Levaquin
US, Canada and Puerto Rico
Levaquin is in the class of antibiotic medications used to treat infections of the lungs, sinuses, skin, and urinary tract, as well as certain bacteria. Levaquin, however, was issued a “black box” warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July of 2008 because of adverse reactions including tendon pain and rupture associated with the drug. If you have experienced adverse side effects as a result of Levaquin, please contact the dangerous drug attorneys at Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC.
Levaquin Uses
Levaquin (Levofloxacin) is an antibiotic prescribed for various bacterial infections. It is also approved by the FDA to prevent infection after exposure to inhaled anthrax, serious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Levaquin is absorbed quickly, particularly after oral consumption and is usually dosed out in 500 to 750 milligrams.
FDA “Black Box” Warning
In July of 2008, the FDA issued a “black box” warning, for Levaquin and other similar fluroquinolone medications. This type of warning is the strongest warning that the FDA can issue without removing it from the market. A black box warning indicates that medical studies have proven that the drug carries serious, even life-threatening side effects. This warning appears on the package insert and is named for the black border surrounding the text.
Side Effects Associated with Levaquin
Levaquin was “black boxed” because of its adverse side effects, the most common being tendonitis and tendon rupture. Tendon rupture can leave you incapacitated, in intense pain and may require extensive surgery to repair the damage. In severe cases, patients may never be able to use their joints/tendons properly again. At the first sign of tendon pain, the FDA advises discontinuing drug use.
Side effects that surfaced during clinical testing were insomnia, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness and constipation. However, that list continues to grow and become increasingly serious. Other side effects that were later discovered include:
- Abdominal tenderness, cramping or severe pain
- Confusion, hallucinations or psychosis
- Severe diarrhea (bloody)
- Trembling or seizures
- Numbness your limbs
- Fever
- Tingling in your fingers
- Blisters, redness and swelling of the skin
- Sensation of burning skin
- Vomiting
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Jaundice
- Swelling or pain in your legs and/or muscles
Recent studies have also suggested that patients with pre-existing conditions (such as those listed above) and anyone taking certain medications can increase their risk of these side effects, resulting in severe medical trauma.
If you have experienced tendon pain or any other adverse side effects associated with Levaquin, please contact the dangerous drug attorneys at Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC. Serving clients in the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada, our aggressive lawyers know how to fight drug companies to get you the money you deserve.
