Levaquin Lawsuit

AboutLawsuits

Add Your Comments

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<<

Do You Know about…

SPORTS BETTING ADDICTION LAWSUITS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Gambling addiction and severe financial losses have been linked to popular sports betting platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars. Lawsuits are being filed by young adults and students who were targeted by deceptive promotions, addictive app features, and aggressive marketing tactics. See if you qualify for a sports betting addiction lawsuit.

Learn More
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION
Sports-Betting-Addiction-Lawsuits
Sports-Betting-Addiction-Lawsuits

Do You Know About…

SPORTS BETTING ADDICTION LAWSUITS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Gambling addiction and severe financial losses have been linked to popular sports betting platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars. Lawsuits are being filed by young adults and students who were targeted by deceptive promotions, addictive app features, and aggressive marketing tactics. See if you qualify for a sports betting addiction lawsuit.

Learn More
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION

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

More Antibiotic Lawsuit Stories

381 Comments

Denilee
A year ago i went to the ER for a Severe UTI infection and was given levaquin through an IV, i immediatley had a reaction within 2 minutes i was in extreme pain, my body swelled completely, my lungs began to collapse, my throught was closing next thing you know im hooked up to machines like an ekg, breathing assistance and almost died, it was horrible the scariest thing ive ever been through in my life,after i recoverd if thats what you want to call it i was in pain like never before, my legs feet, arms, knees and every other part of my body ached. They gave me vicitin for pain and sent me on my way, within weeks i was having panic attacks and still have them to this day and i have lung problems all the time i was diagnosed with chostochondritis which is inflammation of the muscle in my chest a month ago, i also have knee pain till this day and im always in pain, im only 26 and healthy i have migranes all the time since the reaction. this is an aweful drug. I pray that others read this and do not take it.
Pat
I took Levaquin for ten days in February 2009. While taking it, my legs cramped and hurt behind both knees. Then it attacked my left hip and caused the tendon that leads from the rib cage to the hip to tighten and cause terrible pain. I could not turn over in bed. Since then, I have visited my chiropractor 5 times. My upper neck and lower back, hip and legs still hurt. I am amazed that this drug is being used on human beings. It needs to be removed from the market.
Gordon
I have taken Levaquin numerous times for upper respiratory infections and 4 rounds of pneumonia over the past 10 years. I am a Paramedic and I am exposed to just about every reapiratory bug you can think of from patients in the ambulance. I have had both PO and IV doses of Levaquin and I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I have taken it until I dig out the paperwork, however, I have had a complete full thickness tear in my right rotator cuff and as well as a torn meniscus in my right knee. The Shoulder landed me out of work for a year along with surgery, the second injury was about 6 weeks out of work and surgery. I need to go back and chesk the dates I was on the levaquin and I would be willing to bet that I was on Levaquin around the same time.
Lis
In March of 2008, I was treated for severe pneumonia with Levaquin IV while in urgent care. I was then given a sample pack of the same drug, maybe Cipro, to take one a day for three days. About two months later I started to have severe shoulder and arm pain with no associated injury, to my right arm. I am left-handed. At times, the pain would bring me to tears. Over the last year, it would come and go with intensity but never left. I can’t lift my arms over my head and sometimes need help just hooking my bra. I am an active 55 year old who has NEVER been down because of pain. I’m not a quitter nor do I take any meds stronger than Ibuprofen. I’m not blaming the drug company for this, or the doctor. I just want to know if it will go away so I can lift my saddle up without excruciating pain. I haven’t been to a doctor regarding this. I’ve read that some doctors are leary about relating this type of injury to Levaquin because of the pending law suits.
Carmela
