Levaquin, a fluoroquinolone, has been shown to increase the risk of achilles tendon rupture, other tendon rupture, tendonitis, and other tendon related injury. A levaquin lawsuit by a levaquin side effects attorney may lead to compensation for those injured by the side effects of Levaquin.
Levaquin (Generic: levofloxacin) is in a class of antibiotics called fluroquinolone, which have come under attack in recent months as being linked to serious adverse side effects. More specifically, Levaquin has been linked to tendon damage and ruptures in the Achilles tendon, the rotator cuff (shoulder), the biceps, the hand, and the thumb.
Tendon ruptures associated with these drugs continue to occur at a disturbing rate but could be prevented if doctors and patients were more aware of the early warning signals, such as the onset of tendon pain, and switched to other antibiotics.
The FDA must act and require black box warnings and patient information guides - (Source: Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen's Health Research Group)
Some researchers speculate that fluoroquinolones are toxic to tendon fibers and may decrease blood supply in tendons that already have a limited amount of blood supply.
On July 8, 2008, the FDA notified healthcare professionals that a BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide are to be added to the prescribing information to strengthen existing warnings about the increased risk of developing tendinitis and tendon rupture in patients taking fluoroquinolones for systemic use.
Furthermore, the FDA advised that Fluoroquinolones are associated with an increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. This risk is further increased in those over age 60, in kidney, heart, and lung transplant recipients, and with use of concomitant steroid therapy.
