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Levaquin linked to Ruptured TendonsThe antibiotic Levaquin (in a class of antibiotics called fluroquinolone) has been associated with tendonitis and ruptured tendons, which prompted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July, 2008 to order that the Levaquin drug maker place a black box warning on its Levaquin medicine. A Levaquin lawsuit alleges that Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical did not provide adequate warnings to doctors and patients about the possibility of the drug causing such severe Levaquin side effects: the FDA has reported more than 60 percent of fluoroquinolone-related tendon injuries are linked to Levaquin.
LEVAQUIN IN THE NEWS
Levaquin Linked To Tendon Ruptures Levaquin (levofloxacin) is a member of a class of drugs known as quinolones, which are prescribed to fight bacterial infections. Recently complaints by users have led the FDA to put a "black box" warning on the drug to increase awareness of its link to tendon ruptures and tendonitis.
In 2006, Public Citizen filed a petition with the FDA, requesting that stronger warnings be issued regarding Levaquin tendon rupture side effects. The consumer protection group then filed a federal lawsuit asking the court to require the FDA to act on their petition-- requesting that new warnings be added about side effects of antibiotics--in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. The FDA warning states: "Ruptures of the shoulder, hand, Achilles tendon, or other tendons that required surgical repair or resulted in prolonged disability have been reported in patients receiving quinolones, including levofloxacin. Post-marketing surveillance reports indicate that this risk may be increased in patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids, especially the elderly. Levofloxacin should be discontinued if the patient experiences pain, inflammation, or rupture of a tendon. Patients should rest and refrain from exercise until the diagnosis of tendonitis or tendon rupture has been confidently excluded. Tendon rupture can occur during or after therapy with quinolones, including levofloxacin." Signs & Symptoms of Tendon Rupture The tendon most frequently associated to the Levaquin induced ruptures is the Achilles tendon, however Levaquin has also been linked to tendon ruptures in the rotator cuff (shoulder), the biceps, the hand, and the thumb. Symptoms often associated with an Achilles tendon rupture are:
Symptoms of tendonitis that are produced near a joint aggravated by movement include the following:
Levaquin Ruptured Tendon Legal HelpIf you or a family member have used Levaquin and have suffered a ruptured tendon or tendonitis, you may be entitled to compensation. Please click the link below to send your complaint to a lawyer who will review your claim at no cost or obligation.Posted on Nov-25-04 Updated on Jun-28-09 |
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Silsbee, TX: Alice N. says she was given the 
Starkville, MS: Patients who were given the Levaquin antibiotic are now wondering if the Levaquin medicine has caused more health problems than they bargained for. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a black box warning alerting patients to 
Washington, DC: His name is John Fratti and he walks with a cane. He can barely make it down the stairs. Lest you think that John is a stooped, elderly gentleman, John Fratti is a young man. There's a video of him floating around somewhere of an extremely athletic man shooting hoops with friends. No more. John Fratti's life, he says, has been forever changed due to Levaquin medicine. [ © 2001-2009 Online Legal Marketing. All rights reserved.