Levaquin Side Effects

Over the past 25 years I have been prescribed Leqauin and Cipro well over 100 times. Many of these are related to my exposure to bla in the building where I was working I still to this day use a nebulizer twice a day, a nasalizer twice a day, additionally my immune system has been badly compromised and I have to take 40 GM of Gamma try weekly for the rest of my life.
the quality of my life WILL NEVER BE THE SAME and the treatment is more antibiotics. I would like your help with his case. I had no idea ..
By the way I did have the beginnings of Stevens Johnson but it was caught within 24-36 hours. I not want to even this about the consequences of that

6-14-16
I am a woman of 66 that was prescribed levaquin 750mg a few
weeks ago and for a uti. I took 1pill and within a few hours ,I
was unable to hold a sip of water or any fluid down and vomited non stop most of the day. My daughter took me to the ER room and I was admitted for dehydration and put on another antibiotic and kept on IV fluids for a day. I had terrible
GI pain and could hardly eat for several weeks and started
taking probiotics and eating very bland foods. My upper ribs
hurt so badly for several days and I feel sure I wouldn't have
made it had I not stopped that drug! What a terrible drug and all for the sake of money! God help this country.

I took Leviquin in October and November 2015. I had enteritis,, diverticulosis, polyps, gastritis, fever, incontinence, slow and fast pulse, numbness, pain, and burning in toes and feet. Pain in back and hard to walk. I have stomach cramps, eye floaters, and eye spots with bad bloating in stomach. I have sleep problems, headaches, and am now disabled from taking leviquin with neuropathy and tendinitis. I cannot find a lawyer to sue for me the drug company because they changed the warnings on November 2013 but my diseases are still going on and this is still a dangerous drug. Please help.

I was prescribed 500mg levaquin for a bladder infection. I am an exercise instructor and had no pain until I took this medication for 7 days and then I started to get pain in my shoulders radiating down to my elbows with some swelling on both arms opposite the side of my elbows. I stopped taking medication on 9th day as my heart was pumping out of my chest. Arm pain in both arms got worse after I stopped. I teach with weights and cannot lift them now. This medicine should be removed from the market. I am concerned that I will have permanent damage and am very upset.

how do I get evaluated for this? Can I go to my regular doctor and say "I feel that I might have side effects from Levaquin"

I was prescribed levofloxacin in Aug2015 for an unknown infection causing nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Within a couple of days I was having side effects....violent nausea, headaches, tinnitus, vertigo, anxiety, heart palpitations, short-term memory loss, and terrible neuropathy in my hands, wrists, and feet. The dr changed me to another antibiotic and some of the effects settled down, but the neuropathy continued to worsen so I could barely drive, couldn't handle buttons and zippers without help, and the tinnitus was driving me crazy. Other side effects were involved that have come and gone, but stopping the drug helped tremendously. Six months later I still have shooting, burning pains in my hands and feet, various pains hit unexpectedly in my arms and legs, dizziness, long-lasting blinding headaches (not migraines), muscle stiffness or weakness, and so on. This has been a nightmare for six months and seems not to be ending anytime soon. My dr and pharmacist didn't offer any warnings that this could happen and now I'm afraid to trust either.

Took Levequin for sinus and broncial problems, 10 days 500 mg
Week and half later tore right achillies playing a liesurely game of raquetball

Took Levaquin caplets a couple of different times from 2008-2010 for respiratory infections. Never heard of any issues with it at that time.
January 2011 I spent 5 days in the hospital for a COPD flare up. When I went to the ER, they usually start out by giving me solumedrol? or prednisone along with albuterol treatments. This particular night was my 3rd to the ER in less than a month. The treatments were not taking effect that night like they normally would, so they admitted me. The ER doctor put me on intravenous drips with Levaquin for 2-3 days on top of the steroid treatments earlier that night. When I was released, I spent another two weeks at home recuperating.
I've not had any Levaquin since that time, but still need Predisone or Solumedrol when flare ups occur.
I starting have symptoms like restless leg syndrome with cramping, hand numbness at night, and other neurologic issues. I'm wondering if the Levaquin and Prednisone together created all my problems.
August of 2014 I woke up one morning with a rash so bad from head to toe, and skin was peeling off of me like a bad sunburn. Biopsy confirmed psoriasis. Then I find out this past fall that my left hip cartilage is completely gone due to arthritis.
Maybe all this is just a coincidence?

was prescribed 10 days of levaquin for a cat bite. ER doc did not ask my current med. list, did not explain or counsel me about levaquin. within 6 days, i was disabled with dibilating pain head to toe. back of my head had pressure pain, eyesight went bad, new glasses twice, 10 doctors later, all said levaquin caused all my problems. this started 9/7/15. it is now 12/15/15. tomorrow i go for a steroid injection in my hip. last week i had the injection in my foot, next week i have the injection in my knees. my knees, feet, wrists, fingers, hips all have been affected and i remain in pain 24/7. some days are worse than others, but not one day is like it used to be. an avid active hiker, socialite, stair climber, dog walker. i can do nothing now. 1 month ago i had MRi, i had minor arthirities in my knees and feet (never had arthritis in my knees or feet) now, new mri shows i have baker cysts behind both knees, advanced arthritis in knees, cartlidge eroding, feet full of fluid (edema) none of my shoes fit, my tendons no longer show in my "used" to be slender feet. Knee pain wakes me up at night. I am so miserable, it is tough to go on. I was diagnosed with nerve damage by a neurologist as well as arthritic body tendonitis, caused by levaquin, the worst case the ER doctor had seen since he has been in medicine (30+ years). i am divorced, just under 60 years of age. was very active, now am a vegetable waiting to die from arthritic/nerve pain caused by levaquin. We need legal action from prescribing dr and pharmacy. I was not counseled by either medical professional about the side effects. I would have declined. I had a severe infections in 2013, put on IV antibiotics by an infectious disease doc. I did perfect. I want to be compensated, i want my life back, i want these professionals to go thru the pain we are going thru. i want all my money back, i need assistance for the rest of my life. what do we do?

