Levaquin® is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that is taken orally to treat a variety of persistent bacterial infections that do not respond to other medications. This generally includes infections in the lungs, sinuses, urinary tract, kidneys, eyes and ears.
Fluroquinolones are considered “third generation” antibiotics, meaning they are able to kill more bacteria than their previous versions. Because of this, Levaquin® has also been used to treat patients who have been exposed to anthrax, causing the federal government to stash a supply of the drug after the 9/11 terrorist attack.
Although Levaquin® was the most commonly-prescribed fluoroquinolone medication in the world in 2007, its popularity quickly diminished when the medication became associated with tendon injuries, primarily those involving the Achilles’ tendon.
If you or a loved one has developed tendonitis or suffered a tendon rupture while taking Levaquin®, you should talk to a Levaquin® injury attorney about your right to compensation.
About Levaquin®-Related Tendonitis and Tendon Ruptures
Tendonitis is pain caused by the inflammation of your tendons around a particular joint. The joints most often affected include the rotator cuff, elbows, hands, knees and wrists. Tendonitis can range from pain and weakness to the inability to bear weight, which can make this condition debilitating.
As its name suggests, tendon rupture happens when the tendon is actually severed. A rupture often requires surgery, but some patients can recover with intensive physical therapy.=
Other Side Effects of Levaquin®
Other serious side effects include a potential allergic reaction, which can result in hives, skin rashes, or more serious health consequences. Patients may suffer adverse central nervous system effects, such as insomnia, depression, confusion and anxiety. Levaquin® also carries a risk nerve damage, which can result in pain or numbness in the limbs. Heart arrhythmias and changes in blood glucose levels have also resulted from the use of fluoroquinolones.
If you are looking for an experienced Levaquin® injury attorney, please review the attorneys in the Attorneys.us directory.