Levaquin Side Effects Risky—not Rare—for the Elderly
April 5th, 2011. By janem
According to the Levaquin manufacturer and even some government agencies, Levaquin side effects are rare. But tell that to possibly thousands of people who have suffered tendon rips and ruptures after taking Levaquin, sometimes for a slight sinus infection. (By September 2010, more than 1,000 reports of tendon problems had been documented.)
Elderly people are at risk for a few reasons. It’s easy to chalk up a torn Achilles tendon to simply old age and overuse; they could be on a number of meds so the finger can’t be pointed directly at Levaquin; they could have other, ongoing problems.
I also found out that Levaquin is over-prescribed and should only be used as a last resort, when other antibiotics fail. So why have I interviewed a number of people (like Marcia, a ballet teacher ) who took it for a minor sinus infection? And by all accounts, their doctors are not aware of Levaquin side effects because they aren’t being told by the drug maker! Sure, we could argue that our health providers should know, but how many hours are there in a doctor’s day to research all the meds they prescribe? I can understand their logic: If it ain’t in the big blue book, it’s OK by me.
I interviewed 73-year-old Carol (not her real name) yesterday—yet another Levaquin victim. (BTW, I –personally–must have interviewed dozens of Levaquin victims in the past few years, so how can the side effects be rare?) Anyway, her story is a typical example of Levaquin’s serious side effects, and how the drug company is getting away with so many injuries…
Carol took the 5-day course of Levaquin in January 2009 and her infection cleared up right away. Then she took it again in May for a bout of bronchitis. “In November I had some trouble with my ankle,” says Carol. “I just figured I had overused it (I live in New York and walk everywhere) and could just walk it off; apparently it’s common to have foot problems when you get older. Close to Christmas I ended up at the podiatrist: he took an x-ray, said it appeared to be inflamed and put me in a walking boot to keep my ankle stable, and sent me to physical therapy…
In September I was at the beach with my friends and I was limping due to a back problem. My friend asked if anything was wrong with my ankle. Then she said, ‘ Have you ever taken Levaquin because I took it and my ankle starting aching right away so my doctor told me to stop taking it—ASAP.’ I’d never heard of such a thing!”
What really amazes me is why so many people still don’t know about Levaquin and its link to tendon ruptures and rips—an injury that is not only very painful, but hard to recover from when you get older…
“Now I find out, through a friend who worked at J&J for years, that Levaquin has a black box warning,” says Carol. “Besides a recall, that’s the worst thing that can happen to a drug.” And potentially the worst thing that can happen to the consumer. (Incidentally, a lawsuit accused J&J of pushing Levaquin on to senior citizens, who didn’t even need the drug.)
“The first time I looked up Levaquin’s black box warning, it was contraindicated for people over 60,” Carol points out. “Now young people are being warned. My friend has a 24-year-old daughter who was given Levaquin and her doctor told her not to run while taking it. Ah hah, now the warnings are for young people too.
All I can prove is that I took Levaquin twice and had tendon problems—I had my entire left foot rebuilt and spent 10 weeks in a wheelchair. But whether I can connect the two—that’s up to the attorneys. However, if I am deemed eligible and can join a class action, then I will.”
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Cipro also
I am over sixty and took levaquin in January for a sinus infection. The next night I developed tinnitus which is still with me, four months later and three days after that, I developed painful tendonitis which is also still with me. I took this drug for seven days until a doctor I went to told me to stop immediately, as this drug can cause these symptoms. As well, my normally stable blood pressure was soaring. My career has been affected as has my entire life. I would like to know how to go about joining a class action suit.
Hi
I want to inform all the people who have Lyme disease to be very careful because if they also have a co-infection called bartonella which is common they will be given a prescription for Levaquin or another drug in that catergory. I am not a Doctor and i have no medical background but as a result of the above condition i have been prescribed Levaquin and have taken this medication in the past and now have increased symptoms. Is it Lyme disease getting worse or side effects from Levaquin ?