In May of 2008 I was prescribed Levaquin and in just about a week I noticed problems with my thumbs. I had pain while writing but thought it was due to all my note taking for my nursing class. I seemed a little better until this February. I developed pneumonia and was again on Levaquin; this time the pain is so severe in both hands that nothing helps and I can’t perform simple daily tasks including driving, not to mention how cold weather affects it. Of course doctors said I had arthritis of the thumbs, but it came on acutely and severly and I don’t have it in any other portions of my hands. I’m also feeling more pain in my heels. As a nurse I am concerned that this is going to affect my job performance as I never know when the sudden burst of sharp, knife-cutting like pain will hit. I certainly don’t want to give up my job, I enjoy being a nurse. This is so unfair and typical of the FDA and the drug companies.
Ellen
I wen to my Doctor for a bad upper respiratory infection on March 3rd, 2009. He prescribed Cipro for me. 6 days later, I was no better and went to another doctor at an After hours Express Care Clinic. He said I had developed pneunomia and stopped the Cipro and put me on 1 Levaquin 750mg a day for 5 days. By the next day, I was stiff getting out of bed, by the 2nd day, I could hardly walk. I read the script warnings & stopped the drug. 2 days later I am walking up the stairs in my house as usual & I feel something above my knee tear and then my foot started hurting when I put weight on it. Will this hurt me forever? Don’t take this drug, I still don’t know what else will happen to me!
Liin
My friend has been suffering from several adverse reactions to Levaquin 500mg, since l Sept 2007. The doctor who prescribed it, ignored the initial symptoms of severe reactions (which started after the very 1st dose) , including severe rashes, swelling, a lesion changing shapes over time, extreme scaling, skin discolourations, edema, burning, tingling, crawling sensation under skin, anxiety attacks, weakness, insomnia, etc. The “doctor” scoffed at concern about the rashes especially….. and told him to stay ON the Levaquin! As a result, he got even worse problems, including severe contact dermatitis, pruritis, tendinopathy- (showed on first MRI- 9th day of Levaquin); plantar fasciitis, Tendinopathy in other area (showed on 2nd MRIs). Painful itching uticaria (Hives), photosensitivity, nervous conditions (including nightmares, confusion, panic attacks, paranoia, insomnia) occurred during and after the complete dosage. (14 days). About 2weeks to 1 month later, one lesion developed necrotic tissue. There was another fracture blister which after healing, developed a rash, Then hives//blistering/peeling kept recurring, one codndition was diagnosed as “contact dermititis”. Some “hives” appeared also on arms, back and torso. The larger lesion later turned into an ulcerous wound, which would not heal, while going to another doctor Every Week for 5 months (Nov 07 – Mar 2008) That osteopathic doctor tried over 33 prescription/wound products on him (most of which Conflicted with the residual Levaquin as catalyst, Triggering More adverse painful, depressing and debilitating reactions, especially Skin, Internal & Nerve Disorders.) Lately Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and Denervation also showed up on an MRI, as well as indication of a hairline fracture on the 5th metarsal. This is after over a year in which he has NOT been walking on that foot…and using crutches for the last few months, after being in a wheelchair. He cannot drive or work. We found out about the connection to adverse effects of Levaquin on the News in Jan 2008, which led us to Public Citizen and more research. After informiong the wound doctor with a written report on it, he at first agreed it was probably the Levaquin, but later one of his assistants (not even a doctor) was trying to find other things to blame the bad reactions on, The recurring contact dermatitis, hives, and other skin conditions, high A/G ratio, Adenopathy (lymph node in upper leg). panic/anxiety atacks, confusion, etc, all pointed to LEVAQUIN reactions. Other Conditions he has/had: skin discolourations/ ulcer-; necrotic tissue, peroneus longus tendinopathy, tibialis tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis! ( shown as some adverse reactions to Levaquin and other fluoroquinolones) In one report we read. “Levaquin is mainly bound to serum Albumin in humans”. My friend’s test showed a High A/G (Albumin Globulin ) ratio, which indicated Levaquin’s bounding on the Albumin may have depleted the Globulin levels…. which indicates weakened immune response. Another test also showed a lymph node present. Research reports shows: Levaquin 500 mg tablets ingredients includes Synthetic Red and Yellow iron oxide. Levaguin 250 