I was prescribed Levofloxacin for an infection. I took 500mg for three days and developed joint pain. I was switched to another antibiotic but developed neuropathy in my hands, legs, and feet. I've had diabetic neuropathy in my toes and balls of my feet before, but never up to my knees.
I've been off of work for dizzyness, weakness, and not being able to drive.
My family doctor has been stumped. I was made aware of the joint pain but never peripheral neuropathy.

I got sick on August 3, 21015, with what I thought was a severe flu. I went to the ER on August 8, 2015 as I continued to get worse. I was diagnosed with pyelonephritis, given 750 mg. of Levaquin in the ER, and sent home with an RX for Levaquin 750 mg to be taken once a day. I took 4 doses and became progressively worse. My son got me into my family doctor when I had difficulty walking, blisters inside my mouth, severe abdominal pain, hallucinations, visual blurriness, muscle twitching, agitation, nausea, mood swings, rash on my face`particularly my nose, muscle pain and stiffness all over, weakness and expressive aphasia. I could not get out of bed for a month because I was so ill. These side effects slowly resolved over 2 months with the exception of the neuropathy. The thumb, index and forefinger of my left hand are pins and needles numb, and have been ever since taking the Levaquin. I drop things all the time now. I could not drive a car for a month. I am extremely frustrated. My family doctor told me that the ER provider didn't follow protocol and also that I was given too high of a dose.

I was prescribed Levaquin for a UTI in 2006. Unfortunately I took the full course; but on about the 3rd day I noticed an issue with my tendons in my left foot and finally a tear. It took a year to heal - I didn't even associate it with the drug initially. But I'm writing today because the issue has come back - in other tendons in other parts of my body, 10 years later. At first I thought it was age and sleeping poorly, but lately, I have put 2+2 together and I am revisiting the cause. This drug needs to be removed from the market. No warning is enough. This drug is poison - and I suspect new lawsuits will continue to crop up. One more note that might help someone here - stop using fluoride immediately if you have ever taken this drug - they are related and you need to flush fluoride completely from your system as well.

I am just a man, but I have always had lung and chest problems. Levaquin was always my drug of choice to take care of my illnesses. However, now the whole left side of my left leg is numb and feels like it is asleep to the touch. They have even put nerve blocks in my back to try and cure this problem. If I lead with my left leg and all my weight is put on it before my right leg picks up on some of the body weight. My left leg will fold underneath me and I will fall every time. My ears ring all the time, sometimes to the point of wanting to do the unthinkable. This is just a few of my problems. I am so glad I found a reason for what I have been going through. I am so glad I found this article and web-site

Took 500 mgs. Levaquin for sinus infection, took it a few days and began to have soreness and pain and aching in shoulders and biceps, arms hard to use. Called the dr. and reported this, he said to keep on taking it if I could stand it and if not we could do something else. Obeyed drs. orders. Hurt more and more. Worst pain in knees. Day 10 could barely walk, day 11 worse. That was a Sunday, did not take the remaining 3 tablets. Called dr. Moday, told nurse about my problem and she got back to me after talking to dr. Just said okay to stop taking them because bacteria probably all gone anyway!

Had no idea that any drug my dr. would give me could cripple me. Went from being to able to walk over an hour a day with a friend 20 years younger than me, taking care of a two story 4 bed room 4 bath house by myself, having my big family in several times a month, doing church things and DAR things and caring for three good sized flower beds to almost not being able to walk across the kitchen floor and having pain and great difficulty just getting dressed!

Worst place of injury was hamstring tendon in back of left leg. The other tendons injured as well but this was the worst. Leg from top of thigh into foot swelled. Knees hurt miserably at any effort to use them, bending them at all almost totally impossible. Navigating steps a great agony. Hard to use the bath room because of having to sit down and get back up, arms effected so getting up just as bad as sitting down with out having arm help to get up. Try to put on a pair of pants when you cannot bend your knees!

How I wish I had been warned. Yes, there are side effects listed in the paper that comes with the drug but there are side effects listed with every drug and no one told me anything to make me consider not taking it as prescribed. The druggist just told me that it could cause diarrhea. My daughter in law was offered it but told it could cause her tendons to snap and she refused it. I wish I had been given that warning.

I think there should be a law that requires a prescribing physician to sit you down and explain all the dangers so you can actually make an informed decision about taking such drugs. I had a sinus infection, have had them many times over the years but was not crippled!

Have made it my mission to warm people about this drug and am changing physicians.

Please read what happens to me (In 2003 (August Iaboni )I took Levaquin with out warning of unreversable side effects.look at what I was getting in to 500 mg
intervenes daily for a period 3 week 24 hours 15 days and fallow up with 30 day perception until till finish
I was given the same treatment in 2004,2005 2006 2007 2008 I believed the doctors They Sed my pain is coming from cellulites, othritis pain and the fact I am getting old at 53 years old I should have aspected thing to go wrong I was in great health all my life i work out 3 to 4 x days weekly no problems with my body at allcould bench press 200lb. and so I just can't believe what came next suffering the
debilitating effects of this drug.(levaquin) Tendinopathy throughout my body, peripheral neuropathy, damage to my central and autonomous nervous systems, vision problems, GI problems, heart and lung problems. I have spent tens of thousands of dollars Since I am not able to work since I can not walk stuck in my house, in my bed and suffer immense pain daily. Given the debilitating, costly, long-term (even permanent) effects of these drugs, there is no question that they are more dangerous than other antibiotics. If anyone disagrees, please name the antibiotic that causes more long-term and permanent multi-system effect I know it was levaquin in 2003 for cellulites skin infection pain was crippling hade to go on disability 2008 in order to support my existence in a one room apartment on my bed I found out about levaquin in 2013 on tv at 3:15 am Here we go... Time to start calculating what Alex Gorsky has cost Johnson & Johnson:
Keep in mind, Johnson & Johnson only has ONE source of income, the wallets of consumers who are their customers and shareholders - ultimately, the fines, restitution and long-term health consequences for their victims comes from inflating the price of their products: drugs, consumer goods, medical devices.
Johnson & Johnson failed to Warn and hid the facts of the potential danger of levaquin. MANUFACTURER: Johnson & Johnson’s Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
OVERVIEW: Levaquin (levofloxacin) is an antibiotic that is part of a group of drugs known as fluoroquinolones. It is one of the most widely used antibiotics, and has been used by millions of Americans.might assume that a pharmaceutical representative might have been forewarned about taking a drug so dangerous that it can cause a lifetime of irreversible agony, but the bitter irony is that not even the representatives have been made fully aware of the flaws and dangers in many of the drugs they are selling, due to what alleges are deceptive marketing practices.

