Levaquin side effects have been reported by the FDA. Side effects include Achilles ruptures, tendon ruptures in the biceps, shoulder, hand and thumb. The FDA has advised people taking Levaquin to discontinue use at the first sign of pain. If you have had trouble walking, bruising or swelling in a tendon area, severe pain that comes on suddenly, or inability move or bear weight, you may have a legal claim. Law Firms are investigating Levaquin cases that are associated with tendon ruptures and tendonitis across the country.
Levaquin Black Box Warning
On July 8, 2008, The FDA ordered the manufacturer of Levaquin, Ortho McNeil, to place a black box warning on the drug. A black box warning (also referred to as a black label warning or boxed warning) is the strongest warning available for prescription drugs. Such a warning means that the drug carries significant risk.
According to the FDA database: 1) 262 reported cases of tendon ruptures, 2) 274 cases of other tendon disorders, 3) 259 cases of tendonitis, 4) 61% of tendon ruptures caused by Levaquin, and 5) Tendon rupture is higher in patients over age 60 (especially those taking steroids).
How do you know if you have had a Tendon Rupture?
Some symptoms of a Tendon Rupture include: Inability to move, Bruising in the affected area, popping or snapping sound in the tendon area, severe pain or swelling in the tendon area.
A tendon rupture can be partial or complete, and will typically require surgery to repair. If you opt for the surgical procedure, the doctor will typically make an incision in the back of your lower legal and stitch the tendon back together. Following the surgery, you will have to have your leg in a case or brace for up to 8 weeks. If you opt for nonsurgical treatment, the re-rupture rate is higher and recovery can take longer. Whether you choose surgical or non surgical, you will still have to go through a strenuous rehabilitee program including physical therapy exercises, if you want to return to normal strength and flexibility.
How do you know if you have Tendonitis?
Tendonitis occurs when the gliding motion of your tendon is impaired. The tendon then becomes inflamed and movement becomes very painful. Typical symptoms include: tenderness, pain with movement of the tendons and muscles surrounding the tendons, and swelling.
Areas of the body that are typically affected include, Elbow – commonly referred to as Tennis Elbow, Heel – Achilles Tendonitis causing pain in the back of the heel, Groin – Adductor, Kneecap or Jumper’s Knee – Patellar Tendonitis, Shoulder – Rotator Cuff Tendinitis, Hip – Bursitis, Wrist – Wrist Tendonitis due to inflammation of the tendon sheath, Thumb, and Bicep.
If you have developed tendonitis, then resting the affected area is important. Although this causes inconvenience for many, the inflamed tendon will need time to heal. Try to reduce activity for a period of time, or try to incorporate different types of activities.
Another option is anti-inflammatory medication. Your doctor may recommend that you use a nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medication such as Motrin or Ibuprofen. This should help decrease the swelling and some of the pain.
Ice packs
Applying an ice pack to the inflammation can also help reduce the amount of swelling and help with pain management.
Cortisone.
For more difficult cases of tendonitis, some doctors may recommend a cortisone injection. This is not ideal for all cases. For example, cortisone is not recommended for Achilles tendonitis because of the increased risk of a tendon rupture.
Levaquin Lawsuit
Plaintiffs that have been prescribed Levaquin are alleging that it causes tendons to rupture and that the defendants’ warnings about this alleged side effect were inadequate. The Defendants – Johnson & Johnson, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc., and Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, LLC are denying that Levaquin is defective or unreasonably dangerous. Defendants are also denying that they failed to provide adequate warnings.
If you or a loved one has experienced a ruptured tendon or tendinitis from Levaquin use, you may have a legal claim. Please contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options. Do not delay, as cases are subject to time limits and statute of limitations issues. If you do not file your claim in time, you can lose your legal rights to compensation forever. This article should not be construed as legal or medical advice.
Elizabeth Seiler is author of this article on Levaquin Lawsuit.
Find more information about Levaquin Ruptured Tendon here.
Article Source: Side Effects from Levaquin – What is this lawsuit about and what do you need to know?
