Levaquin® (levofloxacin) is a Fluoroquinolone Antimicrobial Drug used by adults as a lung, sinus, skin and urinary tract infection treatment. Levaquin, manufactured by Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceutical, was issued a Black Box Warning by the FDA on July 8, 2008, in order to inform patients about the increased risk of developing tendonitis and tendon ruptures. The FDA has stated that tendon rupture can occur during or after completion of the use of Levaquin®. Cases occurring up to several months after completion of taking the medication have been reported. The consumer group Public Citizen sued the FDA to require the agency to add black-box warnings to all fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The warning will caution patients of the risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture associated with use of the drugs. Such ruptures most frequently involves the Achilles tendon, but can also include ruptures of the shoulder, hand, biceps, and thumbs, according to the FDA.
Pain, swelling, inflammation, and tears of tendons including the Achilles, shoulder, hand, or other tendons can happen in patients taking Levaquin. Signs or symptoms of a tendon rupture can include a snap or pop in the tendon area, bruising right after and injury to the tendon area or inability to move the affected area or bear weight. The warning for patients using Levaquin applies to any usage of the drug in tablet, capsule or injectable formulations.
If you or someone you love were injured after using Levaquin®, you have valuable legal rights. Please fill out our online form, or call 1-850-444-9500 to discuss your rights with one of the experienced product liability attorneys at our firm.