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

Laurie
I went to urgent care on Oct. 14, 2009 because I have a sebaceous cyst on my back that was infected and she prescribed me 750mg of Levaquin for 7 days. She said it was a very strong antibiotic that she normally takes for sinus infections. I took one pill and that night I had severe leg cramps, nightmares, hallucinations, stomach ache and fever chills. I went back the next day and I told her I absolutely would not take it anymore. She even tried to talk me into it??? I told her she can take it if she wants, but I certainly would not ever again take it. Esp. after reading the tendinitis reports. It says most over age 60 are more prone to it. BS! I’m also going to write my congresswoman to tell her to pass it around Congress to get them to ban this drug. I have no clue as to how it’s even approved by the FDA. Anyone that says they had no symptoms on it are either lying or it will be hitting them soon enough. Reports on this drug can take effect up to 2 yrs. after taking it. I’m totally disgusted and any prescription I am now given I google first and I have quite a few (including cholesterol meds) that are sitting in my cupboard. In case you weren’t aware – the #2 cause of death in the United States is from prescribed drugs. Yes, from our very own physicians on the payroll of most drug companies. Yes, what was it just a few years ago, sales alone on Levaquin were $2.3 billion!!!! I wonder how many doctors got kickbacks pertaining to Levaquin. From the pressure I got from the urgent care doctor that night I would say pretty heavily unless she’s trying to put a big dent in the population. For your own health and safety please make sure you do your homework first and trust no one when it comes to your health. It’s now Oct. 21st and my right tendon is killing me and I could hardly walk this morning when I got out of bed. I ONLY TOOK ONE PILL? I pray this goes away for good. I haven’t been able to attend the gym for my classes in two weeks because I just know that I will harm my legs or tendons due to this drug. I’m just so disguted. I’m beginning to think these doctors are buying their way thru medical school. “First do no harm?” I think they missed that class and forgot their oath! Laurie PA via NC
P. Lamb
I was not aware of any problems with Levaquin until I saw an ad on TV. However, since taking Levaquin back in 2007 and being in the hospital due to a severe sinus infection and given Levaquin intravenously, my pain quadrupled. I am a sign language interpreter, and thought my pain was an effect of over use syndrome. So, I stopped interpreting as much because at first I thought it was due to over use syndrome. But, the pain continued even after almost a year of rest. I have been to chiropractors and physical therapist to try and alleviate the pain, but have had no luck. They told me that I was suffering from what is called “frozen shoulders”. I have only about 50% of my range of motion. And I am concerned that I will loose more. No one has been able to tell me what caused this or even it there is a cure. It has been very frustrating because I have not felt any improvement. I don’t take pain killers, because I don’t want to get dependant. What can be done? Has anyone been able to get back to normal? Is this permanent? I can’t take the pain forever.
k arturi
I’ve taken levaquin on and off for years and this past year i had a knee problem and it was hard to walk and went to the doctor for the problem and went thru 6 weeks of therapy and it wasn’t getting any better .Finally i received a corisone shot and that helped . But i do suffer from severe anxiety and ache all over.
David
On 8/27/09 I was prescribed 500mg for 10 days to treat a sinus infection. After a few days I began to have severe pain in my left ankle, my calves, knee, fingers and wrist, forearms,elbow and shoulder. I thought I had strained myself, but when the pain got worse, and would not let me sleep I went to an orthopaedic surgeon who diagnosed tendinitis. He noted that It could be caused by levaquin and he put me on anti-inflammatory drugs. My calves feel like I was hit with a fast ball. I also have shooting pain and tingling in my hand and forearm so bad that I can’t hold a gallon of milk.I have another appointment in two weeks.