mg does Not contain the Yellow oxide, and the 750mg tabs does NOT contain either the Red or Yellow oxide. This could be significant as to the different types of reactions. RED IRON OXIDE is used in Rouge, Paint, etc. To this date, my friend cannot walk on the initially injured foot…over 1 year now, and still has Hypersensitivity and internal damage. . He was cut off his WC benefits, and has been with no income after he made genuine complaints about mistreatment, ommissions and some False/misleading reports, and Mis-prescribing. He has submitted corrections to medical reports, and has been tormented. He was NOT informed of the adverse reactions to the Levaquin, nor was it necessary, as reports showed no infection was present then. He and his family have been put under cruel treatment, unnecessary duress psychological abuse and financial hardship, and further harmed by people who were supposed to be helping. .
Paula
I took Cipro and some of its related drugs for a persistent bladder infection while I was struggling to control my type 1 diabetes in the 80s and early 90s. In 1989, at age 29, I developed severe body aches that were wrongly attributed to “somatic complaints,” leading to an 8-year period in which I was unable to work. This began one year after I graduated from college. The repeated doses of Cipro went on with my having repeated severe bladder and kidney infections, which contributed to my complete kidney failure in 1994. Later that year I received a kidney-pancreas transplant. I was then given daily doses of Cipro prophylactically, to prevent constant bladder infections. During these years I had numerous hand operations for trigger finger/thumb. These were painful but necessary for me to retain the ability to type. The tenderness in my muscles seemed worst in my joints and tendons, especially after any sort of exercise began (such as walking), often making it hard for me to sleep at night. Now I have lost the pancreas to infection and subsequent damage, and have de Cuervain’s tenosynovitis in my left hand and very sore tendons in my right. I also have retraction of the tendons in both hands so severe that I can’t make the finger sign for number 3, or the sign language letter W. At this point I am unable to do much of anything physical. While it is a relief to know all of this may have had a recognizable cause, it doesn’t give me back the years of work, money spent, and lost enjoyment of life all these tendon problems have cost me. I hope something can be done to compensate. Paula in Cincinnati, Ohio
Christine
i was hospitalized for asthma and had a sinus infecton. they gave me levaquin drip. the same day after having the drip for several hours. i experienced having chills,lower extremities right leg weakness and numbness. it felt heavy and i couldnt move my leg. i had pain and suffered for two weeks. after another couple of weeks its my right side of my neck, down to my shoulder and my fingers. i had swelling, heavyness,pain, and muscle weakness. i couldnt get a grip of a spoon and glass. the symptoms started while i was working. i ended up in the emergency thinking i had a stroke. i couldnt even talk straight for awhile until they gave me something to calm my nerves. it happened from jan. 09 until now i am still in pain.
First Levaquin Tendon Tear Lawsuit Scheduled For Trial August 2010 : AboutLawsuits.com
[…] Side effects of Levaquin have been found to increase the risk of tendon damage. The FDA required that a “black box” warning be added to all of the antibiotics in this class in July 2008, warning users that they should contact their doctor immediately upon noticing any signs of tendon problems so that the medication can be stopped to reduce the risk of a tendon tear. […]
Christine
DO NOT TAKE LEVAQUIN! I was diagnosed with a UTI and given a 7 day supply of Levaquin. I only took one pill and my left wrist and hand hurts extremely bad. I can barely move it. I called the Dr and she said it does not seem likely that this pain could be caused by the medication. But, I have not done anything to injure my wrist. I’m a 25 year old healthy woman and should not have to deal with this pain……It’s extremely uncomfortable and wakes me during the night. Stay away from this medication!
Heather
I am a New Zealander who was prescribed Levaquin for a UTI in Hyannis Mas. USA back 2001(?), and suffered archillies tendonitis in both heels. I was, and still am, on Prednisone and Cyclosporin for kidney transplant from 1995. Since then I’ve had years of undiagnosed aches and pains, been tested for all sorts, all negative. Just recently my tendons have become very thin and weak and since October 08 have had L bicep tendon tear, then R bicep tendon tear (both almost off the bone), as well as a week ago a hamstring tendon tear in bone area. I am very concerned that this may relate back to the Levaquin I took.
