Levaquin Linked to Tendon Ruptures

FDA Requires "Black Box" Warning on Levaquin

Levaquin, a potent antibiotic, has been linked to hundreds of severe tendon ruptures, particularly in the Achilles' tendon, rotator cuff (shoulder), biceps, hand and thumb.  Tendon ruptures often require surgery and extensive physical therapy.  Sometimes such injuries leave patients permanently disabled.  The experts aren't sure exactly how Levaquin causes tendon ruptures and tendonitis, but some researchers speculate that fluroquinolones antibiotics are toxic to tendon fibers and may decrease blood supply in tendons that already have a limited amount of blood supply.  As of July 2008, the FDA's database shows 262 reported cases of tendon ruptures, 259 cases of tendonitis, and 274 cases of other tendon disorders.

Signs and Symptoms of Tendon Rupture

Tendons may begin to swell, bruise, and ache in the days and weeks before a rupture, but some patients report feeling no pain or other symptoms before their injury.  A tendon rupture is usually associated with sudden and severe pain; swelling and bruising; and difficulty walking (with Achilles' tendon rupture).  Symptoms of tendonitis include pain, tenderness, and mild swelling. 

What is Levaquin?

Levaquin (levofloxacin) is a fluroquinolone antibiotic.  Levaquin is used to treat infections throughout the body.  Other antibiotics in the same class as Levaquin include:

• Cipro (Ciprofloxacin)
• Cipro XR and Proquin XR (Ciproflaxin extended release
• Factive (Gemifloxacin)
• Penetrex (Enoxacin)
• Tequin (Gatifloxacin)
• Maxaquin (Lomefloxacin)
• Avelox (Moxifloxacin)
• Noroxin (Norfloxacin)
• Floxin (Ofloxacin)

Levaquin Lawsuits

If you or a loved one suffered serious injury or a loved one died after taking Levaquin or another Fluroquinolone antibiotic you may be entitled to financial compensation.  Contact us now for a Free Case Evaluation.

The attorneys at the Allen Law Firm are evaluating claims on behalf of individuals throughout the United States who have taken Levaquin and suffered serious side effects including tendon ruptures.

Contact the Allen Law Firm today for a Free Levaquin Evaluation or call 1-888-345-LAW1.  A lawyer from our firm will call you as soon as possible to help you determine the possibility of filing a potential claim.

The initial consultation is free of charge.  In personal injury cases where individuals have been injured by potentially defective products like Levaquin, it is important to act quickly to preserve evidence and investigate the the injury.  Further, you must file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires.  If you delay filing your claim, and the statute of limitations expires, you may lose your rights to compensation.