Leland M
I took Levaquin in October 2007 for the first time prior to a prostate biopsy I was undergoing. Even though I took the drug, I still got a severe infection which the doctors prescribed levaquin two more times and eventually required 6 months of intensive IV antibiotics, several surgeries and a/ot of pain and agony. I have suffered alot in the last two years, much like many of the comments I have read. I have to take Oxycotin to alleviate the pain. The doctors say I have permanent damage that cannot be repaired, so now my only optios are to take pain medication three times a day just to have some normalcy, even though I have not felt normal for a very long time. No-one wants to admit that the Levaquin actually caused the damage. It is one of those things that you know are true but you cannot prove it. The medical field is covering up for itself. Who is going to pay for the my permanent damage and the life change that I will have to suffer with until I die (I am only 50). I cannot do things that I used to be able to do because of the pain. My life has gotten almost unbearable at times, all for the monetary benefit of a drug company that knew caused permanent damage as is evidenced by the new required black box instructions. This was not required when I was given this drug. I am so angry, but know there is nothing I can do now but suffer in silence and be thankful that I have a neurologist that truely understands my pain and is not afraid to give me the pain medicine my life needs so desperately right now. I just can’t imagine being on pain medications for the rest of my life, but that is my new normal.
Rick
I took levaquin 3 times by prescription and given samples also and had a severe bicep ruptured tendon in 2005. It took two hours to repair.
Christine H
Wow, I took Levaquin and within a month, both my feet hurt so bad. I eventually had to see a podiatrist who said that I had plantar faciitis in both feet and tarsal tunnel. I had to undergo a tarsal tunnel release on my right foot in May, 2008 because that was the worse one. I haven’t had the surgery on my left foot yet, but need to. Both my feet still hurt. Wish I had know that this was the cause and I could have told my doctor that I took Levaquin for an upper respritory infection.
Joyce
I am 62 years old with a husband who has lost his job, and a body that is failing me just when the stress in my life is greatest. My arm has been useless since taking the drug Levaquin last spring to fight an upper respiratory infection. Fianally, my orthopeadic surgeon ordered and MRi and there it was – a frayed tendon in my rotator cuff. After months of PT, I see very little progress and I am still in pain. My life has been turned upside down.
Bonnie
I had a severe Brconcial dease in 2005 I was given Levaquin for it. I had several reactions from it, My hears started ringing and they have not quit. I have been to hearing specialist .I have taken drugs just to keep sane because of the higpitch ringing everyday and night. I now have pain in my leg and have tendonitis . I have to go to PT every three days just to keep the pain away in my ankle and foot. I told my Dr. I did not have all this and people have told me Levaquin wasprobably the problem. I want to enter a lawsuit whenever I can . It has changed my life forever. Dr put on my records”allergic to Levaquin”.
Sandra
I had a severe upper respiratory infection in December 2007, carrying into January 2008. At the second visit to Urgent Care, the doctor put me on 750 mg Levaquin for seven days. After taking it I experienced severe shoulder pain, also a lot of trouble with elbows. I, like many others here, could not even lift a gallon of milk. I have always been strong and healthry previously. Toward the summer of 2008, I began to have severe heel pain, starting in the right foot, then the left foot. I quit my job in Sept 2008, due to this condition. I couldn’t believe what was happening to me, it was like I had become handicapped at 44 years of age. I was watching television this week and saw an ad talking about law suits due to damage caused by Levaquin. I told my husband I was sure that was what Urgent Care prescribed for me. I keep medical documents in my records so I went through it and there it was. 750 mg of Levaquin. Since then my life has been of poor quailty, unable to attend so many events because of the the damage to my tendon/heels. My husband ordered me a product called heel seats that you insert into your shoes, it has helped alleviate some of the pain. Levaquin is a very dangerous drug! I had a full and active life before I took this. People beware of Levaquin.
Dawn
I am a 47 year old female who was hospitalized on 7-9-09 due to a bout of colitis. I was given Levaquin intravenously for 5 days and then took it orally for another 2 weeks before I found out that I was allergic to it. I was in so much pain that I could not even walk. I felt like I was 10 years old and in constant pain. Upon an exam with my primary doctor pinched my Achilles tendon (and I came off the exam table due to the pain), he told me to discontinue taking the levaquin and I started me on Prednisone (a steroid). After about a 15days taking the steroid, the pain went away….., only to returned about two weeks later. I then went back to my primary physician who gave me another prescription for Prednisone but told me not took take it very long because it was a very strong steroid. I’m going back next week as the pain is strong enough now that I might have to be referred to a pain specialist.
d hamilton
was given large doses for infection after thyroid surgery, as much as 45 days in a row.Now suffer from archilles tendon injury and had to have surgery on tendons in right elbow.