Prior to the introduction of generic competitors, Levaquan generated over $1.3 billion in annual sales for the drug makers.plus 1.50 billion in their sister company Bayer

Although the antibiotic has been on the market for nearly 20 years, it appears that potential Levaquin side effects have not been thoroughly researched and that inadequate warnings have been provided for users and the medical community about the risk of peripheral neuropathy, ligament rubture which can has cause:

Pain in the Arms, Legs, Hands or Feet
Burning, Tingling or Numbness
Weakness, Tiredness or Heaviness
Sensitivity to Light Touches, Temperator and Motion
LEVAQUIN NERVE DAMAGE SIDE EFFECTS: Scientific evidence has established a link between fluoroquinolone antibiotics and peripheral neuropathy and ligament rupture tendentes for decades, for the rest of my life because Johnson & Johnson failed to Warn and hid the facts of the potential danger of levaquin so Levaquan alleges are deceptive marketing practices.
generated over $1.3 billion in annual sales for the drug makers.n Profit over lives
now I a being represented by barn & bud pharmaceutical class action lawyers to get after them and help me get justice and live a better life pray for me one day at a time
Risperdal: Courtesy of JNJ CEO Alex Gorsky - this corrupt mess was his project while in control at Janssen. Hard to believe this asshole is CEO. Was Billy-Boy Weldon in his right mind when he chose Alex as CEO?
Federal: $2,200,000,000 ($2.2 BILLION)
Arkansas: $1,200,000,000 ($1.2 BILLION)
South Carolina: $327,000,000 ($327 million)
Texas: $158,000,000 ($158 million)
Louisiana: $258,000,000 ($258 million)
36 states, class action: $181,000,000 ($181 million)
Kentucky: $ Currently in litigation I hope my lawyers and my government will correct this injustice relive some of my pain that I I dored fore the last 12 years stop it now so there is no more victims that have to go threw this agony can't the doctor read and educate them self. Or are the looking the other way for there own profit let stop this madness I would like to see the C.E.O president of Johnson& Johnson take and give to his family levaquin intervenes for 15 days 24 hours a day and 30 day percrption of any one of the 3 drug and prove we are all wrong please join me on this fight we the people are stronger together and not afraid of them like the news channels r scared that the multimillion of advertisements of J&j would threatening to pull there adds and profits now I just reliese that I have to say one last thing now. That I am forced to give the drug companies more $$$ For the drugs I have to take for the pain
Thay created waow can u believe that please contact me with any news that is out there. thank you

My life has been destroyed by Levaquin. In October 2012 I developed a septic infection following surgery and was given the antibiotic Levaquin. It saved my life but since then my body has been a ticking time bomb, rendering me disabled. For the first nine months I could barely walk and couldn’t carry anything heavier than a loaf of bread. Levaquin attacked my tendons and muscles. MRIs confirmed tearing in the tendons of my feet. I also developed burning neuropathy in my feet which eventually spread to my entire body. Nerve damage was confirmed by a skin nerve biopsy. Prior to Levaquin I couldn’t tell you what tendinopathy or neuropathy might feel like. Here are the other symptoms Levaquin gave me over the past 34 months:

• Photosensitivity. It was like I became a vampire. I’d go out in the sun for 5 minutes and have severe sunburn.
• Digestive problems. Severe chronic diarrhea, food sensitivities, loss of appetite, malnutrition, and malabsorption. Last year I lost 30 pounds in 5 months. For most this would be great but I am 5’ 4” and was down to 100 pounds.
• Fatty liver and liver detoxification issues. I have a pre-existing rare pancreatic/biliary disorder but prior to Levaquin never had fatty liver show up on a scan. I couldn’t properly metabolize medicines anymore. My whole right side liver area ached.
• Brain fog and cognitive deterioration. Most days I couldn’t even drive. It felt like I was swimming under water or on drugs—but wasn’t.
• Loss of short-term memory. I couldn’t remember a thought I had two seconds ago.
• Vision worsened. I had to update glasses twice.
• Loss of balance. I fell down the stairs several times due to this and muscle weakness.
• Fatigue. I’d go to bed at 7:00 p.m. every night.
• Anxiety. I experienced anxiety and panic attacks but these never stopped. It was terrifying.
• Body wide neuropathic itch. This drove me crazy as it was deep within my body not on my skin.
• Electrical zaps all over. A fellow sufferer called this “the hornets”. It felt like being stung by a thousand hornets all over my body.
• Dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness.
• Hair loss. I lost clumps of hair and now have bald spots.
• Migraine headaches. They were so bad doctors thought I had meningitis.
• Tinnitus. The ear ringing was so loud it kept me up at night.
• Rapid heart rate. My resting heart rate was always more than 100. If I was “active” it would climb to 165+ within seconds.
• Tooth and gum problems. I went from never needing the dentist to living at the dentist’s office. My once-beautiful teeth are now brittle and overly sensitive. My gums bleed and ache.

ALL FROM AN ANTIBIOTIC! Doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me. They said it was “idiopathic”, meaning they didn’t know and weren’t going to try and figure it out. Thankfully I took to the Internet and Facebook and met thousands of people all over the world with the same strange afflictions. The one common denominator was we had taken a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

Though the evidence of fluoroquinolone dangers is all over the Internet, documented in hundreds of National Institutes of Health research studies and articles, and substantiated by FDA black box warnings, almost all of our doctors refused to recognize fluoroquinolones as the cause of our symptoms.

The only effective care I have received has been in the form of natural/alternative remedies from a local naturopath and what I have learned from other sufferers. Learning about my genetic mutations (which many believe are at the root of why some have severe reactions and others none since fluoroquinolones attack DNA) has been instrumental as well. We need awareness since the medical community is doing nothing.

