Levaquin Lawsuits

Levaquin (generic: levofloxacin) belongs to a class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolone. Levaquin and other fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drugs have been linked to an increased risk of tendonitis and tendon ruptures among users.

In fact, in July 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required the manufactures of these drugs to include a black box warning on the labeling to alert consumers of the dangerous side effects associated with the drugs. Manufacturers were also required to develop literature about the potential dangers for patients to review before use.

Requiring a black box warning is the most aggressive action the FDA will take against dangerous drugs before issuing a recall of the product. Keep in mind, Levaquin has not been recalled; however, patients should familiarize themselves with the potential Levaquin side effects associated with the drug before use.

Legal Help From A Levaquin Attorney

If you or a loved one has suffered from a Levaquin side effect such as a tendon rupture, contact Chaffin Luhana LLP immediately for a free, confidential case evaluation. Our firm was founded with a commitment to helping injured consumers across the nation. We have extensive experience handling cases involving dangerous drugs and are fully prepared to investigate injury claims involving Levaquin injuries.

In fact, Eric Chaffin, founding partner of Chaffin Luhana LLP, is on the Discovery Committee in the New Jersey Mass Tort Program involving Levaquin. We know the injuries caused by Levaquin and serve as tireless advocates for injured consumers and their families.

Aortic Aneurysms From Levaquin Use

Recent studies suggest that fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as Levaquin may increase the risk of aortic aneurysms, which can result in life-threatening internal bleeding.

A 2015 JAMA study indicated that patients taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics are at an increased risk (2-fold) of suffering an aortic aneurysm. The study ran from 2000-2011 and included 1,477 patients who suffered an aortic aneurysm/dissection during that time.

Similar to the JAMA study, in another 2015 study published in the British Medical Journal, 1.7 million patients were involved and approximately one-third were prescribed fluoroquinolone. The study suggests that patients taking fluoroquinolone have nearly a 3-fold risk of an aortic aneurysm.

Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysms

  • Check, abdomen, lower-back pain
  • Cold foot/toes due to a blood clot breaking free
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Cough & shortness of breath
  • Drop in blood pressure
  • Sign of shock

Levaquin Tendon Damage

To date, the FDA has confirmed 262 reported cases of Levaquin tendon rupture, 259 cases of tendinitis and 274 cases of other tendon injuries, all of which have been linked to fluoroquinolone drugs. Levaquin uses accounts for more than 60 percent of the cases of tendon rupture while Cipro accounts for 23 percent.

Symptoms Of Tendon Rupture

Most people who have reported to have experienced tendon rupture as a result of Levaquin use have reported that the injury occurred in the Achilles tendon; however, Levaquin may also cause ruptures in the rotator cuff (shoulder), the biceps, the hands, or the thumb. If you or someone you love is using Levaquin, it is important to seek medical attention immediately should you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Sudden, excruciating pain at the injury site
  • Unexplained bruising and swelling
  • Difficulty walking, inability to bear weight
  • A snap or popping feeling in the tendon area
  • Inability to use the affected arm, leg, or hand

Of course, the symptoms will vary depending on the affected area. If you begin to experience any discomfort, you should not wait. Contact your doctor for an exam to prevent further complications and injury from Levaquin use. If an injury is confirmed, the next step is to consult with an experienced Levaquin attorney who can determine whether you have a legitimate claim.

For more information about injuries related to Levaquin use, or to speak with our experience Levaquin lawyers regarding a potential Levaquin lawsuit, please contact Chaffin Luhana LLP today toll-free at (888) 480-1123, or via email.