susan
I haven been on Leviquinn 500 mg, daily for approx 5 weeks, while treating another bacteria. I had the most excrusiating pain in my shoulders, knees and achilles tendons. I was completed dibilitaed. I went to a orthopedic surgeon to had my knees looked at. I received x-rays and MRI’s. I was diagnosed with menicus tear’s in both knees. I had surgery yesterday on the left knee. I will have 9 weeks of therapy. The right knee is equally painfull. I received two injections of steriods to this knee so that I cold function during the therapy. The right knee will be scheduled forsurgery in4-5 weeks. I continue to have pain in my shoulders and am scheduled for MRI’s next week. My infectious disease physician has removed me from the Leviquinn. This has been a horriable year for me. I searched for info on the internet and was stunned at the inofrmation I gathered regarding regarding this side effect.
Peter
What about extremely severe skin rashes that actually look like the user (of levaquin) has first of second degree burns all over their body?
Francis
My problems began in October of 2008 when I took Levaquin for a sinus infection. Within two days my entire body hurt; all of my joints, especially my hips. Because the only thing I had done differently was to take the Levaquin I stopped. The pain to my joints slowly subsided except to my right knee which was swollen with fluid. It was drained, numerous tests conducted and I was given a shot of cortizone but it did not clear up. I had an MRI taken which showed tears to my medial & lateral miniscus. Everyone wanted to know how I injured myself but I didn’t. I did not fall, twist, or do anything to cause that injury. My belief is that either the Levaquin instigated some type of inflamation (and because of that) a pre-existing injury was found (that before had NOT caused me a problem) or the Levaquin did something to my knee joint; weakening it somehow causing the tears. I am now eight weeks post surgery and am still experiencing, what I believe to be, an excessive amount of overall body ache & joint pain and specifically a greater amount of joint pain to my right knee, then I feel is appropriate. I am 53 years old and was in very good shape and feel that taking the Levaquin was the worst thing I ever did. I have spoken to my doctor, who is a very conciencious and excellent doctor, and while he had recently heard about the connection between Levaquin and tendon issues it was appearently not raised as a serious issue or as an issue to older patients; which I think may be a problem because while my doctor thought I had received Levaquin in the past (without a problem) maybe it is not an issue when your 30 but dibilitating when your over 50? I’ve been to a physical therapist, for six weeks of therapy, and he thought that a lot of the pain I was describing to him was tendon pain. I’m just really disappointed in this whole affair and am very concerned about my long term prognosis and would like to know if I’ll recover.
Patricia
I was given a course of levaquin of 500 mg for 7 days for complications from oral surgery that resulted in a wound infection and a triggered sinus infection. The surgeon asked if I had ever taken the drug before which I had not, but did not offer any precaucions. With the exception of the bad tooth, I was in excellent health and only took a statin for boaderline cholesteral. Intially with the first does I had atypical anxiety, nightmares and a feeling like I was crawling out of my skin. By day three, my right knee had ballooned and was so painful I could not bear weight without the assist of a cane. I also had joint pain in both wrists fanning up my forearms.I was unable to grip anything due to the pain. On day 7, the last day of the course of the therapy I had an attack of crushing chest pain, burping, belching, gas, lightheadedness and dizziness, tingling and pressure at base of skull and crown of head. It subsided after 45 minutes, only to return almost daily for more than a month, now several times a week. The swelling in my knee has gone away, but both knees now buckle and pop and the wrist pain trends from moderate to severe day by day. I have been given gastro drugs that have been completely ineffective. I have seen my internist 3 times, an urgent care Dr. once, the gastro Dr. twice and been transported by paramedics to the ER for cardiac symptoms. I have been scoped, had a mid-section vital organ ultrasound, complete blood workup, cardiac stress test, etc. Some days I can’t walk, some days I can with a cane. I can’t drive due to lightheadedness. I can’t eat very many foods due to gastro symptoms. I feel like I am slowly dying from taking this drug. My health history is unremarkable with no major events. I am sensitive to antibiotics, but have never had a lingering reaction or anything this severe. I am now three months out from taking levaquin and as sick as the first week with regard to side effects, but considerably weaker overall from it’s toll.