Given Levafloxacin in hosp. for pneumonia. After finishing prescribed doses, had torn tendons in both Achillies tendons.One ruptured and one partial. Boot on put me very off balanced. Fell -- Compression fracture in back. HAS IMMOBILIZED ME for two and a half months already. At my age, I want to be able to enjoy life. Docter who prescribed it in hosp. did not warn me about side effects.

could anyone contact me if you have severe stinging over the entire body.. like a billion bees non stop. I cant even put clothe on. I have not heard of anyone with the severe stinging..
rykerjem860@outlook.com

8/14/2015 I was given Levaquin in January of this year for a UTI. About a week after taking it I started with muscle spasms and pain in my arms and shoulders. As time went on the pain got worse and I started losing muscle mass in my arms. It is now August and I am in severe pain in my arms, neck, and shoulders all the time. The pain wakes me up at night so I average about 4 hours of sleep in 24. My doctor seems to thinks it is arthritis but I know its not. I have minor arthritis in my fingers so I know what that feels like. Wish I could get a doctor to listen to me & have something besides Tylenol for the pain if there is anything to at least ease it up.

In 2013 I went into the hospital from a terrible incident from donating plasma I had an infiltrated vein and past out causing my hole left arm to bruise. Of course the hospital did tests and they found I had an urinary track infection so the next day the hospital calls and prescribed Levaquin. I took it for 2 days and the next day started feeling sick to my stomach then diarreah came then started feeling nausea. I stopped taking the pills. Weeks went by started vomiting couldn't keep anything down. Still had diarreah. Went to the hospital several times. They kept telling me It was anxiety. Finally went in the hospital one last time and the doctor decided to admit me because my potassium levels were low and magnesium levels were low. And they found I contracted cdiff. Which usually only the elderly get not somebody my age 45. I almost died in the hospital while they were still trying to figure out what was going on. By the third day the put me on medication for it. And because its considered to be a contagious disease that released me out of the hospital in my mothers care still not eating or keeping much down. And the night before that was a rough one because they had to put me on medication to control my heart rhythm because everything was off and I was still vomiting. It was a nightmare. But they said I contracted it due to the Levaquin. Because it can wipe out all the good bacteria in your stomach. I had to go through several different treatments of different antibiotics to fix this along with probiotics And I still tested positive in January of 2014. And finally this past month july 2015 they tested me and I was negative finally. But now if I get sick and have to take an antibiotics I have a 20% greater chance of getting cdiff again each time is what my GI Doctor and CDC infectious disease of Peoria told me. So I am still at risk for the rest of my left. And for a straight 6 months my ankle swelled up and was so painful they took an xray and nothing was broke. So I wonder if that had to do with the Levaquin too.

In 2007 I Became ill with a severe chest cold. A short time later i noticed that my feet felt compressed.And were very painful! I did not Realize why. Nor did i, until i saw a advertisement about levaquin,and cipro Causing Peripheral Neuropathy Which were Generic. I`ve been dropped by two law firms.Including the one that Advertises on television.Syinoze & Kirk. Excuse the spelling. I am sick to death of Law firms Thinking that people who need their help.Some how do`nt need their help because of Big Drug Companies Power And money!!!!

My wife and I took Levaquin Nov 2015. 750 MG, for strep. A hour after taking the drug my wife died from the drug. I have not felt my left toes since and have had severe pain in my feet. I also have hired two law firms to take my case and both have dropped it. In 2004 medical professors went to congress to try and get the drug removed. The maker of this awful drug had to much lobbiest power so we the public have to suffer for the mere profits of a greedy corp. Thus like most drugs in there day were money motivated, not only by the maker but by the greed of doctors and there incentives they received from drug companies.

I was given over 1000 cipro in my life with issues I could not explain. then I was given 60 levaquin and my body blew apart
I have severe bee like sting to my entire body 247 to the point of pacing and crying.. I just curl in a ball.
I read most neurpthy I did have it in my feet like most of you say. but over the entire body? I since developed morgellans which I did not know existed.
Have any of you had severe stinging in entire body 247 like billions of bees?
Please am looking for help.
I cant hold on much longer.

Took Levaquin before black box warning have had two attorneys take my case then drop me. I have proof of injuries and still have numbness and pain daily. Suffered a ruptured tendon in my right wrist was cast an booted twice. Four bouts of physical therapy, SVT attacks, still suffering due to taking this toxic drug. No one cares about me or my struggles, I'm not having a pity party just stating facts. How much proof do you need to prove the drug injured me and stole my life. I was working as a dDagnostic Pharmaceutical Account manager when I took this drug for the last time I have not worked since April 13, 2008. Depression is now my first name broke is my last. If that's not enough Walmart gave me 750 mg of a blood pressure medication for two months my blood pressure bottomed out because I was already on two blood pressure medications and a beta blocker twice a day. I'm so tired of fighting and being broke when all I did was trust my doctor with an ear infection then trust my pharmacist to give me proper med that wouldn't harm me and cost me six figures for the last seven years. I have no life!

Partial achilles tendon rupture 4 months after taking Levaquin for upper respiratory infection. Awaiting outcome. Limited mobility for the next 2 months.

Severe neuropathy in legs and feet. Discomfort in feet is almost unbearable. Difficulty walking, driving, sleeping and sitting. Symptoms are worse when sitting.

My left inner leg at the knee area and left outer thigh area have been numb for seven months with intermittent tingling and nerve pain. I have not lost function of my leg but sometimes lose sleep due to the pain. I have waited to see if it improves and some days feel it has, but it is still there and very bothersome, and after this length of time I am afraid it is permanent.

I've suffered foot, ankle, hip, and shoulder pain constantly, lasting years and gradually getting worse. Getting out of bed takes nearly 30 minutes some mornings. Both walking and driving cause severe pain. I've seen several foot doctors over the years, and only now associated the pain with Levaquin.

Bladder problems and nerve damage.

In Nov. of 2009, I was diagnosed with walking pneumonia at an Urgent Care Center in Cullman, Alabama. I was prescribed a course of antibiotics (Levaquin). A while later ( I don't remember exactly how long but it was weeks/months), I started having strange burning sensations in my feet and a loss of feeling in my toes. It has slowly gotten worse over the years. I work for Dept. of Defense in Germany and I saw a neurologist to try and figure out what was going on. I also saw a doctor in Cullman, Alabama, while I was home to try and figure this out.

