Levaquin
The Dangers of Levaquin
Levaquin marketed by Ortho-McNeil a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson is a synthetic antibacterial drug used to treat lung, sinus, skin and urinary tract infections in adults 18 years of age and older. Levaquin was approved by the FDA in 1996. Levaquin comes in 3 different strengths as an oral solution, tablet and as an injection. Levaquin is effective against bacterial infections but will not treat viral infections. The FDA has required a Levaquin Warning to be placed on all packaging. This Levaquin Warning has been revised on numerous occasions. This warning includes a Levaquin Tendon Rupture as well as other side effects.
Levaquin Side Effects
Levaquin can cause serious side effects including:
- Central nervous system damage
- Liver damage (hepatotoxicity)
- Allergic reactions
- Skin reactions
- Intestinal infection (colitis)
- Heart rhythm changes
- Blood sugar changes
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Joint problems
Levaquin initiated skin infections include skin ulcers, deep wound infections, major abscess, cellulites, boils, furuncles, carbuncles and impetigo. All of these symptoms can be found on the Levaquin Warning.
Kidney and urinary tract infections reported include acute pyelonephritis which is inflammation or infection of one or both kidneys. Also reported is chronic prostatitis which is inflammation of the male prostate gland and urinary tract infections that includes the bladder and urethra in both men and women. To read more about a Levaquin Warning visit the FDA website and look under drug warnings.
Levaquin has also been prescribed to patients who have been exposed to Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium responsible for anthrax.
Let your healthcare provider know if you are taking any other medications, vitamins and natural supplements. Certain medications have been reported to interact with Levaquin. Medications that have been reported include blood thinners such as Coumadin, oral steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs and diabetes medication.
Levaquin can be taken in tablet, oral solution or injection forms. Tablet form comes in 250mg, 500mg and 750mg amounts that are coated and can be taken with or without food. Oral solution is a 25mg/mL multi-use aqueous solution that should be taken one hour before or two hours after eating. Injections come in a single-use vial. Levaquin should be administered exactly as prescribed by your doctor with no deviations. Make sure to take your dose at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible but don’t take more than one dose a day. Do not skip a dose even if you feel better. Continue taking your medication until you complete your treatment. This is to make sure that all the bacteria have been effectively killed. Do not overdose. If you overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose includes: tremors and weakness, loss of coordination, seizures, loss of coordination, sweating and difficulty breathing.
FDA Levaquin Warning
In July of 2008, the FDA required a “Black Box” warning on Levaquin packaging warning of the increased risk of a Levaquin Tendon Rupture. To learn more about the Levaquin Warning visit the FDA website and click on drug warnings. The FDA also required Johnson and Johnson to publish a Medication Guide highlighting the Levaquin Tendon Rupture and other Levaquin side effects.
If you have experienced a Levaquin Tendon Rupture or any other Levaquin side effects while on Levaquin therapy you may be entitled to financial compensation. The Levaquin Warning has opened the possibility for a number of Levaquin lawsuits. Levaquin lawsuits are currently being filed across the country.
You May be entitled to Compensation, so act now.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of Levaquin Therapy, contact us now to speak with our qualified professionals about possible compensation. Call us now at 877-222-7069 or use the contact form for a free case review.