Be careful.
After been given Levaquin in late Nov and early Dec 2008 and again in 2009, and 2010…..I have suffered torn tendions in both shoulers, the right in April of 2010,and the left in Sept of the same year, and have had surgery for both shoulders, the first in July of 2010, and the second in Feb of 2011. At present I am recovering form surgery performed on May 31st of this year for a torn tendion in my left ankle. I am, and have been a very athletic and active 79 year old living alone and maintaining both home and property my entire life. This drug has stolen three or more years of my life, and I am now in the position of not knowing if, and when the next tendon will tear. I want to take legal action since my expenses are increasing with every passing day making modifications to my home.
Hi Alice, I'm sorry to hear about all you're going through. You can submit a complaint about Levaquin torn tendons here–at the Free Case Evaluation link: http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/lawsuit/leva…
I was just told to google this drug & am shocked at what I'm reading. I had major rotator cuff surgery & a huge bicep tear repaired 6/12. I have been prescribed & taken Levaquin at least 3 times in the past few years. I am now going to extract the exact dates from my dr to see if there may be any correlation to my surgery.
Alice: I am so glad I read your comments about levaquin. My Dr. prescribed it for me today to combat an abdominal infection case by diveticulitis. I googled leviquin to find our more about it after reading the medical guide that the pharmacist gave me with the pills. I will tell you and the world that I am not going to take ONE PILL….. AFTER FINDING HOW DANGEROUS IT IS FOR SENIORS.
I am 79 years old, have been living alone since my husband died 6 years ago, and am trying maintain my 200 year-old house and 7 acres of land, plus hope I can continue to provide my own firewood from the trees on my property. You and I have a lot in common.
I am sorry you took the levaquin. You and the others who have posted comments on this page have convinced my to take it back to the pharmacist and complain to him about not telling me about the black box warning and for not letting me know about the horrible side affects that can happen to seniors. My doctor will hear my complaint too. SHAME ON HIM.
Thank you for sharing.
Jane
I took Levoquin in Jan of 2012 for a bout of pneumonia for 12 days. At the time I was doing therapy for COPD .No one mentioned that I should not exercise so I continued that. A couple of weeks later I woke one morning with right shoulder still. I thought it was because I had been on the computer and sitting still too long and that it would go away. It didn't. Saw the GP and was sent to Ortho who wanted to do surgery right away. I asked for second opinion and was told about the Levoquin. That was March, 2012. I maxed out the Medicare therapy in 2012 but continued after Jan 2013. Still in therapy. The right shoulder still does not function as it should. I would like to know about the Class action suite. Thanks
I too have chronic lung condition . I spring was put on Cipro for pneumonia .I was so nauseated I became very weak and spent 3 days in hospital . Hav e been thin and frail since . That was 2012 . January 2013 lung infection again .Dr. Said Cipro drug of choice and I refuse d . Was put on a 10 day course of llevaquin .My balance was gone and was lurching for support . The 3rd. Day I had a fall and concussion . I had confusion and most post concussion symptoms . Did 9 days but needed help in my home and still do . I wonder if llevaquin could have made the concussion mor severe
Ms .
I have not been the same since taking Levaquin. I am 67 and back in mid-Nov. I was diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. I took Cipro, and that did nothing. Dr. added Levofloxicin with prednizone. two weeks later went to hospital for chest x-ray Was admitted into hospital and had 4 days of Levofloxicin intervenous along with another antibiotic. Pneumonia was still attacking right lung but sent me home with a prescription which after getting on-line and reading about it I threw it in the trash and got on fresh garlic and cayenne pepper In no time I was breathing better and lungs are clear. (Why didn't I try that first???) HOWEVER, I noticed an awful quivery and weak feeling in my stomach one morning while in the hospital. Have had this feeling off and on which is very unnerving since then. It has subsided and is not as frequent but I attribute it to the antibiotics. I have an irregular heartbeat with PVCs. off and on for years which is worsening. Set to go for nuclear stress test soon but Dr. says she thinks it is caused by stress. YA THINK?!