Bruce
I took 750mgs of levaqin 0n January 27th and 28th and 500mgs for 5 days after that . Levaquin was given by my doctor from samples to treat a respiratory problem.No warnings came with the samples. also prednazone was given at the same time for the same problem.On january 30th I begun to experience pain in my left calf, the pain became worse so I called my doctor and he ordered a doppler scan of my leg to rule out a blood clot none was found. The same day I went back for the follow up and he prescribed another 7 days of levaquin and 5 days of prednazone. When I went to the drug store to get the prescriptions I read the information sheet that came with the medication and I realized that I was experiencing the symptoms described in the information sheet. In addition to the pain in my calf I have pain in my neck as though you slept on it wrong. also experiencing anxiety ,nervousness, ringing in my ears,and muscle fatigue.
Suzanne
I was put on Levaquin 500 mg once a day due to a possible severe sinus infection…I am an RN and should have read the side effects but felt so sick that I was just relieved to take something…After just two days on Levaquin..woke up with prickly sensations and my entire body was bright red from head to toe..not just a rash..more like a second degree sunburn..tongue swollen and face more swollen…face was already swollen from sinus infection and I was already achy due to my previous high fevers and infection….by morning…EXTREMELY painful calves that Vicodin and Motrin did not touch..seemed to come in spasms or waves. Also, my wrists, ankles and elbows…if not for the rash..I would have thought these sudden pains were related to my infection and continued on the Levaquin…my fingers are still swollen and body still pink..after three days OFF of the drug…waiting for my symptoms to disappear and worried about the thousands of NON MEDICAL people who would continue taking this drug, after the pain symptoms…due to relating them to their infection…Still very uncomfortable and spasms of pain in hands and joints….missed work due to the Cure doing more harm than the original problem. Would love to see this drug pulled off the market…Will do a better job educating my patients about this.
Grover
In January 2000 I was prescribed Levaquin for a urinary infection. In 2-3 days I had serious pain in both shoulders. I called the doctor several times, and was prescribed pain medication. The pain became so unbearable I went to the emergency room. They tried steroids, which had no benefit. No mention of a potential side effect of the Levaquin. I visited the doctor again after the 10 day course of Levaquin. He prescribed another ten days, even after the severe pain. My wife mentioned the possibility of a drug side effect. I studied the information delivered with the drug, and noticed the obscure warning about tendon damage. I called Ortho McNeill, and the lady I talked to said that the problem would go away with physical therapy and normal treatment for tendonitis. Over several months I was seen by 2 or 3 Orthopedists, had an MRI, and lots of Physical Therapy. None of this produced any satisfaction, and some doctors appeared to be afraid of potentially getting involved in a lawsuit. My next attempt was a Rheumatologist, who was unable to provide an effective solution. For eight years I have been unable to sleep properly due to the pain. I am unable to lift more that about 25-30 pounds, and that is with severe pain. I can not hold my Grandchildren. My wife has to put my luggage overhead when we travel. My golden years are very painful. And the biggest fallacy of the entire sequence is that I am not allergic to the old, effective medications such as Penicillin and Sulfa Drugs. I informed the Doctor who originally prescribed the drug of this fact, but he wanted to try this “new” drug. He said it was expensive, but my good insurance would cover it. A simple, cheap. pedestrian antibiotic would have been just as effective, and had none of these serious side effects. I would like to believe that had a black box warning been in place, the doctor would not have immediately chosen Levaquin.
Doug
