The FDA mandated that the manufacturer of Levaquin add a boxed warning to the label indicating the increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. People taking this antibiotic may have a rate of tendon rupture 3 to 4 times that of the general population. If you experience tendon pain or tenderness or swelling in the joints, you should discontinue use of the antibiotic and contact your doctor. If you have experienced tendonitis or tendon rupture as a result of taking Levaquin, contact Carr & Carr, Attorneys at Law, today for a free Levaquin consultation.

Dangerous Effects Long Known

Levaquin is an antimicrobial drug (antibiotic) used to combat some of the most dangerous infections, ranging from common food poisoning, bacteria Escherichia coli to the anthrax bacteria.  It belongs to the class of drugs known as fluoroquinolones. This drug has been in use in the United States for many years, but recently the use of Levaquin has been called into question because of the high rates of dangerous side effects.

It has been known for many years that this class of antibiotic was dangerous. Other known side effects include:

• Convulsions
• Hallucinations
• Depression
• Torsade de pointes, a form of elevated heart rate
• Damage to the liver, kidneys, or marrow

These side effects led the FDA to recommend that fluoroquinones be used as a second-line antibiotic. If you received this drug as a first-line antibiotic, it may also be considered grounds for a medical malpractice claim in addition to a pharmaceutical injury claim.

New Dangers

The FDA, however, considers the risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture to be the most serious complications yet. Tendinitis is a painful inflammation of the tendons, which connect the muscle to the bone. This can make any muscle action very painful, and is accompanied by a weakening of the tendon, increasing the likelihood of tendon rupture. Tendon rupture can lead to severe pain and even permanent disability. The most common areas of tendon rupture are:

• The patellar tendon, where the quadriceps of your thigh come together to apply force in extending the leg.  This rupture can make it impossible to walk or run.
• The Achilles tendon, just above the heel, where the calf muscle applies force to the foot. A rupture here can make walking painful, difficult, or even impossible.
• The four tendons of the rotator cuff, which help you lift and rotate your arm, and which hold your shoulder in its socket. A rupture in the rotator cuff can permanently disable your arm.
• The proximal bicep tendon, which attaches your bicep at the shoulder, whose rupture can make it difficult or impossible for you to bend your elbow.

As you see, the dangers of this new side effect include not only excruciating pain, but also permanent disability.

If you have suffered tendinitis or a ruptured tendon as a result of taking Levaquin, contact Carr & Carr Attorneys today for a free initial consultation.  Carr & Carr Attorneys in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Northwest Arkansas can help. We have the experience and commitment you need.