Levaquin
Camden, Sumter, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Columbia, S.C.
Levaquin is a third-generation antibiotic that is part of the flouroquinolone family and manufactured by Ortho-McNeil-Janssen. These drugs work against several types of bacteria. Levaquin is prescribed by doctors to treat urinary tract infections and pneumonia, as well as lung and skin infections. Levaquin has also been linked to serious side effects. The most common being various forms of tendon injuries, including tendon ruptures, tears of the Achilles heel, and tendonitis.
The Food and Drug Administration assigned a black box warning to Levaquin in July 2008 due to the reports of tendon injuries. A black box warning is the most serious warning that can be applied before the drug is recalled
Levaquin Associated Tendon Injuries
From November 1997 to December 2007, the FDA received over 400 reports of tendon injuries following the use of fluoroquinolones, including Levaquin. Tendon injuries were associated with fluoroquinolones for many years, but the problems were often misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms related to the use of Levaquin include:
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Tears and bruises in tendons in the hand, shoulder, or legs, as well as the Achilles
Individuals over the age of 60 who are taking corticosteroid drugs, or are kidney, lung, or heart transplant recipients, are most likely to develop fluoroquinolone-associated tendon problems. These injuries are painful and can be debilitating, affecting the use of the injured limb. Those who are injured must often undergo surgery to repair the tendon rupture or tear and then deal with months of physical therapy. Many victims may never fully recover after an injury like this.
Protect Your Rights
If you are currently taking Levaquin, contact you physician to discuss an alternative medication.
The personal injury law firm of McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, P.A. is currently investigating claims by clients who have been injured by taking Levaquin. We will work for you to make sure you get the compensation you deserve after being injured by taking this dangerous drug.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to taking Levaquin and are in the Columbia, South Carolina area, please contact the experienced dangerous drug attorneys at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, P.A. for an initial consultation.
With offices in Aiken, Camden, Columbia, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Sumter, South Carolina, our personal injury lawyers are ready to serve you. Call us today at 1-800-694-0994.
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