I also took Levaquin for 10 days in 2010 and within 5-6 weeks started getting severe pain in both feet. After numerous visits to a podiatrist, and then surgery, and I am also needing more surgery to have both feet reconstructed then physical therapy again. It wasn't until 2 1/2 years later 2013 that I found out that this is a side effect of levaquin. I went to several attorneys, and was told because of the black box warning there was nothing I could do. So, I am saving my money so that I can have the next series of surgeries. In the mean time, I have constant pain, and a very hard time walking. Can I prove it was the levaquin, No, but it all makes sense. I am over 60, took the antibiotic, had severe pain in my feet, then had "exploding" tendons and ligaments in both feet.
I have had terrible tendon leg pain since taking leviquin. It has changed my life as I cannot go on walks every day as I used. Housework is also a challengs plus cooking etc. Why is it still on the market. Will it ever go away?
On day 4 (Sat) of taking generic Levaquin 500 my right achilles and plantar region started my day painfully and though I massaged, used topical ointment throughout the day it only got slightly better. I didn't relate the pain to the antibiotic and took my daily dose. Day 5 pain was worse, needed a cane, and began reading the small print online. Some folks said taking larger doses of Vitamin C and Magnesium may help. I'm 68 and still working so am hoping by discontinuing the medication I will be able to avoid tendon rupture and reverse effects. I will call the doctor tomorrow to let him know what has happened. I had a bacterial sinus infection and tonsillitis, previously taking 2 rounds of azithromycin before taking this drug so I know he only prescribed the stronger drug due to my continued infection. I hope my issues are less than some of those I've read. I sympathize with you all.
I took levaquin in October 2012. Still have side effects Tingling I feet. Tightness in leg tendons. Can walk but have balance problems. Am 87. How are you today ?
Had bad lung infection and was put on leviquin 11-28-06, 3 days later could not walk without a lot of pain in both Achilles tendons , rested for 3 days with very little walking then on 12-5-06 felt something snap went to emergency room and was told i had ruptured my Achilles tendon and was referred to orthopedic surgeon Was in full cast for 6 months and a walking cast for 13 months. I am still bothered by pain in that foot and lost 35% movement
WOW I am a nurse and I did not know this about levequin. I am always taking it because of my lung problems. I have had 3 surgeries to my right arm with 7 tears of my rotator cuff and now not knowing why my left arm has been hurting real bad. I have a feeling it is from the levequin now. I wonder if my doctor knows this. My pulmonologist always gives me this medicine because it does help my infections go away. But, if it is injuring me in other ways I will refuse to take it anymore. Had to go to hospital after being on this medication last month. I took the week course then the next week had pneumonia and landed in the hospital. This is wild. I am going to research this more. I am fixing to have an MRI on my left arm due to the major pain I am having It feels like the same way my right arm did when I tore my rotator cuff for the first time in 08. Thanks for the information I read a lot but this is very important stuff and I will bring this to my all of my doctors attention. Wished I could win a lawsuit with this haha…. oh well
My grandmother took this in 2014 but we were told that she doesn’t qualify for the lawsuit as the black box labeling was initiated at that time. She has been in excruciating pain, walks with a cane now and can’t sleep most nights. She has peripheral neuropathy now. She is 89 now and was doing well until she took Levaquin.
I don’t care if there was a warning label. She should not have been prescribed this especially due to her age. Quite frankly it shouldn’t be on the market at all.
Are there any attorneys out there taking cases that occurred after 2013?
Itnis April 2016 and I was given levaquin for pneumonia with a steroid. I now have one totally ruptured Archilles tendon and the other is torn. I wasn’t treated at that time nor was I referred to a specialist. I finally went to an orthopedic pa who said if I would have been in right away it is usually easier to fix. Now I am 3 months out and severely limited due to the rupture and tear. I should still receive compensation for a drug that has changed my life as I know it.
