Levaquin (levofloxacin)

Levaquin is the U.S. brand name for levofloxacin, an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of infections, especially respiratory infections. It is part of the fluoroquinolone family of antibiotics (making it safe for people who are allergic to penicillin) and is prescribed to tens of millions of Americans each year.

In July of 2008, the FDA ordered manufacturers of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including Levaquin, to add a "black box" warning that the drugs carry an increased risk of spontaneous tendon ruptures and tendonitis. The agency also ordered a new study on the side effects and required a revised medication guide for patients. Existing labeling acknowledged that fluoroquinolones are associated with serious tendon problems, but according to the FDA, "large numbers of tendon-related adverse events continue to be reported." People over 60, people taking corticosteroid medications, serious athletes and certain organ transplant recipients are at especially high risk.

Tendonitis is an inflammation of any tendon (tough connective tissue) of the body. Although many patients can recover within six weeks with proper treatment, it is painful and often disabling. A more serious Levaquin side effect is tendon rupture, in which the tendon is literally torn. Because tendons help muscles move the body, a tendon rupture can be painful and disabling, requiring surgery or months of physical therapy before patients can use the affected limb normally. The Achilles tendon, which connects the foot to the calf, is an especially common place for a rupture.

Despite these risks, Levaquin is so widely prescribed that some experts feel it's over-prescribed. Because the antibiotic is effective against many types of infections, doctors may choose to prescribe it before identifying the exact organism causing the illness. One 2003 study at the University of Pennsylvania found that 81 out of 100 fluoroquinolone prescriptions at two medical centers were inappropriate -- raising an unnecessary risk of these serious side effects in thousands of patients. Other fluoroquinolone antibiotics include:

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Carey, Danis & Lowe has an active pharmaceutical liability practice, in which we represent people who have been seriously hurt by an unsafe or defective prescription drug like Levaquin. Our experienced dangerous medication lawyers help these clients recover compensation for their medical bills, their unnecessary pain and suffering and, in serious cases, a permanent disability or loss of a loved one. Based in St. Louis, we handle defective drug lawsuits throughout the Midwest and the United States. To set up a free consultation about a possible Levaquin tendon injury lawsuit, please contact us online today or call 1- 877-678-3400, toll-free.