I was given 750 mg of levoflaxin for pneumonia at the ER. On the third day I had bad pain in my knee, my shoulder and neck. My arm began falling asleep. My family doctor diagnosed it as peripheral neuropathy. I was given steroids and physical therapy. When symptoms got worse, I went for an MRI. It showed nerve compression. I had issues with disks, and a torn rotator cuff. All of which I did not have three days before. This has been the worst pain in the world! It feels like it’s on fire. It hurts to the touch. My knee and arm swell up constantly and turn bright red. I NEED HELP!

Shortly after having my second child, I was prescribed Ciprofloxacin to treat an infection. On Mother's Day, I began having tendon pain in my wrists and ankles. It spiraled quickly from there. I was unable to walk or take care of my newborn and toddler, and had full body tendonitis. I also developed Peripheral Neuropathy. It took a year for the symptoms to subside, but I still have flareups two years later. Along with early ER visits, I had endless blood work done by my PCP, and saw a rheumatologist, cardiologist and neurologist.

started taking the medication on 1/26/2015. a few days later I started feeling tired, tightness in chest, shortness of breath after walking a few minutes, I then would have to sit down to catch my breath. my heart rate would increase until I caught my breath then it would come back down. it felt as though I may be having some sort of heart problem. I was exhausted at the beginning of the day. on the 31st of January I was talking to my brother in law and he stated his father was experiencing the same problems taking the same medication. it then clicked that my symptom's all started a few days after taking the medication. I took no more after that day, and today 2/3/2015 it has been 3 days since I stopped taking it. I am feeling better, but still having shortness of breath and my heart rate still goes up. it seems to be getting better with each passing day.
today I went to see a internal medicine doctor for other problems and he stated the drug could have side effects. This drug is now on my list of "allergic to". I will update my personal doctor as to what I have experienced by taking this drug.

I took Levoflaxacin for a UTI, but afterwards I started feeling poorly. I felt like someone had beat me all up and down my back, and my right arm is in excruciating pain; I feel like cutting it off. I told my husband I have never felt so bad. I have been seeing a chiropractor for my arm but it doesn't seem to get any better.

Cancer survivor who was prescribed Levaquin, Avelox and Cirpo over the span of two years experienced lower limb paralysis for three days followed by loss of muscle coordination and normal bladder and bowel function. A diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy has been given.

I have had ideopathic neuropathy in legs and feet as well as fingers. Also I experience sensitivity to touch. An EMG done by a neurologist has confirmed this.

I had a fever. Extreme fatique and went er. They put me on levequin and I had hullucinations. I waneed outof my room so took my chair in the hall. Told my wife not to go in there cause people were watching me and making faces in the window .I was on the 3rd floor. Anyway , I had a dry cough. They told me
I was allergic to lisinopril which is a blook pressure pill and Bata blocker. My throat was closing and I could barely talk. I had been in the hospital each year for the past 3 or 4 years. Each to
ime for this cough and I believe it was always misdiagnosed. THANKS

I took Levaquin several times over a 2-4-yr period. I have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy since approximately 2006. The pain from the neuropathy is sometimes more than I can stand. I currently take Amitriptyline 50mg to keep the neuropathy at bay, but there are many times that I still feel the pain from the disease.

It will be two years this coming February since being prescribed Levofloxacin after a bout with pneumonia, I am 82 years old and have had pain in my Achilles tendons and calves ever since. I have been on numerous drugs with Oxycodone being the best! I have diabetes and my doctor was on vacation. His associate prescribed the drug and apparently did not read my medical records. You do not prescribe this to a diabetic!

My doctor prescribed Levaquin (750mg for 5 days). He did not wait to see my urine test results, which showed I do not have an infection at all. My right leg and my right forearm and all my fingers ache consistently all the time since November 13, 2014. My right toe cramps whenever I am driving and sitting on a chair. I cannot bend my right leg. And it is very difficult for me to move my right leg directly sideways.

I was prescribed Levaquin at the end of June 2014 for a UTI. Five/six days after taking this medicine, my leg/ankle/foot became inflamed and swollen. I have not been able to exercise, and walking is very difficult. It is now December 7, and the problem still exists.

Numbness in left foot and hands.

When admitted into the hospital, I was intravenously given Levaquin due to a bronchical infection. I was also given the generic form of Levaquin when I returned home. During the process of receiving Levaquin, I experienced severe stomach cramps, numbness, and pain in my legs, arms, face, neck, fingers and feet. The progression of numbness and pain has gotten worse during the period of 1 1/2 years. My primary physician decided to take me off this prescription due to a bladder infection. The damage of this medication is severe. I cannot feel anything, in which I drop things a lot. The pain is horrible. My primary physician has given me gabapentin 100 mg for nerve damage. I am scheduled to see a specialist for neuropathy.

I have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities and in one arm. The pain, numbness, burning has progressed over the years making the pain debilitating, leaving my life to only survival. I'm currently working on a disability case in NJ with a lawyer. I was on Levequin in the early 2000's for chronic UTI's and took the medication non-stop.

I took Levaquin from 2005-2006 for a recurring infection. I developed
a drop foot syndrome shortly after. I now must use a cane because I fall
and cannot negotiate stairs. It only recently occurred to me to search Levaquin as the cause of this problem. The symptoms are getting worse and I now am having problems with my hands. I feel sure that I will be in a wheelchair within the next two years. I am a dialysis patient on the transplant list; however, the neuropathy is not related.

I have muscle weakness in my legs, six months after being prescribed Levaquin for pneumonia. I have been exercising in an attempt to build my muscles back. My legs remain weak and off balance.

Tendonitis in both arms; now left arm cannot be raised w/ weight. Tingling and sharp pains and numbness in legs above the ankle. Relatives in the medical field convinced me to discontinue the drug. My doctors were clueless.

Torn ligament in right wrist - 2 surgeries. 2 ruptured bicep tendons and a SLAP tear left shoulder. Surgery scheduled for November. Similar pain in right shoulder needs evaluation. Tendonitis in arms.