I was given leviguin at my doctors office as samples for a 10 day period, which I believe turned out to be 20 days due to the problem not being resolved. I will have look this issue up, as I recall , it was because of the bacteria MRSA. While taking leviquin my shoulder began hurting. It got so bad , I could not lay on that side because of pain. The pain eventually went to above my elbow. I could not raise my arm and being right-handed, this became an issue. I told my doctor of this and the comment I got was “I never heard of this issue before”. It took about a year before I could use my right arm that I would consider near normal use. To this day, it is not bad to where it used to be.
alan
I took levaquin back in may 2008 it wsaas 3 day script to be taken the day before the day of and the day after I was scheduled for a biopsy, that was the middle of may 2008, I did not start noticing the that I was getting numbing sensations like pins and needles in my hands (both of them) until a few weeks ago which usually starts in the thumbs I ddi not think anything of it until I saw part of a commercial on tv for this medication and looked it up.
sharon
I was given Avelox 2 yrs ago for a sinus infection and needed to be rushed to the ER after having stroke like symptoms. My right arm wouldn’t move, my legs were weak, my eye sight wasn’t right and I had a difficult time taking. In the hospital they treated me for a severe reaction to this medicine and told me not to take any of the meds in this family. I had been on Levaquin prior to Avelox but I didn’t experience any of these symptoms then. I have had severe pain and weakness in my right shoulder,arm,elbow and hand for over a year. I was told it’s tendinitis and I go to PT. I never knew other people had similar problems being on this medicine.
Kara
This is painful for me to type. I had ankle surgery to fix a torn ligament and an ankle scope on Oct. 30, 2008. I was put on 500 mg of Levaquin to prevent infection. On Nov 4th, my entire body felt like it was beat up. I could barely get up off of the couch. I also developed severe pain and burning in my foot. I couldn’t support my weight on crutches due to pain in my arms & wrists. I took this dose for 10 days. On Nov 24th, I couldn’t take the pain anymore. I ended up being hospitalized for 10 days. I had severe swelling in my ankle and bruising up to & including my toes. The doc thought it was an infection so I was started on 2 types of IV antibiotics. Didn’t get any better. On Nov 26th, the doc tried to aspirate it and only dried blood came out. It was sent for a culture and came back negative. He asked me how my pain was and I told him the back of my ankle hurt really bad. He said “the MRI that was done on Nov 25th showed I developed tendinitis in the Achilles tendon. I asked him how that happened since I haven’t walked on that foot since my injury date of August 23rd. He said he wasn’t sure. I had 2 previous MRIs (Sept & Oct) which did not show tendinitis at all! On Dec. 1st I went back to the operating room so the doc could cut open the golfball size hematoma on the outside of my ankle. He got a lot of jelly-like blood from the back part of my ankle. He left the drain in overnight and then removed it. I was released on Dec 3rd with a script for 750 mg of Levaquin for 7 days (which I finished yesterday). The swelling is down about 25% and I have been out of the hospital for 8 days now. The pain in my body was so horrible today that I went to my family doctor. She did a thorough exam of my joints-which was complete agony!!!! She explained that she was going to run some tests to see what is wrong. She explained to me that she thinks this is a reaction to the Levaquin & she has had patients who have had ruptured tendons from this medication. She sent me for bloodwork and gave me a script for morphine (Avinza) to control the pain, which 750 mg of ES Vicodin and 800 mg of Ibuprofen didn’t make it any better. I feel helpless as my 9 year old has to do eveything for me because I simply cannot get up. I hope my doctor figures this out real soon! This is unreal to have to suffer like this. I will keep everyone on this page in my prayers! Good Luck to everyone!
cindi
I AM A 49 YEAR OLD FEMALE WITH R A, I WAS GIVEN SAMPLES OF LEVAQUIN BY A PHYSICIAN FOR MY R.A. I HAD A SEVERE REACTION THAT WAS VERY SCARRY AND PAINFUL. WITHIN 24 HOURS I WAS VERY SWOLLEN IN THE FACE, TONGUE AND HAD SEVERE HIVES ON MY BACK ,BUTTOCKS AND DOWN MY LEGS. MY BOY FRIEND TOOK PICTURES BECAUSE THE SWELLING WAS SO UNBELEIVEABLE.
jennifer
Took Avelox and walking became so difficult that I am now in a walking cast. Had MRI – micro tear of the posterior tibialis tendon. Pharmacist told me today, Avelox is in the same class of antibiotics as others that are connected to tendon problems. No warning from my doctor. I am 46. I have lost the ability to do my usual work because of this.
