Mark & Associates, P.C. Attorneys At Law

Antibiotic Levaquin Leads to Increased Risk of Tendon Ruptures and Tendinitis

Levaquin (levofloxacin), a popular brand of antibiotic made by Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has been blamed for an increased risk of tendon ruptures, tendinitis, and other injuries in patients taking the drug. Anyone who has taken Levaquin, even for brief periods of time, is potentially at risk.

This drug is most commonly prescribed for the treatment of respiratory infections. The most common injuries reported by Levaquin users are tendon ruptures and tendonitis, particularly in the rotator cuff in the shoulder, the hand, and the Achilles’ tendon in the foot. Some injuries require extensive surgery to repair the tendon. Shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, and swelling of the neck and face have also been reported.

Black Box Warnings Ordered by FDA

In June 2008, after receiving and investigating hundreds of reports of tendon ruptures and tendonitis in patients taking Levaquin, the Food and Drug Administration ordered prominent “Black Box” warnings to be added to the product’s packaging to alert users and physicians of the increased risk of injuries. The warnings are the most severe notice the FDA can order manufacturers to place on a product’s packaging.

Levaquin Side Effects and Injuries

Levaquin users may also experience one or more of the following injuries:

• Tendon ruptures & tendinitis
  • Rotator cuff in the shoulder
  • Tendons in the hand
  • Achilles’ tendon in the foot
• Fever, rash, or severe dermatologic reactions
• Vasculitis; arthralgia; myalgia; serum sickness
• Allergic pneumonitis
• Interstitial nephritis; acute renal insufficiency or failure
• Hepatitis; jaundice; acute hepatic necrosis or failure
• Anemia, including hemolytic and aplastic; thrombocytopenia, including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; leukopenia; agranulocytosis; pancytopenia; and/or other hematologic abnormalities

Representing Levaquin Patients

If you or a loved one was prescribed the antibiotic Levaquin and suffered a ruptured tendon or other injury, contact our attorneys immediately for a free legal consultation. To consult with an attorney, contact our law firm today by completing the case submission form on this page, or by calling 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448).