Kay
****update**** I wrote a comment in August 09. I received a list of prescriptions from Walgreens for the last 8 years. I took Cipro 8 years ago and after that was when I was told I had rheumatoid arthritis. I was having pain issues in almost all of my joints at that time. Then 4 years ago I quit my part time job because of joint pain and swelling in my wrist. That was right after taking Levequin for the first time. And then after taking Levequin in January this year, I started with pain in my left shoulder and now am getting it in right shoulder. I can barely lift my arms up. I’ve been avoiding pain killers and going to a chiropractor and getting massage therapy. My insurance company is now questioning all of the doctor visits. I am in pain in most of my joints. My wrists and shoulders being the worst. I went to a rheumatologist in June and after 7 years of being told by GP’s that I had rheumatoid arthritis, she says I don’t. I think it all started well over 7 years ago with antibiotics….
Anthony
I have been prescribed levaquin on numerous occasions by my doctor and have what seemed to be a gradual development of pain in my neck, shoulders , arms, knees and ankles. Today, the pain is so severe at times, I have great difficulty even dressing myself. I am only 47.
Emma
I took levequin (750 mg) for a month and now I have a weakness in the rear knee-bend. My walking gait is hesitated from the weakness in the back of my leg.
Cindy C,
I have panic attacks also. I have M.S. and no one in my family history has ever had it. I can only remember taking this drug once. I am having heart problems now on top of every thing else and am going to a doctor because of it. have not been told yet what is going on with my heart .
Yolanda
My husband was given a 7 day prescription for 500mg’s of Levaquin per day. About a week after he stopped taking this medicine he started complaining about severe stabbing pains in his foot and ankle. Then it got worse and he said it felt like he had pulled a muscle or something in his leg(same leg as foot). Within a month’s time after taking Levaquin, the pain was so bad for him that he was taking 2-3 750mg Vicodin’s per day, and some days he would take a Aleve in between. He was given the medication around the 26th of May. The second week in July while in a park at a family reunion, he was walking and a pain hit him in the ankle and heel area of the foot that caused him to fall. After wrapping and soaking in Epson salt for several days he got no relief. I finally got him to go to the Dr. After about 2-3 weeks of x-ray’s, MRI’s and pain med’s,they discovered that he had a torn tendon. He was referred to a surgeon. The surgeon wanted to do surgery to repair the tendon. Unfortunately, he told my husband that because he had Polio as a child and had numerous surgeries on the other leg he would make that his last resort. My husband loss all the muscle, some bone, and lenght to the opposite leg. He cannot support his weight on that leg. The foot is 4 sizes smaller due to the extensive damage from Polio. So he is wearing a boot, and uses 2 crutches to walk at the present time. The Dr. say’s he take a greater chance of never walking if he does surgery, so he trying to see if the tendon can somewhat repair itself by being immobilized. He will be put in a cast for approximately six months to a year, if the tendon show’s no sign of repair in the next month. From the age of 2 until age 11, my husband could not walk. He was in wheel chairs, braces, crutches, etc……. Can you imagine how he feel to overcome that obstacle, only to be given something that is supposed to help him. And later find out that life and prescribed medicine has taken him back to age 2. I have tears in my eyes as I type this. My only suggestion for all who are having problem’s behind this is::: Say a prayer for all of those who are struggling to over come this, and most of all say a prayer for yourself.
Lisa
I have had chronic sinusitis for as long as I can remember and have been prescribed Levequin and other antibiotics (ones that have been pulled due to people having liver failure) several times. I have bad knees, bad tendons in my elbows plus most recently have found out that I have deteration of the ball and joint in my shoulder, arthiritis, you name it. My shoulder is trashed and I am only 35, I always thought it was because I had played and worked hard when I was younger but now expecially with my shoulder I feel more like 50 years old. I was told the only thing that is keeping me from being a canidate for shoulder replacement at this point is my age. I normally don’t look into these things but with the amount of antibotics I have taken in my life I guess it’s time.
Heather
My father has taken Levaquin for numerous infections over the past few years and today he had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. When the injury occurred he was doing a normal every day work activity that still puzzles us as to how it damaged his shoulder. Perhaps we have found the answer.
