Levaquin Has Risks That Manufacturers Did Not Warn About

Levaquin (levofloxacin) is a popular antibiotic that is known to cause inflamed or ruptured tendons (muscles that connect muscle to bone) in some people. Although drug manufacturers have known about this risk for some time, they did not adequately warn doctors or consumers. As a result, users have continued to experience Levaquin-related tendon ruptures and inflammation because they were not aware that they should be concerned about these side effects.

Levaquin is a member of a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones, which are used to prevent bacteria from reproducing in the body, which could cause infection. Other drugs in this class that could also be associated with the risk of tendon damage include Cipro (ciprofloxacin), Tequin (gatifloxacin), Penetrex (enoxacin), Factive (gemifloxacin), Maxaquin (lomefloxacin), Avelox (moxifloxacin), Noroxin (norfloxacin), Floxin (Ofloxacin) and Trovan (trovafloxacin).

People who have experienced serious reactions from taking Levaquin or another fluoroquinolone antibiotic have the right to hold the manufacturer responsible. Although a lawsuit cannot ease the pain or loss of a loved one, it can help compensate for losses in income, quality of life and suffering. An experienced Levaquin attorney with Janet, Jenner & Suggs will review your situation and advise you. Consultations are offered free of charge.

Consumer Alert

Tendon ruptures are a serious and debilitating injury that can require extensive therapy, weeks of casting and possible surgery. Reports of Levaquin-related tendon injuries have usually involved the shoulder, hand or Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle and the heel of the foot. Levaquin patients with the highest risk of tendon ruptures include:

• Runners
• Weight-lifters
• Any athletes or workers who put a lot of pressure and strain on their joints

Anyone taking one of these drugs should tell their doctor immediately if they begin to experience muscle soreness or pain. Prolonged exposure to the drug could worsen tendon inflammation to the point of rupturing.

 Tear of the Achilles Tendon

An Achilles tendon rupture is the most common type of tendon rupture caused by Levaquin. Such a tear could cause the heel to lose stability, impairing a person’s ability to walk, run, jump or perform any activities which involve use of the foot. Symptoms include:

• Swelling and severe pain toward the heel
• Inability to walk normally
• Inability to walk without pain
• Inability to place the entire foot downward
• Inability to raise toes on the injured leg

Serious Side Effects Ignored for Years

Serious side effects from Levaquin and related drugs have been documented for years. It wasn’t until 2008, however, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration began requiring a “black box” warning – the highest warning possible – on these drugs. This warning was required two years after a national consumer group began raising red flags about the drugs’ serious side effects. Manufacturers themselves had been aware for at least a decade of reports of users suffering from inflamed or ruptured tendons. The tendon problems usually occurred within a few days of taking the antibiotic or months after the course of treatment was finished.

Legal Help for Victims of a Levaquin-Related Injury

If you or a loved one were treated with Levaquin or a related drug and suffered any of the above injuries, you may have valuable legal rights. Please fill out our online form, or call us toll-free 1-877-My-Advocates (1-877-692-3862) to discuss your case with one of our pharmaceutical injury lawyers today.