New Mexico Levaquin Lawyers

Levaquin Can Cause Tendonitis and Ruptured Tendons

In October 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert that stated: “Fluoroquinolones, including Levaquin, are associated with an increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture in all ages. This risk is further increased in older patients usually over 60 years of age, in patients taking corticosteroid drugs, and in patients with kidney, heart and lung transplants.”

The FDA added: “Tendon rupture can occur during or after completion of therapy; cases occurring up to several months after completion of therapy have been reported. Levaquin should be discontinued if the patient experiences pain, swelling, inflammation or rupture of a tendon. Patients should be advised to rest at the first sign of tendonitis or tendon rupture, and to contact their health-care provider regarding changing to a non-quinolone antimicrobial drug.”

Levaquin Information

Levaquin (a brand-name of Levofloxacin) is a powerful antibiotic in a class known as fluoroquinones, and is prescribed to treat severe to deadly bacterial infections, most commonly those in the sinus, skin, lungs, or urinary tract. With rare exception, Levaquin in prescribed only to adults, as problems with joints have been observed when used in children.

In the adult population Oral and I.V. levofloxacin is limited to the treatment of proven serious and life-threatening bacterial infections such as:

• Urinary Tract Infections
• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Skin and Skin Structure Infections
• Nosocomial Pneumonia
• Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
• Inhalation Anthrax (Post-Exposure)
• Acute Bacterial Sinusitis
• Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis
• Acute Pyelonephritis

Levaquin Side-Effects

On July 8, 2008, the FDA requested that Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceutical, the manufacturer of Levaquin, place a boxed warning on packaging concerning the increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture while and after taking the medication. Despite the warning, the FDA has determined that a large number of tendon injuries are still being reported by patients who are taking, or have taken, Levaquin. At highest risk are patients over 60 years of age, those also taking corticoid steroids, and in heart, kidney, and lung transplant patients.

Tendonitis and Ruptured Tendons

Tendonitis refers to the condition when the body’s tendons – the tough yet flexible tissues connecting skeletal muscles and bones – become inflamed. Inflammation typically occurs due to improper or over use. Because tendons are essential to all movement, tendonitis can be extremely painful and burdensome.

Although tendonitis may occur in many areas of the body, it most commonly occurs in the back of the heel (Achilles Tendonitis), knee (patellar tendonitis), shoulder and wrist.

A ruptured tendon is a more serious condition than tendonitis and occurs when the tendon tears or snaps. Ruptured tendons may require surgery or immobilization, depending on the severity of the injury.

Symptoms of tendonitis or a ruptured tendon include:

• Severe pain
• Swelling
• Feeling or hearing a snap or pop
• Bruising
• Inability to use affected area

If you suspect you have tendonitis or a ruptured tendon, please consult with your physician. Do not discontinue taking Levaquin or any other medication without your physicians consent.

The Branch Law Firm represents all people who have taken Levaquin and suffered tendon damage.

If you or a loved one have taken Levaquin and experienced any of these symptoms, please call 1-800-828-4LAW or fill out our short online contact form and a Levaquin lawsuit attorney will contact you to answer any of your questions.