Levaquin: A Prescription for Tendon Trouble
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Thousands of people suffer tendon injuries each and every year. Many of these injuries are sustained as a result of strenuous physical activity or certain ailments that increase the likelihood of tendon injuries; however, many Americans are now suffering from tendonitis, tendon ruptures, and other tendon related injuries as a side effect of prescription antibiotic medications, like Levaquin.
Levaquin is a prescription antibiotic medication in a class of antibiotics known as flouroquinolones. In July of 2008 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added their highest available warning, the “black box” warning, to the label of Levaquin and other flouroquinolone medications due to a disproportionate number of tendon ruptures and tendonitis among flouroquinolone users.
The data the FDA looked at when deciding to issue the black box warning suggests that Achilles tendon ruptures occur 3 to 4 more times more frequently in patients treated with flouroquinolones than in the general public.
Flouroquinolones, like Levaquin, are commonly used to treat serious infections like pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, sinus infections, chronic prostate infection, acute kidney infection, and various types of skin infections. Levaquin has been linked to numerous serious side effects including tendonitis, tendon injury, tendon rupture, renal failure, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and many other side effects.
Adverse events associated with use of Levaquin and other flouroquinolone antibiotics should be reported to the FDA through the MedWatch reporting program, which and be reached by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Experienced Injuryboard attorneys may be able to help those who have suffered debilitating injuries as a result of taking Levaquin. Victims of this dangerous medication may have the ability to recover compensation for medical expenses and other economic and compensatory damages that have been incurred due to their taking of Levaquin.
If you or a loved one have suffered a tendon rupture or tendonitis and have taken Levaquin, Injuryboard can help.