I was given Levaquin in 2015 I became confused,had pain in my hips, and both arms, both legs were swollen 3+ edema. I went to the E.R. I was admitted. There they did not listen to my opinion that I thought it .I due to one of the medicines I was taking for an upper respiratory infection. They continue to give me I.V. Levaquin and prednisone. I refused the prednisone thinking that was what was causing it. I had extreme pain in my arms. When I was released from the hospital the D.R. sent me home with an additional prescription for another round of 10 days of Levaquin. My arms were so weak I could not even turn the steering wheel and had to have my friend do that for me. I went back to the pharmacy my arms were hurting so bad I could not even drive. I asked the pharmacist if one of the drugs I was taking could cause this. He immediately told me not to take the levaguin and to consult my primary Dr. since then for the last 18 months I have had pain and loss of mobility in my arms especially my right arm. I have had an M.R. I. nerve testing etc. None of my doctors are aware of the long term affects of this drug and tell me the effects should have been over a week after I completed this drug. I never had pain in my arms or experienced the popping sounds I hear in my knees and back and shoulders like I now have. I am also having memory issues as well. During my course of antibiotic therapy with Levaquin I became confused and lethargic and would pass out for several seconds, I also had extreme swelling in my legs and pain in my hips causing me to use bengay something I have never used due to the horrible smell. My husband made me go to the Hospital he thought I was dying. I now believe he was right. I was being poisoned by the Levaquin but was too confused to see how bad I was. Doctors are not aware of the continued pain and effect this drug has even years after taking it. They do not listen when I repeat over and over that my problem started and has continued since being put on Levaquin. I am 62 years old. I have been a nurse for years I know wen the onset of these problems began. I have been told only under 1% of the population is affected. and the symptoms leave immediately upon completion of the drug. This is not true but good luck trying to convince a Doctor of these facts.
I took only two lousy doses and my tendons in both my calfs gave out. Badly hobbled. I ignored the warnings – I never thought a drug on the open market could be this devastating. Jim
One dose of Levofloxacin 750 MG w/ 40MG Prednisone around 4pm yesterday, have not had any sleep since (over 24 hours) itching, hives, rash, pains in stomach & I thought I had done a number on my hip! I will not be taking this med for my sinus/bronchitis! I have a call in to my doctor. I am 75 yrs old & have had sinus infection & bronchitis off & on since before Christmas, 7 Rx’s later here I am again!
I was put on Levofloxacin in 2011 for a stubborn sinus infection at age 70 . Have been taking it ever since never knowing and never informed by my doctors that this could cause neuropathy. No one could figure out why I developed severe neuropathy in my feet and leg pain at night. This drug has greatly diminished my quality of life. I had no major health issues prior except for sinus/allergy issues. Why is the medical world and our physicians not warning us of these dangers.
I had a UTI in May 2010 and was given levaquin. I was 69 at the time. I took 2 doses of levaquin and started having pain in both of my feet. In the tendons that run to each one of my toes. I had read the warning that came with my prescription and called my doctor and told him I couldn’t take it any longer and he wanted to know why. I told him that my feet started hurting and he told me to stop taking it and he prescribed me something else. Never argued with me at all. I’m convinced he knew something could happen when he prescribed it. That was over 7 years ago and I am still having pain in both feet.I went to an orthopedic doctor and he sent me to get arch supports, which helped some ,but still can hardly walk without them. Went to a chiropractor who sold me different arch supports, which didn’t help much either. Have been to 2 podiatrists since then and none of them will say that it was caused by the levaquin. About a year ago I caught my toe on my door sill and threw my right arm up in the air to catch my balance and my rotator cuff popped. Had it repaired surgically and it was so bad he had to make an incision, he couldn’t do the arthroscopic surgery. It has healed and after physical therapy is fine. Earlier this year I had another UTI and my family doctor prescribed Cipro. I took one dose of it with my evening meal and started having sharp stabbing pains in my right foot. I took advill,but they continued until about midnight. A month ago I got out of bed in a hurry and twisted my right foot and have been limping ever since. I have back problems and the limping is making my back hurt worse.Three doctors have told me that they think my foot pain is coming from my back, but it is strange to me that it all started the next day after taking the levaquin and the stabbing pain started right after taking the cipro. I would dearly love to get some compensation for it, but no doctor will admit that it was caused by the drugs and I don’t know how to go about getting anything. I agree that they should be taken off the market and if there is a Black Box warning on them how can the doctors keep prescribing them.
