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THE SIMPLE FACTSTM...Levaquin® (levofloxacin - a fluoroquinoline antimicrobial drug) was introduced in 1997 by Ortho McNeill - Janssen Pharmaceutical. Levaquin® may possibly be linked to a variety of serious long term side effects, including tendon toxicity which may result in tendon ruptures, problems and/or damage (e.g., achilles, leg pain, leg cramps, shoulders, arms, thumbs etc).
Levaquin® is a widely prescribed antibiotic drug with many uses, including treatment of pneumonia, sinus infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections and prostatitis. Levaquin may be suspected to increase users' risk of tendon toxicity resulting in long term side effects including tendon toxicity, tendon pain, tendinitis (tendonitis) and /or tendon inflammation and tendon rupture, especially in the elderly.
If you have have been prescribed and taken Levaquin®, it is very important to watch for signs or long term side effects of tendon toxicity after beginning Levaquin® or increasing your dosage, and patients should be carefully monitored for signs and symptoms of tendon problems, tendon damage, tendon pain, tendinitis (tendonitis) and /or tendon inflammation or rupture problems.
Levaquin® patients should stop taking the drug immediately and contact their physician (see FDA advisory) if they experience any of the following conditions in their heel, shoulder, arms, thumbs or other tendon related areas:
- tendon pain
- tendon inflammation
- tendinitis (tendonitis)
Signs or symptoms of a tendon rupture can include a snap or pop in the tendon area, bruising right after and injury to the tendon area or inability to move the affected area or bear weight.
Food & Drug Administration Action
In July 2008, the FDA issued a black box warning - the agency's strictest safety notice - for Levaquin® about its link to tendon rupture. The new review and warning said that tendon ruptures of the shoulder, hand, Achilles tendon, or other tendons have been reported in patients (especially over 65) receiving quinolones, including LEVAQUIN®.
According to the FDA, "Fluoroquinolones are associated with an increased risk of tendinitis (tendonitis) and tendon rupture. This risk is further increased in those over age 60, in kidney, heart, and lung transplant recipients, and with use of concomitant steroid therapy."
In addition, the FDA states that the following medications involved in this action are: Cipro and generic ciprofloxacin, Cipro XR and Proquin XR (ciprofloxacin extended release), Factive (gemifloxacin), Levaquin (levofloxacin), Avelox (moxifloxacin), Noroxin (norfloxacin), and Floxin and generic ofloxacin.
If you are on Levaquin and are experiencing any pain, long term side effects or problems associated with any tendons, please consult with your healthcare professional.
Quite frankly, the simple factsTM about the Ortho McNeill - Janssen Pharmacutical drug Levaquin® and the possible injuries and/or long term side effects - tendinitis (tendonitis), tendon toxicity, tendon rupture - that may be caused by taking Levaquin® are unacceptable.
We are investigating claims of tendon toxicity (possible long term side effects and problems) which may result in tendon damage, pain and/or problems including tendon rupture, tendinitis (tendonitis) and /or tendon inflammation (e.g., achilles, shoulders, arms, thumbs etc.) in connection with the use of the drug Levaquin.
In addition, an MDL has been setup in the District of Minnesota for Levaquin litigation and/or lawsuit (IN RE: Levaquin Products Liability Litigation No. 1943).
We are here to help you protect your legal rights and the legal rights of your loved ones.
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