In 1997, Levaquin, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson’s Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., was approved by the FDA. In 2006, Public Citizen, a citizen advocacy organization, delivered the message to the FDA that a black box warning was needed for Levaquin due to disabling tendon injuries. In July 2008, the FDA demanded that a black box warning be added to the manufacturer’s label. To date, there has not been a Levaquin recall. As Richard Schulte, Attorney at Law, of Dayton, Ohio explains, “The adverse effects of Levaquin may affect the young or the old. It might be a middle aged man with an Achilles tendon rupture that is extremely painful and necessitates a long painful recovery, a youth that may no longer participate in years to come of sporting activities and may be faced with multiple surgeries.” In fact, attorneys have documented bi-lateral Achilles tendon ruptures in those that do not participate in sports which is highly uncommon. As Schulte adds, “Attorneys are concerned that information about the drug was withheld by the manufacturer which prevents doctors from providing accurate risks and benefits information to patients. This disrupts the informed consent process that is crucial for appropriately balanced information.” Other recent injuries reported that are suspected to be associated with Levaquin include: rotator cuff, biceps and hand injuries.
Levaquin Side Effects
• Tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Inflammation
• Swelling of the tongue or face
• Hallucinations, nightmares
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Vision impairment
• Skin blistering
Levaquin is in a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. Levaquin is prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections of the lung, nose, skin, and urinary tract. There have been reports that its’ level of toxicity is far greater than other similar drugs. Select personal injury attorneys are taking on cases to help victims of Levaquin harm to receive financial compensation for their injuries and help better protect the public from pharmaceuticals like Levaquin. As Kate Gillespie, Attorney at Law, of Los Angeles, California explains, “There will be pharmaceutical drugs like Levaquin that injury people. The only means to alleviate the strains caused by such drugs is to have greater support from the government so the FDA has the ability to promptly stop drugs like Levaquin from reaching the public, attorneys that are willing to withstand the years of litigation required for lawsuits to better protect the public, and injured victims that are willing to stand up for their rights.”