Alan
I a very healthy person until about 3 years ago. I would run about 10 miles a week and bike about 50 miles a week. I started taking oral levaquin for Upper respiratory infections about that time. I have since had 4 surgeries. On my elbow, foot and bilateral shoulers. Currently I am no better. I didn’t realize that it was the levaquin until about 6 months ago I developed severe posterior tibial tendonitis 1 week after a dose of levaquin. I am still in a walking boot and still have bilateral shoulder pain. I have treated symptoms with NSAIDS, Ice, heat, Ionophoresis, P.T., Platlet rich plasma injections, Steriods. I read alot about Leqoquin induced tendonitis, but nothing about what causes it or what treatment works. Is there a specialist that has any knowledge how to treat it or what my prognosis is?
LELAND
I SUSPECT THIS DRUG GAVE ME A SEVERE FUNGUS OR YEAST INFECTION , ALSO SEVERE LEG CRAMPS AT NIGHT AFTER TAKING IT AND NOW NUMBNESS IN MY RIGHT THIGH FROM THE HIP TO THE RIGHT KNEE SO FAR ! ALL OF WHICH IS STILL ON GOING 4 WEEKS AFTER TREATMENT OF ONLY 7 PILLS ! DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION , READ ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS
Cory
First I will tell you that I am a 51 year old female in good physical health. I work full-time as an administrative assitant. I have been a part-time exercise/aerobics instructor for the past 6 years. Prior to that I was very fit and active throughout my adult life. Now I will also tell you that I truthfully can NOT remember that last time that I had a pain-free day. A few years ago I had been treated by my primary care physician for “chronic urinary tract infections” with Cipro and/or Levaquin. The antibiotics were typically not effective so, frustrated and in pain, I consulted a Urologist. In October of 2006 it was determined that I was not suffering from UTI’s but that I have a condition called Interstitial Cystitis (IC) – which does NOT respond to antibiotic therapy. I began receiving DMSO treatments to manage the IC pain. These treatments involve the insertion of medication through a catheter into the bladder. AFter each treatment I was given a “prophylaxis” (2 pills) of Cipro because of the risk of infection from the catheter. I have been receiving these treatments (1X a week for 6 weeks every 3-6 months for the last 3 years During all this I began experiencing pain in my left hip that increased in severity over several months. In December of 2007 after consulting an orthopedic surgeon I had hip surgery for a Labral Tear. Since then I have had 2 more surgeries – May 21, 2009 for a Medial Miniscus tear of the left knee and Jun 8, 2009 for a ganglion cyst removal on my left wrist. The cyst originalted from the tendon that controls movement of my left ring finger. Just recently, on August 27th, I went to my doctor because of a sinus infection and was prescribed Levaquin. Within 24 hours of the first dose I had to leave work early with stomach upset and a pounding headache – neither of which I had experienced from the sinusitis itself. By the second day I began having pain in my right elbow which puzzled me as I hadn’t done anything to injure it nor did I do any repetitve motion type of activity typically associated with tendonitis. .The knee that I had surgery on also began to have posterior pain. But my sinusitis was improving so I kept taking the Levaquin as prescribed. After work on day six I was in line at a store and I started feeling dizzy, nauseous, and shaky. I left the store and barely made it home before I began vomiting. I was in bed the remainder of the night. I stopped taking the Levaquin that day. Since then I have also began feeling pain and stiffness in my right shoulder and neck. I am still experiencing pain in my right elbow to the point that I can’t even lift my coffee cup without discomfort. I can’t even answer the telephone with my right hand. I would not have connected Levaquin with any of this had I not spoken with my boyfriend’s sister who is an RN. I mentioned that I became sick from taking Levaquin and she told me NOT to take it again advised me to research it online for side effects. I’m not sure if I what I have experienced places me in the “lawsuit” category. Just reading the testimonials of others in similar situations makes me realize that I’m not alone and I’m not crazy. Good luck to you all….
william
I had a sinus surgery over a year and a half ago. The doctor, Robert Adair, St. John’s Santa Monica, CA. I was put on Levaquin 500 for two months, was then told, its not working we need surgery. I did this. Never having a sinus proublem in my life, as a 65 mile a week runner, I did not want to have to stop something that is/was a large part of my life. I had the surgery! Still had difficulties, was then put on Levaquin 750 for another two months…this continued for the follwing year…YES, one year after my second surgery. Prior to surgery I worked out, was able to put 6 45 lb plates on a rack, with 2 25 lb and lift it with no proublem…after my suregery and Levaquin treatment, I can basicly do the bar, which is a bout 45lb. I am always in pain, 24/7 tell doctors this is what has happened after my surgery…they look at me…as if to say…Sure guy, I’m the Doctor, your not…so what do you know… I was on Levaquin 750 and Levaquin 500 for one year, on and off, but for one year. The pain I have is very difficult. PS I am educated, a screen writer with major films and I need some help with this.
