Texas, California, Florida Lawyers / Attorneys: Evaluation of Nationwide Levaquin® Tendon Ruptures, Tendonitis

The Fox Law Firm is Reviewing Potential LEVAQUIN® Claims.

About Levaquin®

Levaquin® (brand-name: Levofloxacin) is a 3rd-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic, most commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections of the sinus, skin, lungs, or urinary tract. As a rule, Levaquin® is prescribed only to adults, as problems with joints have been noted when it is administered to children.

The Side Effects of Levaquin®

On July 8, 2008, the FDA requested that Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceutical, the manufacturer of Levaquin®, place a "black box" warning on Levaquin® packaging. The warning will caution patients of the risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture associated with use of the medication.

The Food and Drug Administration issued the following alert in October 2008: "Fluoroquinolones, including Levaquin®, are associated with an increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture in all ages. These ruptures most frequently involve the Achilles tendon, but can also include ruptures of the shoulder, hand, biceps, and thumbs, according to the FDA. This risk is further increased in older patients usually over 60 years of age, in patients taking corticosteroid drugs, and in patients with kidney, heart and lung transplants."

The FDA added: "Tendon rupture can occur during or after completion of therapy; cases occurring up to several months after completion of therapy have been reported. Levaquin® should be discontinued if the patient experiences pain, swelling, inflammation or rupture of a tendon. Patients should be advised to rest at the first sign of tendonitis or tendon rupture, and to contact their health-care provider regarding changing to a non-quinolone antimicrobial drug."

Despite the warning, the FDA has determined that a large number of tendon injuries are still being reported by patients who are taking, or have taken, Levaquin®.

Tendonitis and Ruptured Tendons: An Overview

Tendons are the parts of the body that connect muscles to bones, and are essential for proper movement and mobility. Tendonitis (also called tendinitis) refers to the inflammation of a tendon, and is a term used to refer to more severe injuries to the tendon. Tendonitis can occur in many parts of the body and is extremely painful. Achilles tendonitis of the heel and patellar tendonitis of the knee are common examples.

A ruptured tendon refers to a snapped or torn tendon, which can cause excruciating pain and may result in a permanent disability. Depending on the degree and type of injury, ruptured tendons may be treated with surgery or through immobilization, such as with a cast.

Symptoms of a Ruptured Tendon

According to a report from The Journal of American Board of Family Medicine, the onset of tendon ruptures among patients is normally abrupt in onset, causing extreme sharp pains and swelling of legs when walking. The study also reports that while most of the tendonitis among Levaquin® patients occurs within the first two weeks of taking the drug, it can occur in patients long after the drug’s cycle has been completed. Some symptoms of tendonitis or a ruptured tendon might include:

• Bruising after injury to a tendon area
• Sharp pain or swelling in a tendon area
• A snap or pop in a tendon area
• Inability to move the affected area or bear weight

If you or a loved one have been prescribed Levaquin® and have experienced any of these symptoms, please contact us immediately for a free consultation.
Do not stop taking any medication, including Levaquin®, without first talking with your doctor.

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The Fox Law Firm provides legal information and resources for injured individuals and their families in all 50 States. Our affiliated attorneys have successfully represented thousands of individuals in a wide variety of practice areas in federal and state courts throughout the United States.

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