Tingling and burning in the extremities. Feeling like ants crawling up my legs. Numbness to the extremities and neruopathy. Sensitivity to touching of my skin.

I have nerve damage..my ankles swell..have stabbing pain in my ankles and legs, was told I have neuropathy.

After the second day of taking Levofloxacin, I had a severe pain in my right knee that prevented me from walking, The third day I had horrific pains throughout both legs all night, especially severe in right knee. Throughout both days, I experience severe pains in my arms, shoulders, neck, knees, back and hips. I stopped the medication after the third day, and still 5 days later have the same pains in my right knee keeping me up at night.

Arms and legs feel as if they are going to sleep all the time. Numbness and tingling in my limbs, and biceps hurt when reaching to hold something... this has put me out of the workforce...and can no longer earn a living as I did beforehand,

I have severe pain in my right elbow and it even wakes me from my sleep. I feel it keeps getting worse.

I am in a wheelchair and unable to walk due to severe tendon damage and nerve pain. I am 28 years old and on dialysis and have been prescribed Levaquin on several different occasions.

Bilateral tendonitis through most of my body, migraines, seizures, peripheral neuropathy, insomnia, anxiety, optical neuritis . Lost my job and insurance and could not gain ins due to pre-ex. No warning by doc or pharmacy. Doc hiding from me.

Total rupture. Surgical repair. Staph infection. Additional surgery. Removal of 25% of tendon. IV antibiotics via a PICC line. Months in cast, boot, crutches and wheelchair. Weeks off of work.

I currently have 100% rotator cuff tendon tear on my right arm and 50% tear in my left rotator cuff from the 750 mg of Levaquin IV fluids given to me during my 5 day stay at the hospital to treat pneumonia. Also given a 10 day prescription of 750mg Levaquin to take after discharge from the hospital.

I have pulmonary fibrosis and, consequently, have many upper respiratory attacks each year, sometimes including pneumonia. I have been taking prednisone daily for 11 years now, sometimes in high doses and I often receive steroid shots coupled with levaquin for respiratory arrest. Many, many times over the past 11 years I have been given Levaquin with steroids for my breathing problems. Now, years afterward, I have problems with my right shoulder: rotator cuff tendonitis and acromioclavicular arthritis in the shoulder causing extreme pain.

Pain is so much in the middle of the night every time I sit down my calf cramps up it is so very painful several steps. This is every time every day. Sometimes I've fallen forward and gave myself a concussion with a header to the concrete floor face first.

Physicians have asked me to try hyperbaric oxygen for relief but I got none. Also tried various vitamin and minerals without relief of pain.

Loss of upper arm strength, continual shoulder and arm pain. Left shoulder has already received rotator cuff surgery. Right shoulder due on Oct, 19 2011.

Constant pain, loss of mobility, difficulty sleeping, damage to career (I'm a musician), stress on marriage.

Tore both rotator cuffs, two abdominal hernias which were surgically repaired, calf muscle tear and thickening of the achilles tendon. I have irreversible pain in the upper extremities which are still being treated by a rheumatologist who has lectured on the damages caused by the statins and other drugs.

Intense pain that takes my breath away in my shoulder that lasts a minute or two upon certain movements or extensions with my right arm. Milder symptoms are heart palpitations, anxiety, fatigue.

Severe tendon, muscle, and joint pain, vision and hearing damage. Skin sensitivities. Swollen internal organs (?). Gastrointestinal Problems. Permanent peripheral neuropapthy, depression, anxiety and severe CNS issues.

About 2 weeks after taking Levaquin I began to experience leg pain and difficulty walking. It's not that I can't walk, but walking is painful and uncomfortable and especially if I have been sitting for awhile. I experienced muscle soreness and slight pain in the muscles in my upper thigh (near groin)and some in my lower hip area.

I am unable to walk, extreme pain, constant "popping", knees giving out, have fallen and am walking with braces and crutches.

My entire right arm is in pain almost constantly. Plus my left heel is always in pain. I work retail and am on my feet sometimes 10-12 hours per day. I cannot sleep night from the pain from my arm.

I had recurrent pneumonia and was prescribed Levaquin because other antibiotics were not working. I have constant joint pain. I have trouble sleeping because of the pain. It began with my left shoulder and now encompasses both shoulders, elbows, knees, wrists, ankles, and sometimes hips. I have been checked for arthritis and do not have it.

Have constant pain, worse at night so not sleeping well. Have no strength, can't raise right arm on own. Housework is impossible.

Can hardly walk on my ankle, severe joint pain. I have been off work for over a year with muscle and joint pain. Did not have any pains until I was prescribed Levaquin in Jan. last year. Then again three more times that year.

I had 3 surguries 2 years apart on my right foot. Each time a tendon had ruptured, repaired with surgery, only to have a tear appear in another area of the tendon. During those 2 years I had been on frequent Levaquin therapy for sinus infections, upper resp. infections, and UTIs. I underwent tremendous pain from the tears as well as post op pain. I had to cancel a trip to France due to the pain of the tears, and my job was affected, including having taken weeks off each time for the surgeries.

Pain in both shoulders, and left knee. Torn rotator cuff in left shoulder severe enough to require surgical correction, minor rotator cuff tear in right shoulder, torn meniscus in left knee requiring surgical correction, occasional pain in left foot.

Very painful to walk. Overcompensation on other foot causing stress fractures in right foot. Shoulders aching without any injury, painful to lift things, sometimes painful to move arm at all.

I have taken levaquin on and off for about 5 years. Usually 500-1000mg for Sinus and upper respiratory infections. I have been in and out of the doctor for these pains thinking it was arthiritis related or something else. I have had many MRI's and scans to determine the problems. I have been treated with steroids, cortisone, NSAIDS, and antibiotics to treat symptoms, but never the cause has been determined. I am still in pain to this day and the illnesses are adding up. I am on Levaquin right now and have just started experiencing new symptoms in my calves that I have never had before. Also, the ringing in my ears and jaw pain has been getting worse.

I have been told recently that I probably have tendonitis in my shoulder. I think it my be the case in my wrists and knees also.