Dave
I am a professional driver and deliver fuel on a daily basis. This involves turning many handles and levers. I was prescribed Levaquin because I acquired a urinary tract infection from ‘holding it’ too long while in the truck. I never had a problem operating mly equipment until just after I took these medications. Now my elbows are both sore. I can’t hardly even lift a coffee cup without it hurting. I have to put it down. Its hard to steer too. Both of my feet go into spasms and the muscle cramps on the underside of my feet are unbearable. To the point of tears.
Jean
In March of 2006 I was diagnosed with a bad sinus infection related to with inlammation around an old tooth extraction. Complicated. They put me on Keflex for 10 days, did nothing, then another 10, still no clearance; went to my own M.D. who prescribed Levaquin for 10 days. Said Keflex wouldn’t touch the infection I had. I felt nothing particular after the first round so she upped the mg to 750 and then I woke up in the middle of the night with my legs on fire. I was screaming with pain. I could not walk. Took time off work; had no idea it was an adverse drug reaction till I did some digging. I felt like the tendons in my legs/calves especially were going to burst. I had to return to work, but I was on crutches. An on call doc told me to get off the drug right away when I called, desperate for help. My own doc noted “reaction to quinolones”. That was over 3 years ago. I still have burning in my legs but not sure if it’s due to sciatica which came on in the last year, or tendon damage. In ’06 I sent in a complaint to the FDA, advising a black box warning on this drug. Oddly enough, I finally went to an ENT about my sinus infection and he said he didn’t think I ever had one. Gotta love those docs, they know what they’re doing. They’re making their Porsche payments.
kevin
I was given Cipro many times for upper resp. infections. I was then given Levaquin, Jan 2004. I took it for a week and felt aweful to the point of laying on the floor next to the toilet (nausea and spinning sensations) after a week I went back to the DR and the infection had gotten worse!! He gave me Tamiflu and in 2 days I was working and felt great….Since then I have had nothing but trouble with my shoulder joints, major pain and my hands go numb when I talk on the phone for more than a few minutes. Twitching in my thumbs, I thought I had nerve damage from something else, now I am begining to wonder if it’s all tied together……..
Rosa
I have lympedema in my left arm. In June 2009 my oncologist perscribed levaquin because the arm was somewhat red and he feared infection. I was to take one 500mg pill per day. The first day my left knee and left hip began hurting. On the second day the pain increased drastically. For several years I had occasionally experienced slight pain in these joints but nothing like this. Between about 12 noon and about 10:30 p.m. I took three Lortab 7.5 and two motrin seeking relief from the intense pain. Finally by about 11:00 p.m. I was able to go to sleep although still in a lot of pain. The next morning I went on line to research the side effects of levaquin because this was the only thing I could think of that was different. That was when I found that others have had experiences similar to mine. The printout I was given did have a warning about tendon problems but nothing that indicated the severity. When I informed my druggist of my reaction he seemed surprised. For four or five weeks the pain was very bad. It ihas gradually gotten better but I still have pain when I bend the knee and still walk with a limp. I only took two little pills and it caused me such pain. My sympathy and prayers go out to those whose pain and injuries may be permanent.
Tony
I was put on cipro in 2000 for a sinus infection. In 2001 my bicep tendon ruptured and I had surgery. I just thought it was a freak accident. I was also put on cipro in 2008 for a prostate infection. Just this July I ruptured my other bicep tendon and had to have surgery for the second time. I know now that it could not be a freak accident. The only problem with contacting the lawyers is that they will only take Levaquin cases and not cipro cases. Does anyone know why that is?
frances
I was given levaquin IV and po three times over the period of one year for persistent pneumonia. I have recently suffered a rotator cuff tear with subsequent repair. I am unable to use my right arm for at least 8 weeks.