mrs. johnson
after being given levaquin for a respitory infection i began having shoulder and wrist, thumb pain i felt like i had arthritis in my hands i also felt pain in my elbow i went from taking motrin to vicodin, dicoflenac none of them takes a all the pain away but they do take the edge off
GLORIA
I WAS GIVEN LEVIQUIN, A FEW TIMES FOR INFECTION. I NOTICED THAT AT 36 I WAS STEADILY FEELING LIKE I WAS ABOUT 90. I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH SEVERE MIGRAINE, WHICH I TAKE MEDS FOR. SEVERE NAUSEA, HEADACHES, SWEATING, MUSCLE TWICHING, SEVERE PAIN IN FEET AND HANDS. BURNING PAIN. THESE PAINS ADDED UP TO MY MIGRAINE, OR LUPUS WICH I HAVE RECENTLY BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH AS WELL. NOW I SUFFER MIGRAINE PAIN EVERYDAY, NAUSEA EVERYDAY, MUSCLE TWICHING, AND PAIN IN FEET AND HANDS. AGAIN ADDED UP TO LUPUS AND MIGRAINE. BUT IT’S MRE THEN THAT AND I KNOW IT. I HAVE 4 KIDS, AND THEY NEED THEIR MOM, WHICH THANKS TO THIS DRUG I FULLY BELIEVE A LOT HAS BEEN TAKEN FROM THEM. WHY WOULD THIS DRUG BE LEGAL, WHEN IT CLEARLY IS TAKING PEOPLE FROM BEING JUST SICK, TO HORRILBLY SICK, AND FAR WORSE, THEN WHAT ORIGINALLY TREATED FOR.
Teyuna
In March of 2008, I was hospitalized and put on levequin, by May 2008 I felt like I could die from the pain in my thumb swelling in my wrists. I let this pain go untreated for about 2 months before I starting getting treatment; however, I have been seeing a doctocr about this unbarable pain for about 4 months now and still there is no change with my pain or swelling it seems to be getting worse. I have had a MRI and an X-ray done only swelling showed up but not in the area that hurts. I am very much frustrated because I never ever get releif from this pain. My doctor has prescribed motrin 800 as well as vicodon 750 and even when I take them together the pain is still relatively strong, sometimes I can get a small amount of relief if I take 2 motrins but at the same time I know thats not safe not to mention my prescription stresses the take with food which reduces my daily intake because I dont have a desire to eat. Im suffering from a lost of appetite Im not able to do every day things without my wrist feeling like its popped out of place, I drop things, its like I have no strength in my right wrist sometimes I cant even move my thumb and the pain is worst in the morning, I can no longer pick up my son who is only one and now Im just awnry as hell because of this unexplained every day pain that the doctor cant prove I have. Also, my doctor now tells me I have dangerously high chelesterol…I asked if it could be depositing into my wrist he said its possible but rare. Im 31 and feel as though Im 90.
john
have taken levequin since 2003 for sinus infections . I now suffer from panic attacks…have ringing in my ears, almost constant pain i my feet and heel area..leg pain at night and my neck and face seem swollen. also had cataracts at 58.. I have not seen a doctor yet thinking the above was just getting older sydrome…but read an article on levequin and wow was convienced that it was the culprit of my symptoms..
janet
i have tendon pain and have taken levaquin twice.
karen
i too have had tendon damage to the tendon in my foot planter fasitis. my elbows are in a great deal of pain. my hands feel like they have arthritis now my legs are very week and i was so tired and ached all over.
1 … 6 7 8

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Share Your Comments

This field is hidden when viewing the form
I authorize the above comments be posted on this page
Post Comment
Weekly Digest Opt-In

Want your comments reviewed by a lawyer?

To have an attorney review your comments and contact you about a potential case, provide your contact information below. This will not be published.

NOTE: Providing information for review by an attorney does not form an attorney-client relationship.

MORE TOP STORIES

Rechargeable Heated Insole Lawsuit Alleges Lithium-Ion Batteries Caught Fire, Burned Feet
A Tennessee man claims that a pair of rechargeable heated insoles exploded while he was wearing them, raising similar concerns to a growing number of lawsuits alleging defects may allow the batteries to overheat or fail.
Amazon Nitrous Oxide Lawsuit Alleges Platform Responsible for Whippet Injuries
A Georgia man has filed a lawsuit claiming that nitrous oxide canisters sold online through Amazon.com contributed to serious injuries and addiction.
Lawyers Call for Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit To Be Set for Trial
Ahead of a case management conference this week, hair relaxer cancer lawsuit lawyers have asked a federal judge to set a date for the first bellwether trial.