Levaquin

Levaquin is known in medical circles as a broad spectrum antibiotic, which means that it's used to treat a long list of bacterial infections. Levaquin has also been prominently used as an introductory medication that's given to patients until the results of specific tests are available and a more particularized prescription can be written.

Why Levaquin is Prescribed

Levaquin is prescribed to treat the following common bacterial infections, among others:

• Prostate infections
• Kidney infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTI's)
• Skin infections
• Sinus infections

Levaquin works by interfering with two bacterial enzymes that allow bacteria in the body to multiply and spread. These enzymes are known as topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase. The drug is classified as a member of the group of drugs known as fluoroquinolones, sometimes simply referred to as 'quinolones.'

FDA Approved Uses of Levaquin

Levaquin was originally approved in its current brand name form by the FDA in 1996. In addition to obtaining approval for treatment of the bacterial infections listed above, it was also approved for treatment of bronchitis and pneumonia.

Levaquin Side Effects - Tendon Rupture

After a few years on the market, Levaquin began to be linked to reports of serious and painful side effects. Levaquin was not alone in these reports, as several other members of the quinolones class of medications also began to generate reports of the side effects that led to intense public scrutiny.

The general description of the side effects linked to Levaquin concerned the troubling tendency for tendons in the body to suffer injuries and ultimately to rupture. These injuries included:

• Thumb injuries
• Hand injuries
• Biceps injuries
• Rotator cuff injuries (shoulder joint)
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon inflammation
• Achilles tendon rupture

Of the side effects linked to Levaquin, the rupture of the Achilles tendon was the most serious. The Achilles tendon is located in the heel, and when it ruptures it requires serious and invasive surgery to correct the issue. Subsequent to surgery, patients must endure the ordeal of months of intense physical rehabilitation in order to restore the tendon to working order. This physical rehabilitation period is often painful, stressful and expensive.

Levaquin Warnings and Alerts

After more than 12 years on the market, Levaquin had generated a high enough number of negative incident reports that were noticed by the FDA to warrant action. In July of 2008, the FDA issued a statement that it was ordering the makers of Levaquin, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, to place a "Black Box Warning" on all labels of Levaquin.

A Black Box Warning is one of the most restrictive and penal steps that the FDA can take against a dangerous product, and it requires a clear and distinct warning to be placed on all containers of the product at issue that provides consumers and medical professionals details of the risks involved with using the product.

Levaquin Drug Contraindications

Generally, Levaquin has been contraindicated with any patients who have displayed a history of hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, quinolone antimicrobial agents or other drugs that are a member of this class.

Levaquin Questions

Will I feel anything before my Achilles tendon ruptures?

There is no set list of symptoms prior to the rupture of an Achilles tendon, as some patients report no pain or any other indications that there was a problem before the injury occurs. However, others have reported symptoms that include pain, swelling, stiffness and general irritation prior to the rupture of their Achilles tendon. If you have taken Levaquin and are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention to find out how you can avoid an exacerbation of the injuries.

Should I stop taking Levaquin?

In general, you should never simply stop taking a medication unless the FDA or another official entity or agency specifically tells you to do so. If you have been taking Levaquin and you're concerned about the potential for developing side effects, you should speak to your doctor about the possibility of using another medication. If you stop fighting a bacterial infection too soon, it could lead to a worsening of the infection and thereby make it more difficult to overcome the original medical problem.

What should I do if I've been injured while or after taking Levaquin?

If you have used Levaquin and you've been injured either because of a tendon rupture or because of the development of any other side effects, you need to explore your legal options. Contact the defective drugs attorneys at the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Do I need a Levaquin attorney if I have been injured?

If you have been injured by the side effects of Levaquin, it is imperative that you hire a Levaquin lawyer immediately. The sooner you discuss filing a Levaquin lawsuit the better prepared your attorney will be.