Isela
I was prescribed Avalox for walking pneumonia in May. After a couple of days my inner forearms were swollen. I went to the doctor and she gave me a different type of antibiotic and that the swelling would go down. It’s been 3 months and my tendons hurt and are swollen.
Lisa
I had an UTI and was prescribed Levaquin in July. I took it for 3 days before reading about this medication online. There were overwhelming comments stating that after the 3rd day, they began feeling tendon pain, usually in the achillies region. The morning of the 3rd day of my medication, I could hardly stand on my left foot. The back of my ankle hurt so bad! Now every morning I can barely walk on it. It’s stiff and it hurts. I discontinued the meds and contacted my doctor with what I read and what I was feeling.
Ann
Took levaquin for a sinus infection in December of 2008. I am having surgery on Aug. 28th for a torn rotator cuff.
mike
4-2009 we started levequin, next mouth we were told cancer in the blood. the pain started in the lower legs ankles and needles in the ankle was told it was from the chemo but not for sure . now ankles are swollen more painful along with the feet. even with pain med and nerve med can barely walk. tinder to touch , along withlighting pain going up ankle to knee.
Eric
I am currently on my fourth week of Levequin. No symptoms noted until week 3. I am getting cramps in both calves and both are constantly sore. I am finding it difficult to walk after sitting or getting out of vehicle after a 30 minute drive. Right shoulder also has a catch in it. Prior to being placed on Levequin (for serious ear infection) I was on cipro for 10 days. I called my doctor today to advise of the issue and was told to call back in the am
travis
In october of ’08 I had a cryogenic procedure for renal carcinoma. The procedure opened issues such as adhesions from 3 months of radiation treatment for prostate cancer in 1997. I have had 3 surgerys since the original renal carcinoma to correct urinary problems being blamed on the 1997 prostate treatment. I suspect I was given a Levaguin IV prior to each surgery, and a script for the oral version for 8 days after the last 3 procedures. My last surgery was in early June. I was given the Lev. iv and a script for an eight day oral doseage. About a month ago I began having pains in my upper left arm, very similar to those I suffered when I had my rotator cuff surg two years ago. on my right arm. I made an appt. with my Ortho. doc. He ordered x-rays and having not found anything abnormal he suggested I may have bursiitis. I’m 66 yrs. old and can accept that. Now I am having pains in both bi/tricepts, and a periodic strong pain in my right elbow. I went to a chiropracter because I was suffering from severe aches over my right buttoks. Had sciatia problems over 20 yrs. ago and these pains are similar but don’t extend past my knees. My GP, whom I really like and trust, suggested I take ibuprofen and see what happens. It kinda works sometimes. Where can I find a source that can tell me: Is there a cure for this problem? Is this a long or short term problem?
Diana
I took Levaquin in Feb. 2009 for 3 wks. for a kidney infection. I noticed shortly after finishing the meds. that my arm hurt. The Dr. said I had Burcitis in my shoulder, Tendonitis in my elbow, and arthritis in my hands. I think it’s all related to Levaquin. I read the side effects about tendon tears when I got the meds., but I didn’t have any problems until afterwards. I’m an artist, and I can hardly paint because of the elbow pain. That sucks! Take this off the market.
Autumn
I took cipro back in november after having an emergency surgery. Since then, I have had two torn achilles tendons, and constant tears in the tendons in my feet. I thought maybe I was overdoing it between work and working out, I never would have linked it to an antibiotic! I have been in constant pain since mid November, and I’m not sure how to deal with the pain since I wont take pain pills. My orthopedic doctor has put me in a walking/soft cast, but it doesn’t seem to help. I was begining to feel like a hyprchandriac, and getting anxiety from trying to go to work in so much pain.
Kay
I recently found out about the side effects of Levequin. I had tests run on pain in my shoulder and it was diagnosed as bursitis and the doctor gave me a cortisone shot in my shoulder socket it has helped a little. I’ve been going to a massage therapist and chiropractor also to help with the pain. I took Levequin in January 2009 and the shoulder pain started not long after that. I recently contacted my pharmacy to see if I had taken Levequin before that, considering I had to quit my job after I developed pain and tendon problems in my wrist in 2005 after being on an antibiotic. I have had pain in tendons and muscles for years and now wonder if all of this was from antibiotics prescribed for UTI’s I had over the years. I am waiting on the information on the pharmacy and will be contacting an attorney soon.
