Levaquin

Levaquin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that is manufactured by Ortho-McNeil. It was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996. It is commonly prescribed for bacteria infections including pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, urinary tract infections and sinusitis. 

Litigation has been commenced Ortho-McNeil as a result of failing to adequately warn of a heightened risk for tendon ruptures and tendonitis. Although warning labels were included on Levaquin, none included a “black box” warning until July 2008 when the FDA finally instructed the makers of Levaquin and other fluoroquinolones to include black box warnings about tendon damage on their labels. Black box warnings are in bold type and surrounded by a black box to make them more prominent. 

Those most at risk are those over the age of 60 but ruptures have been reported in a younger population. Painful swelling, inflammation and tendon tears or ruptures may occur quickly upon taking Levaquin but it may also take several days, weeks or months before symptoms occur. The rupture most frequently associated with this drug is an Achilles tendon rupture but tendinitis and tendon rupture in the rotator cuff, hand, biceps and thumb have also been experienced. 

If you or a loved one suffered a tendon rupture or tendonitis while taking Levaquin, please contact our office for a free case review or contact michelle@toledolaw.com. 

Resources

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01858.html