I was just prescribed this drug by my new primary Physician, for bronchitis. She only told me that it may cause diarrhea and maybe a yeast infection in my mouth. After taking it two days and feeling disoriented I googled it and was appalled at the side effects that people are suffering. At this point I am afraid to continue the drug for the five remaining days since I am 74 and otherwise in fairly good health. Please tell me if this drug is being recalled or if there is a reason physicians don’t tell their patients about ALL the bad effects possible!
Took my husband to ER for UTI and the Dr was having confusion problems with some other meds and he still turns around and prescribed levoquin proofs Dr don’t listen my husband is 70 yrs old
I meant to say told Dr he was having problems with confusion from other meds and still prescribed levoquin knowing that can cause confusion aniexty and depression my husband was dealing with two eye surgeries and might lose his sight so didn’t he think maybe this prescription wasn’t the right one Drs need to listen to what patients are saying also being diabetic could already have neuropathy
I was hospitalized for two days with divertituitis and when discharged was given a 6 day prescription of levofloxacin 750mgs. I began cramping in lower thigh all of a sudden. I became concerned and got on the internet. I have two pills left and I am done. I feel tired also. This new doctor also prescribed me 500 mgs of Metronidazole. why am I so tired?
66 years old..Took 1 500MG 11/10 4 PM.. By 10 PM had HORRIBLE nausea and 5 major ,solid, very productive bowel movements by 12 PM next day..
Did not see any blood.. VERY queasy stomach..NO sleep the first night.. DIZZY.. 11/12 had bad headache back of neck..Aspirin,decongestant,and OLBAS Oil gave some relief.Nausea is improved.STOPPED after the1 pill. Worried about permanent damage somewhere..
I took 500mg of Levofloxacin for 3 days and got a very bad stiff neck.
My mother who is 79 was prescribed this for pneumonia and within days her ankles are so swollen and she now has a very bad rash. She is going to stop taking this tonight and I will call Dr tomorrow. I cannot believe this is on the market
Please stick close to her and be aware and informed of any medicines she is on. Don’t depend on doctors to care like you would.
My mom was 67 when prescribed this med in 9/19/2017. I am cleaning the house and found the drug Levofloxaxacin > Levaquin only one tablet in the bottle. My mom started to have bilateral edma in both legs before her death this March. She quit her job after being on this medication a couple of weeks. I knew something was wrong as my mother was hardworking loved taking care of patients. My mom was barely able to walk with edma causing wounds from fluid drainage in legs and foot. I went through her medicines and just found out about this one. I hope this is off the market. When is medicines like this taken off the market???? When enough people are injuried or death?…I ask myself after reading was this a main contributor of my moms legs being swollen and with fluid ozzing?
I have taken this Levofloxacin two days now and I am hurting very bad in the ankles, legs,arm, neck, I am calling my Doctor Monday, I will not take it any more, the first day I took it my whole body felt like it was on fire inside, then it went away, but the next day all the pain started so I went on line and looked up the side effects , and I have them all and more. I am 74 yr. old. and very healthy until now, I hurt so bad. I hope it doesn’t effect me long term.