Megan
John, from October, 2008. I have no idea why you were perscribed such an immense amount of antibotic from any doctor that actually has a license and practices medicine anything on the globe. Now, if you read the directions, IT KILLS ANTHRAX. That is the first sign that should have given you a clue of how strong it was. Next, It I eat, Drink, take a over the counter drug, or perscription drug, and feel bad after 2 hours, I immediately stop taking the food, drink, drug, and call poison control if i feel that bad and call 911. It only can be perscribed for 28 days. Who was your special doctor giving five years worth of antibotics. And if it didn’t work maybe you should have asked for a second opion. Next time be careful –PEOPLE OVERDOSE!!!!!!!!!
Stanleigh
I am a 78 year old man in generally good health. I was scheduled for surgery to deal with a torn supraspinatus ligament in my left shoulder on 14 November 2008. I developed, sometime around the end of October 2008, a respiratory ailment that may have been sinusitis–a good deal of phlegm, nasal discharge, etc.–and my orthopedic physician told me that I would have to postpone the surgery if the disorder were not corrected beforehand (potential problems with the delivery of the anesthesia during the operation). I consulted with my primary care physician, who prescribed 5 Levaquin pills (750 mg.) to be taken one per day from 5 November 2008. After the first couple of pills I experienced severe swelling and pain in my Achilles tendons, but I continued the treatment for the prescribed 5 days. The medication was effective against the respiratory infection but my Achilles tendons were swollen and painful on the day of the operation and for many weeks thereafter, and my right Achilles tendon developed a large knot which is still present as of this writing (21 August 2009). Because of the swelling, pain and difficulty walking, I visited my primary care physician on 12 November and was advised to put ice on the tendon 3 times a day and stay off my feet as much as possible. The swelling eventually went down and I am able to walk, though with a slight limp. I am not sure if the limp is related to the Levaquin treatment. I am still unable to stand on tiptoe as a result of the Levaquin experience. I still have the box that the pills came in (a reminder to me never again to use this medication). The box has no warning of any kind about deleterious side affects, in spite of the fact that the pharmaceutical manufactuer was asked (requirted?) to include such warning back in July of 2008. I do not blame my primary care doctor for prescribing the drug, since it would appear that he was not aware of associated problems, and he has been on all other occasions a caring and competent physician. I do, however, feel that the manufacturer, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Inc., was negligent in failing to provide warning of the serious side affects of the drug, even after ample evidence had become available of such problems, and for failing to follow government orders to label the medication accordingly, even though such orders had been issued to the company at least 4 months prior to my own use of the drug. I might add that the drug was not on the formulary for my health insurance plan and I had to pay out of pocket $114.00 for the five pills issued to me. It would seem to me that the drug company was much more interested in the not inconsiderable profits to be gained from the sale of so defective a drug than in protecting the public from the known negative side affects. Given the adverse notoriety that this drug has received, I would hope that physicians would be diligent in informing patients of the risks they take with this drug, and perhaps seek to use different and less damaging medications.
Rasheeda
I am 24 years old and I have been prescribed levaquin several times. In the past years i was diagnosed with Achilles tendonitis. It is awful and i feel that I am too young to have these sort of problems.
Ellen
Jan. of 2008 I was given Levaquin 500 mil.Around the end of Feb. while going down the stairs at work my left knee gave out and I had a Meniscal tear of my left knee. I had surgery the end of May the same year and had 30% of my meniscal removed.I now have pain every day and with my job Iam required to walk alot.
Patricia
I took Levaquin in April of 2008, in June suffered with knee tendonitis, in September was diagnosed with rotator cuff tear, received cortisone shots, then an MRI showed complete tear, had surgery in January, six months of PT, and now have plantar fascitis so bad I cannot walk on my foot……..LEVAQUIN……..