Severely sore and weak achilles tendon in right ankle, very sore right knee, both shoulders, and numb left hand. It's very hard to sleep, and I feel like I'm sliding into the abyss healthwise. No longer able to even walk normally, let alone jog or ride a bike regularly. When I do get active, it takes a week to recover to my now sorry normal state.

I lost time from work but the pain was the worst as I did not know what was going on with me. I could not sleep at night and I thought I was going crazy because I could not relax enough to sleep. I became sleep deprived and suffered the ankle injury as described. Levaquin also wiped out my immune system and I became allergic to several things, when I have not been allergic to anything before in my life. My doctor put me on Xanax to sleep as he continued to tell me that the Levaquin was not causing my problem, which I thought was nerve pain. I called my pharmacist who told me that something called peripheral neuropathy is a side effect of this particular class of drug. This was after the course of treatment was done and I had not slept in days going into weeks. I had to continue taking the Xanax just to sleep for months afterward. The ankle injury was so painful that I could not conduct my normal life. I was very excited to see on the nightly news that Levaquin was now decided to cause what happened to me. At least I now know I was right and I was not losing my mind.

After taking a 10 day dose of levaquin I have suffered severe tendonitis. I am unable to continue my life as it was before taking this medication. I am in constant pain that is not relieved by pain meds.

I was prescribed Levaquin for a sinus infection. It caused the tendons above and below both knees as well as the tendons in my right arm to swell and cause incredible pain. It has interfered with my quality of life. Two weeks prior to taking Levaquin I was dancing. Since taking it I have difficulty walking for exercise, standing for any length of time, and have extreme difficulty walking up and down steps.
I continue to seek treatment.
The warnings were not clearly made. The first doctor I saw before I was diagnosed found nothing at first glance of the literature on this drug. In fact, he counseled me to "keep taking that antibiotic" in case I had an infection that no one knew about. That advice only served to worsen my condition.

Severe achilles tendon pain and ruptured tendon after taking 750mg Levaquin tablets prescribed by doctor. Unable to walk without pain or sit/lay for long periods of time.

In December of 2007, I became ill with pneumonia. My doctor prescribed z-pack but that didn't help. So, he prescribed Levaquin 500 mg once a day for ten days. The only reaction he said I might notice is nightmares. Well, that was an understatement!

After I took the first pill, I reacted very negatively. I went to bed that night with severe heart palpitations and I had the most terrifying panic attacks of my life. I really believed that I might die that night. I could not fall asleep. I kept “hearing” someone screaming in my ear every time I was almost ready to go to sleep, and I was having double vision. I was tossing and turning and freaking out. I finally went downstairs and laid on the couch so my husband could get some sleep. I got terrible sleep for only about 2 hours that night. I also had a terrible “headache” which was more like a sharp pain in the back of my head that lasted the entire time I was on the Levaquin. In the morning, I called my doctor to tell him that I had a reaction. His response to me (through the nurse) was that I had anxiety. He said I should keep taking the Levaquin and also take the ativan he was going to prescribe for me. At the time, I figured he knew best and that this reaction would be temporary. I had to somehow get through this course of Levaquin.

Within two weeks of stopping the Levaquin, I began having a burning pain in my left arm on the inside of my elbow. I wondered if I had a blood clot. That lasted a few days before it started to spread throughout my whole arm. I was experiencing agonizing, throbbing pain. Within another couple of days, my other arm was affected. I couldn't bend or straighten my arms. In addition, I was still experiencing heart palpitations and insomnia. Soon the pain spread to my legs. My knees hurt so bad, I couldn’t bend them to go up or down the stairs. All I could do was to sit and cry. Within the next few days and weeks I had the following adrs: blurry vision, dry eyes, dry mouth, ear pain, neck pain, shoulder tendonitis, popping, cracking joints, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea (I lost 6 pounds in two weeks), headaches, muscle twitching, muscle cramping, muscle jerking (myoclonic jerks), joint pain, EXTREME muscle weakness and soreness. My legs could barely hold me up and I was walking very slowly and stiffly. I couldn’t stand for more than a few minutes. I had pulsating, tingly neuropathy in my legs and feet that was very uncomfortable. My ankles were aching, my fingers were stiff, I had burning pain in my knees, I was even having spasms in my eyes. I had terrible pain and achiness in my lower back, I became very sensitive to noises (if things were quiet and I heard a noise, the right side of my face would spasm).

Early on in my reaction, I went to my doctor to tell him what was happening to me. I went armed with a lot of information that I had found on the internet. He told me that I was not having a reaction to the Levaquin, and that he did not need to see the information I brought, he had all the information he needed in his PDR. He pretty much dismissed me and I have not gone back since. I now have another doctor who admits that she thinks I could have toxicity from the Levaquin.

I am now almost seven months out from the initial reaction, and things have gotten a little better, but I am still experiencing many of my original ADRS, just not as intensely as I was experiencing them. My worst problems are still pain in my left leg, stiffness in my knee and my feet, lower back pain, nervousness and internal tremors, blurry vision in my right eye, gastro-intestinal problems, intermittent tinnitus, and tachycardia.

I'm a 32 year old female, who was a victim of the Levaquin and Cipro, mainly Levaquin. Levaquin caused me toxic psychosis, brachial plexus nerve damage, achilies tendon issues.

What the media is being told isn't true, there are more cases of people being affected, and they're younger than 60. They also haven't mentioned the people that have lost their lives because of these drugs.

Severe "twitching of eyes" causing headache. I can barely type this because it feels like someone is shocking my head with electricity! I also have lower back and knee pain. I had no idea that the drug could cause this. I was on levaquin for 7 days from my GP. Then after a break of three days my e.n.throat doctor prescribed another 14 days of levaquin. I only made it three days when I thought I was going crazy. I started to look up side effects and was relieved to find out that I was not alone! I am going to call my GPractioner tomorrow because my twitching eyes and headaches are driving me crazy! I just hope this goes away as life would be very uncomfortable like this.

I am a very active 48 years old female. I exercise at least 5 days a week alternating cardio and weight bearing exercise. After a minor surgery I was prescribed Levaquin to minimize the possibility of a post-op infection. After taking Levaquin for one week I experience pain in my left knee. I visited my doctor and she ordered X-rays which indicated a tear in my LCL (left leg). I was then referred to rehabilitation therapy from 9/4/07 to 10/25/07 twice a week. It still bothers me from time to time and my exercise routine has been reduced because of such.