8-15-18, wife went to hospital with UTI and pneumonia. Emergency room gave her this drug by IV. Two days later while in hospital, her heart stopped and she quit breathing. Our son and daughter were in her room and noticed her lips turning purple and got the nurses attention And they sent out Code blue. The room filled with medical personnel, one man started compressions and got the heart started. However, it stopped again and shocked her and it stzrted back. They hooked her up with IV’s and got her to ICU. She is home with me now, but has severe pain in chest area from cracked ribs. Nurse told me it is common to have broken ribs from the compression. She takes Pacerone for afib and I strongly believe this antibiotic and Pacerone clashed and if son and daughter wasn’t in her room she wouldn’t have survived.
My 98 year old mother was given Levaquin via IV for a UTI the day before yesterday and the next day she was not herself. She was crying a lot (and my mom rarely cries) and was hallucinating and totally confused. I cried all night last night because what I saw yesterday was not at all like my mother. We are so worried about her. Can anyone offer any help in the way of advice or opinion or even words of encouragement?
I’m 54. Took Levaquin for pneumonia back in February. After 1st dose, my shoulders started hurting. Went online and read about the side effects and then called the hospital that prescribed it. They told me to keep taking it as it was only 6 pills. I’ve been in pain ever since. Shoulders, lower back, and lower legs. Heard about the “BLACK BOX” warning too late.
Hi, All is good. Dangit it girl, enjoyed Ada and Deb. I’m glad I was told about all the legal activity around Levaquin and Cipro. I knew it already but thought my issues were more or less isolated. They are not isolated but widespread symtoms and severe diagnostic problems passed down in these antibiotics. The symptoms are long lasting and progressively mean no cure and suffering is also widespread.. Unbelievable, my Doctors didnt do anything special to address the pain or speak up about what was happening to my body and my health because of this drug! I need updated Scans and blood work in an attemot to take positive action regarding my right hip, The updated onslaught of my aortic anyerism. My legs, feet and, She needs pair of gloves to cover up and take care of new and finally recognized health problems caused by my Doctor’s inefficiency in prescrbing poisen without concern for me as a human being.
I was prescribed levofloxacin 2016. I have not been able to walk ever since then. No answer’s cannot get doctors to listen. I have no life now
My sister Marie has been taking this drug for a tear from colonoscopy done, and her mouth and tongue started swelling, she went to ER and sat there 3 hrs and since she just got out of hosp a day ago she is still very weak so she just could not stay anyl longer. what has this world come too I thought ER was for ER.
People this drug is deadly. do not take it for no reason.
I took Levaquin for bronchial infection – couple months later severe headaches – MRI of head showed left side of face numb -spouse said I acted un-natural … No help from Dr. complained each time saw Dr. then Mri done with and with out – showed aneurysm right frontal in head- response from Dr six months later 9 (heart rate was 30 BPM) to contact immediately and surgery was done — and repaired aneurysm…. I have given lawyers all info and they have not done action but keep dragging this on and on– I have been diagnosed with all phases of neuropathy and have suffered terrible pain which I cannot describe and walk unsuredly and for a short distance then legs are out of control — why aren’t they acting on this instead of giving the run around to those who suffer from this medicine? I am 86 thought I could do my hobbies but can’t even knit, sew or crochet or thread a needle — are Dr’s now saying illness is heredity to cozy up to drug company or waiting for older ones to die ??? I am very disappointed in American Justice – only th rich are heard.
I had bad cough in July that the antibiotic I was taking did not help. My doctor then prescribed Levofloxacin. My ankle swelled up and I had no clue as to the source of the problem. Spent a night in ER making sure I didn’t have a blood clot. Went to foot specialist and he diagnosed tendentious and put me on anti inflammatory and in a air boot. Three weeks later, I went back to my general practitioner and she saw the boot and asked “what happened”. I told her I didn’t know, and she immediately fessed up, “OH, NO, that’s that drug I gave you for the cough” Now, it’s the end of October, I’m still in the air boot. The ankle is still swollen. And, I’m still waiting to see the specialist. I assume a MRI is forthcoming. Pretty frustrating experience.
I was prescribed cousin today by Dr after reading all these replies ,I am not going to take it dr.
That should be this . And skip the Dr at the end