Consumerinjurylawyers : Levaquin Lawsuits

By Author: Susan Ardizzoni
Total Articles: 62
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Levaquin Side Effects:

Levaquin, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, is a synthetic antibiotic used to treat patients who have life-threatening bacterial infections or bacterial infections that have not responded to other therapies. This drug is also marketed under the names Levofloxacin and Tavanic. Antibacterial eye solutions are sold under the names Oftaquix, Quixin and Iquix. Antibiotics such a levaquin have been known to interact with a number of other drugs, vitamins, and natural supplements. Caution should be taken when using Levaquin with other drugs and supplements because the drug combination may cause severe side effects that include heart attack, irregular heartbeat and lack of clotting (may bleed to death). Levaquin side effects have been reported that include tendon ruptures, peripheral nerve damage and liver toxicity and convulsions. These side effects may continue long after treatment is terminated and in some cases have ended up in life-long complications.

A major Levaquin side effect involves tendon problems, which is associated with pain, inflammation, and possible tearing of tendons ...
... (tendons attach bone to muscle acting as a leverage system for body movement). The risk of these tendon side effects is greater in patients who are over the age of 60, those who are also taking steroids, and those who have had organ transplants such as kidney, heart or lung transplants. The tendon most affected is the Achilles tendon (found in the back of the ankle) but tendons in the shoulder, arm and hand have also been affected. Tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon) symptoms involve swelling, pain, soreness, redness and bruising in the damaged area. Sometimes you might be able to feel something snap or even hear a pop in the stressed area. At that time, you may not be able to bear weight on that particular joint or, in the extreme situation, become immobile. You will need to report this immediately to your healthcare provider if you experience these Levaquin side effects.

Another Levaquin side effect of importance is liver dysfunction. You want to look for symptoms that include vomiting, stomach pain, fever, over all weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark colored urine and yellowing of the skin or eyes. You should report any of these symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible as you will need medical assistance.

Some patients have experienced convulsions while taking Levaquin that involve changes in sensations, pain, numbness, burning, tingling and weakness which may lead to permanent peripheral nerve damage. It is important to let your doctor know if you or your family have a history of central nervous system disorders such as convulsions, confusion, insomnia, depression or anxiety before he/she prescribes this medication. This doesn't necessary mean that you can't take Levaquin but you will need to be monitored for any behavioral changes that indicate you are experiencing Levaquin side effects.

Levaquin Lawsuits:

Levaquin was brought on the market in 1977 by Johnson & Johnson. Early on, this drug manufacturer received reports of Achilles tendon ruptures and other side effects associated with this synthetic antibiotic. Interestingly, a predecessor of Levaquin known as Floxin had reports of tendon complications long before Levaquin was on the market. In 2002, the levaquin warning label was updated to indicate the risk of certain side effects in patients who were over 60 years of age and also taking steroids. Changes to the levaquin package occurred again in 2007 and by 2008, the FDA required a black box warning be placed on all packages informing the public about ruptured tendon risk. A medication guide was also published to make sure that patients were informed about tendon ruptures, symptoms associated with these ruptures, and to make sure that patients seek immediate medical attention when this occurs.

If you have experienced tendonitis, tendon rupture, convulsion, liver damage or any other Levaquin side effects, you may be entitled to financial compensation. You may want to contact a Levaquin attorney to see if you qualify for a lawsuit. Levaquin lawsuits are currently being filed across the country.

Author Bio.

Susan Ardizzoni, Ph.D. holds a Doctorate in Biology with a major in Neuroscience (medical) and minors in Biochemistry, Physics, and Mathematics with experience in basic and clinical research. Although the author is not an attorney, this article was sponsored by the law firm of Bernstein Liebhard LLP and constitutes Attorney Advertising. To learn more about Levaquin side effects or Levaquin lawsuits please visit www.ConsumerInjuryLawyers.com