Started on Levaquin on 12/20/07 for 5 days at 750mg/day. It was prescibed for an ongoing sinus infection.

After 3 days I began noticing numbness in my extremities. It was only after the symptoms persisted and became worse that I began to wonder why. My husband and I began looking into things that were "different" and the Levaquin was the only thing. Then we began to discover the frightening realization that it can cause serious problems that may persist indefinitely. It is now 1/1/08 and I am only worse. The pain travels through my body and is currently causing great pain and immobility in my legs. I missed work on Monday due to the reaction.

I am also epileptic, which is a known risk factor with Levaquin. My doctor should have know about this risk, but I was prescribed the drug anyway.

I was given no information or warnings by either my doctor or the pharmacist.

I am scared and very angry that I was given this drug. I believe that negligence was involved.

Four days after I began the medicine, I noticed flashing lights in my right eye and subsequent dark floaters which now obstruct my vision. I went to the ER and the nurse informed me that visual disturbances are a side effect of the meds. I have an appointment this morning with a retina specialist to rule out retinal detachment. I suspect vitrious shrinkage which is a noted side effect of this medicine. Had I been informed that there was a risk of irreversible eye damage, I would have chosen an alternate course.

I had been diagnosed with MS 29 years ago, with limited information at that time. I was in remission for all of that time, being told by other doctors that I did not have MS after all. I was given Levaquin upon leaving the hospital after having a bout of Diverticulosis. Five days after taking the Levaquin, I started having MS type symptoms: numbness, tingling, and tightening of the face and neck, also of my arms, hands, and upper torso. I was given an MRI and spinal tap a few months later and have been told that I have MS. I believe the Levaquin brought on the MS, that had been in remission for over 28 years.

After being prescribed Levaquin, my heart started racing and skipping beats. I called a local Immediate Care center and they ordered me to stop taking the prescription immediately...that was 6 weeks ago and 4 more trips to various doctors, awaiting results from all the tests. I am still experiencing severe chest discomfort. I asked my doc if Levaquin is capable of causing this, and his response was yes. Just wondering if there is anything that can be done. Thank You

Major weakness in whole body (I can only describe this as a stinging sensation that worsens when I am fatigued, stressed or even cold).

Nerve pain (a pain that can appear in any part of my body and can last anywhere from a couple of minutes to days or months).

Sinus infections on a regular basis (I never had a sinus infection prior to my Levaquin experience).

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) for which I am still taking citricel daily to avoid painful attacks.

Choking easily on both liquids and solids ( feeling as though I've swallowed the wrong way even on my own saliva).

Constant dry throat even with drinking plenty of water daily.

The inside rim of my lips and the roof of my mouth will peel sheets of skin.

Short term memory loss:
What I call getting my wires crossed, I can be thinking one thing but as I write it, it comes out different (I notice this most when writing checks or typing on the computer)
I also used to be what my family called the walking phone book but can no longer retain important numbers or information.

Loud noises used to really bother me to the point of having to remove myself from a room or situation but I have forced myself to now have some control of this as I found I was missing out on a lot of events.

The above descriptions deeply concern me as most are continually worsening.

Immediately after taking Levaquin, my mother started having nervous system disorders, which ultimately led to a diagnosis of ALS and her rapid demise in just 8 months.

Although the rapid onset is unusual, the timing, following immediately after finishing her first ever course of levaquin, raises great suspicion as to the ultimate cause of the onset of the ALS.

Since no one knows for sure what causes or doesn't cause ALS, the circumstancial evidence strongly weighs in favor of this conclusion.

I'm not exactly sure if you can help me but here goes: I am a 37 yr old
female with no prior medical problems. I was diagnosed with a sinus
infection about 10 months ago and prescribed Levaquin. My upper arms
started hurting severly interfering with certain normal daily
activities. I spoke with the doctor about the Levaquin because I
suspected it to be the culprit but was advised to continue with the
course which I did. My upper arms stayed sore for the following 5
months with gradual improvement and finally the pain resolving
completely. During the time I was on the Levaquin I also developed
severe insonima, cns symptoms (pins & needles, fingers getting numb)
and over the course of these 10 months have lost an unexplained 15 lbs.
From 120 lbs down to 105 lbs. Back in June of this year I was prescribed
Avelox for another sinus infection. I took it for 4 days and noticed my
upper arms hurting again. I asked the physician about the Avelox and
was again instructed that this wasn't a side effect and to continue
taking it. I knew better and stopped the antibiotic. I have seen
numerous doctors over the past few months trying to determine the reason
behind all the sinister symptoms I've been experiencing including an
endocrinoligist & sleep disorders doctor but have had no luck. Is it possible all the symptoms I
have been (and am still) experiencing can be linked to the quinoline
antibiotic? If so, is there anything that can be done about it? Thank
you for your time.

I had numbness of the face, neck, scalp, lips an tongue. Also, decreased hearing due to ringing and fullness in the ears. I was so dizzy and nausiated that I could not stand or even sit for long periods of time, inability to swallow causing extreme weight loss.

I am a pharmacist. I took Levaquin for a severe sinus infection. On the third day of therapy I was unable to stand or walk, suffered memory lapses, severe joint and tendon pain which persists to this day. Was seen by orthopedist and undergone Xrays and bone scans. Quality of life has severely suffered as I am in constant pain and as pharmacist am required to stand all day.

Two years later, I continue to suffer from chronic pain, neuropathy (hands/arms and feet), jaw pain, knee pain, dizziness, hallucinations, anxiety attacks, paranoia, insomia, chronic headaches, neck pain, migraines, vertigo, and depression. I did not experience any of these symptoms until I took the Levaquin. I was on a one month treatment for pneumonia. I reported the anxiety, depression, and hallucinations to my doctor just days after starting the Levaquin. He said that he was shocked because the drug effects so few people that way, but suggested that I continue the meds to cure the pneumonia. My symptoms seem to just get progressively worse with time, and I'm only 34. I am on summer vacation from my teaching position, but I plan to file a disability claim and not work this summer. It is only by the grace of God that I made it through the last school year.