can no longer do many things I was able to do before the Levaquin therapy. Something should be done to get this drug off the market before it disables any more people.
Karlynne
I just crawled out of the Swine Flu cave after 2weeks in bed. I decided to visit my doctor to see what damage if any this flu cased my body. He gave me Levaquin 500mg to take for 14 days. After reading this how could any doctor even consider this High Dollar ($50.00 co-pay) antibiotic? I am on pill #2 and a shore sholder! I survived the swine flu to only what die or become disabled over a tablet? I plan on having a talk with my pharmacict!
angie
i was given levequin and avelox repeatedly in 2005-2006 for chronic bronchitus and sinus infections…. at this point i went to having pain in most of my back and legs and feet… i did not equate these to the leviquin until i happend upon this formum looking for answers to why i keep having reccuring bouts with bronchitus and sinus infections.. in 2006 my primary doc put me on lortab 7.5 3 times aday for the pain then after a couple of months wanted me to see an orthopedic doc which i did… they couldnt find any direct cause of my pain other than disc degeneration in my back and joint inflamation in my knees… in late 2006 i took levequin and within ten mins of taing it i got nauseated and dizzy and went into having seizure type severe twitching which required ambulance transport to the hospital and required heavy dosages of anti seizure meds to get them to stop i was in horrible pain for muscle soreness from the muscle twitching for three days before i finally felt half way back to normal… well the er doc said they didnt know what caused it but told me to continue the leviquin after being released from the er…. which i did .. no more issues… then about four weeks later i got hit with a nother case of bronchitus and my primary doc prescribed another round of levequin.. again within ten mins of taking it same reaction as before another trip to the hospital by ambulance and this time the muscle twiching l asted almost two hrs from start till they finally got me stopped at the hospital.. i was kept that time for three days and the attending physician at the hospital told me that what had happend was i had had a grand mal seizure both times and that leviquin lowers your seizure threshold ( i have complex partial epilepsy but its well controlled with my seizure meds)so i was told never to take it or any quinolilone antibotics again.. i havent.. but i still have constant pain in my body from the back of my neck to my feet and migraines too…today three yrs later i now have been transfered to a pain managment specialist i am on lortab 10 five times a day as well as flexeril 10mg at nite and robaxin 4 times a day during the day and have epidural blocks every few months and i still live with pain.. i think i need to check to see if the pain issues i now have can be traced back to the taking the leviquin and avelox. anyone know where to start?
Brittany
I was on it for a short period of time. I already had a tendon problem with my paroneal tendon in which I had surgery prior to taking the medicine. Now that same tendon is swollen up and it hurts to walk.
kevin
I was taken to the hospital Jan 21, 2008 because I fainted (for reasons that are not pertinent to this discussion). A cat scan revealed severe generalized sinusitis. (I had been sick for a week but thought I was almost over it.) I was prescribed Levaquin. I was playing tennis at the time for about 2 hours per week, and I pretty quickly developed “tennis elbow.” Although it has improved, I can still feel it when I move my arm (after having been still for a while). Of greater urgency though is the Apr 2009 appearance of “plantar fasciosis.” I still have it 7 months later. Could an Apr 2009 injury be caused by the Jan 2008 Levaquin. I love exercise, and this has put a severe cramp on my lifestyle. My father died at age 66 because of heart disease, and I want to stay active so that I don’t suffer the same fate. Has levaquin created a life-threatening situation for me?
Carol
I was given levaquin IV for pneumonia for 3 days, after I came home from the hospital I took pills for 2 weeks. I started with severe leg and foot pain. My doctor told me to stop the medication. Now I have lower back, neck and shoulder pain. Some days I suffer from fatique. This medication should be taken off the market.
Michele
I’ve lost a lot of use of my arms and legs and had been prescribed Levaquin 500mg dosage during 2007. I can walk very little and spend most of my mobile time either in my powerchair at home or scooter for grocery shopping and doctor appointments.
Patricia
I was taking levaquin for an upper respitory infection and while walking in my kitchen, my right leg collapsed, fortunately I caught myself on the counter before I fell to the floor. I was unable to walk for the rest of the day and needed crutches. On the 7th day, I called an orthopedic and had the knee xrayed. I now have a brace and need to ice the knee for another 7 dyas to see if it gets better. i have never had any problems before and it scares me that the above comments describe my situation to a “T”
Ronnie
Im 45 years of age and I feel like I’m 90 since I’ve taken levaquin for infection and for colds since taking the medication I’ve noticed many symptoms such as trouble breathing, tingling in arms, hands,feet shoulder, knee pains also several headaches sometimes the headaches are so terrible that it affets my eye site, I have always been a enterjedic person with lots of energy but in the past and recent times I taking this medication I ‘ve noticed the change in my life and daily activities I deeply sorry for all the people that this Medication has affected and distroyed the life and fulture….
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