Consumer Alert! Levaquin Linked to Tendon Damage
Consumers, take note: serious side effects have been associated with the prescription drug Levaquin -- and your health may be at risk! Call your health care provider right away at the first signs of pain, inflammation or swelling in a tendon area. These could be symptoms of a tendon rupture or injury associated with the drug.
If you have suffered a ruptured tendon in your shoulder, hand or Achilles tendons after taking Levaquin, you may have a legal case for money damages. While no amount of money can make up for the ordeal you've endured, you have a legal right to compensation for your injuries. Call the experienced Florida dangerous drugs legal team at Gordon & Doner, P.A., today at 1-800-659-1159 for a free consultation about your case.
About Levaquin
Levaquin, an antibiotic sold by Johnson & Johnson and Ortho-McNeil, Inc., has been associated with many cases of injuries and ruptures of tendons—the cords of tissue that connect muscles and bones. The injuries can be debilitating and often require surgery and rehabilitation. You may have had to undergo extensive physical therapy to regain use of your arm and leg after surgery for a ruptured tendon.
Levaquin is a member of a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug in 1996 to treat sinus, skin and urinary tract infections. It is prescribed for conditions such as acute bacterial sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, skin infections, and urinary and kidney infections.
The Side Effects And Who Is At Risk
Fluoroquinolones, the family of drugs that includes Levaquin, are associated with increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture for patients of all ages. Tendon ruptures can happen while you are taking Levaquin -- and up to several months after you stop taking the medication.
You should immediately see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
- A snapping or popping in a tendon;
- A bruise appears after you hurt yourself in a tendon area;
- You are unable to move the affected tendon area or put weight on it;
- You have pain, swelling or inflammation around a tendon.
While the harm caused by Levaquin may occur at any age, the risks are higher for:
- People over 60 years old;
- Patients taking steroids;
- Recipients of kidney, heart and lung transplants.
Concerns About Side Effects For Years
Concerns about side effects of Levaquin, especially the risk of tendon rupture, have existed for years. In 2006, the consumer advocacy group, Public Citizen, joined the Illinois Attorney General in petitioning the Food and Drug Administration to place "Black Box" warning labels on fluoroquinolones -- the strongest labeling the FDA can order against a drug. A Black Box warning label indicates a drug carries significant risk of severe side effects or death.
Public Citizen said its review of the FDA's database of adverse reactions showed 262 reported cases of tendon ruptures from November 1997 to December 2005 associated with fluoroquinolones. Sixty-one percent of the ruptures were associated with Levaquin.
Public Citizen had previously petitioned the FDA in 1996 and sought a warning on the label of fluoroquinolones. The FDA granted the petition that year, but it was buried in the list of possible adverse reactions. In 2005, the Illinois Attorney General petitioned the FDA for a Black Box warning label, and Public Citizens did the same the following year.
FDA Finally Calls for 'Black Box' Warning
In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration finally directed the manufacturers of Levaquin and similar fluoroquinolone drugs to add Black Box warning labels because of the increased risk of developing tendonitis and tendon rupture. The federal agency also directed the drug makers to distribute a medication guide to alert patients about the possible side effects.
By the time the FDA made the decision to enhance the warning labels for Levaquin, thousands of people had been prescribed the drug, and many had suffered side effects.
Gordon & Doner: Holding Drug Makers Accountable
At Gordon & Doner, we believe the makers of drugs that cause serious side effects such as Levaquin should be held accountable when someone is injured or killed by their products. If you or someone you love has been harmed by the use of Levaquin, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our experienced pharmaceutical lawyers can help you determine if you have a case. For more information or to schedule a free case evaluation, contact the lawyers of Gordon & Doner today at 1-800-659-1159.