William
Anyone heard of this connection to levaquin? After prostate cancer surgery I had trouble urinating after my Foley catheter was removed. Doc thought it might be the result of an infection and put me on 5 days of levaquin. After several days I lost most of my bladder control. Just wondering if it can screw up tendons, can it possibly screw up the nerves associated with shutting off urine flow.Standing by with a good supply of Depends, and waiting for any feedback from the forum. Bill
Lori
I was given Levaquin on April 4, 2005 while in hospital for kidney infection, in a matter of a few hours I had a hand and arm 4 times it’s normal size, blood clots and severe pain. Since that day I’ve been to so many doctors and finally diagnosed with RSD due to the reaction thru the IV of Levaquin. I now go to a pain management specialist every month, take 180 tablets of Norco every month to be able to function at a minimal level. Every 4 to 6 months I have to have stellegate ganglion nerve blocks to control the pain. I am 44 yrs old and it appears this is going to be a problem for the rest of my life. I am mad as heck about it too. The manufacturer should not be allowed to sell this product.
EDWARD
I took levaquin in dec08 jan09 and my knees went out i couldnt walk and my god the pain .i went to 3 hospitals in march and was given cortison and seravent injections .last week i quit my job and filed for disability .i get 203 dollars a month 140foodstamps i am 50 male and i am about to be homeless .the doctor wants to replace my knees .i just figured this out about cipro and levaquin being what caused this.there going to take out my left knee in 3 wks but ive been telling doctor its muscels relaterd and that if it was my knees it would have hurt along time ago it come upon me in winter when i was laid off in winter i need a lawyer im in rochester minn i need a doctors second opiniopn i need a home im on dilada 4mg every 3 hrs and fantenaL .I WANT TO DIE THE PAIN IS SO BAD I TOOK MY GUNS TO MY FRIENDS AND TOLD HIM TO THROW THEM AWAY AS IT WOULD BE EASIER TO KILL MY SELF THAN THIS HAS RUINED MY LIFE I LOST A GOOD JOB NOW IM LOSING MY APARTMENT FOOD STA,MPS IM TO PROUD FOR THIS AND IVE ALWAYS WORKED .I NEED HELP I CANT GO ON EVERYTHING IS PAIN PAIN PAIN THEY GOING TO REPLACE MY KNEE REAL SOON I KNOW LEVAQUIN AND CIPRO DID THIS I WAS IN THE BEST SHAPE OF MY LIFE UNTIL I TOOK THOSE DRUGS HELP ME ED K ROCHESTER MN
Pam
I took Levaquin beginning August 3-750 mg and for the next three days- 500 mg. On the second day I experienced back and knee pain. The pain was so bad that I called my pharmist to find out if any of the meds the doctor gave me in the office could be causing my problem. I was advised to stop this medicine immediately. I wish I would have read all the comments before taking this medication. Apparently not even the medical community has been informed of all the potental side-effects that this drug can cause or else the warning is not strong enough to prevent people from using this terrible drug. Something must be done to take this medication off the market!
Ida
I took Levaquin lots of time I never knew where all of these strange things were coming from the muscles twitching, soreness ,
Ricky
I too was prescribed Levaquin on more than one occasion between 1997 and 2006, I ended up having to have shoulder surgery to correct a tear on the lining of my rotator cuff. p.s.shoulder surgeries are painful and have very uncomfortable recovery.
Janet
I took Levaquin for six days in March of 2009. In May I began feeling weak and began having sharp pain in various parts of the abdomen. I almost passed out twice when I had an abdomen “attack.” I had lethargy and brain fog. it grew to pain in and around the chest, around the lower ribs and lower back. I was diagnosed first with atrial fibriliation and later, with palpitations. I went from sitting on the couch all day, to laying on the couch as it was too painful to sit up for long. I had been exercising nine plus hours every week before this happened. I am a senior citizen and value a good diet and taking care of myself. My cholesterol is high, even though I eat food that is less than 100 miligrams of cholesterol a day, well below the required allowance. I get hot spells, similar to hot flashes off and on day and night. There were a number of other problems. I went from total workout freak to couch potato in about two months. I switched my drinking water to flouride-free water and that seems to have lessoned my problems enough to get me off that darn couch and I’m even doing some limited exercise. I have had several medical tests done and more anticipated so I still don’t have a concrete answer.
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