Levaquin, Tendon Ruptures, Tendonitis
Levaquin, Tendon Ruptures, Tendonitis
Levaquin (generic name, levofloxacin) is a dangerous
prescription antibiotic. Manufactured by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Levaquin
is used to treat bacterial infections of skin, bones, joints, lungs, ears,
airways and sinuses. Levaquin is a member of the group of antibiotics known
as fluoroquinolones.
On July 8, 2008, the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
required that Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical and other manufacturers issue black
box warning to the labels of their antibiotics in the fluoroquinoles family
about the increased risk of tendonitis and tendon ruptures. A black box is
the strongest warning issued by the FDA. After taking Levaquin, tendons may
rupture within days or weeks. The first signs of potential rupture include
pain and selling or bruising around a tendon. However, some patients feel
no symptoms prior to the rupture.
Other antibiotics that must now carry the black box warning from the FDA
include the following:
- Penetrex (Enoxacin, made by Aventis)
- Tequin (Gatifloxacin, made by Bristol-Myers Squibb)
- Cipro (ciprofloxacin, made by Bayer HealthCare)
- Maxaquin (Lomefloxacin, made by Unimed)
- Avelox (Moxifloxacin, made by Bayer HealthCare)
- Noroxin (Norfloxacin, made by Merck)
The use of Levaquin and the above-mentioned fluoroquinolone antibiotics
may also cause these other common injuries:
- Swelling of the throat and face
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Tingling sensation in the extremities
- Hives
- Loss of consciousness
If you or someone you care about suffered a ruptured tendon, tendonitis
or other serious injury while taking Levaquin or any of the antibiotics mentioned
above, please fill out our Case Review Form to the right on this page for
a free consultation.
