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Johnson & Johnson Faces $800M Levaquin Lawsuit

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Raritan, NJJohnson & Johnson (J&J) reportedly faces an $800 million Levaquin lawsuit, alleging the company hid vital information about side effects linked to the drug. Plaintiffs in the Levaquin antibiotic lawsuit allege Johnson & Johnson, and its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals, deliberately mislabeled Levaquin. In addition to J&J being named in the lawsuit, former FDA commissioner Margaret Hamberg is also listed and faces allegations of violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

The lawsuit was filed by five plaintiffs, and seeks punitive damages of $750 million, plus $120 million for general damages. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges the defendants fraudulently conveyed false information concerning Levaquin’s safety, making it seem the drug was safer than it actually was for the purposes of financial gain. According to court documents, plaintiffs say they would not have taken Levaquin had they known about the risks and they would have been able to seek appropriate medical treatment once they suffered side effects if they had been made aware of the possible side effects.

“Defendants, each and every one of them, acting in concert jointly and severally, through the use of the interstate mail and wires, entered into and furthered a conspiracy to illegally and criminally influence the Commissioner of the Food & Drug Administration and the Food & Drug Administration to mislabel and misbrand a drug in order to make and sell an inherently dangerous drug by defrauding consumers…” the lawsuit alleges.

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Among the side effects the lawsuit links to Levaquin are mitochondrial toxicity, certain neuropsychiatric adverse events, Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae, Fluoroquinolone-Associated Disability, and other chronic illnesses. The lawsuit contends that an FDA review of pediatric prescriptions for Levaquin were 100 percent off-label. Further, the lawsuit argues that in 2015 an FDA employee stated at an Advisory Committee Meeting that the agency has been aware of a potential link between Levaquin and “multi-system disability” but has not updated the label. That multi-system disability, according to court documents, is called “Fluoroquinolone-Associated Disability” (FQAD) and is linked to fluoroquinolone drugs, a class of drug that includes Levaquin and Cipro.

Plaintiffs allege that between 2009 and 2015, approximately 500 deaths occurred that were associated with the consumption of Levaquin, while there were approximately 8,000 reports of adverse events as reported to the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System.

The lawsuit is Aston, et al v. Johnson & Johnson et al, case number 1:16-cv-00086, in US District Court for the District of Columbia.

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READER COMMENTS

Posted by

on
I had a fistula from diverticulitis back in 2014. I had a resection done to repair it, but I ended up having to have a second surgery when the resection failed due to infection and received a colostomy. I believe I was on levaquin after that surgery, then 7 months later had the colostomy taken down. I do not know if I had the levaquin for all 3 surgeries, or just one. A few months later, I went to raise the handle on our well pump and it felt like a tendon or muscle tore big time in my shoulder. My upper body used to be fairly strong and I had no issues. But since that initial tearing in my shoulder, it has progressed and torn a few more times, also in my other shoulder now, until my arms are so weak. Now I am having a tendon in my hand, involving my thumb that feels like it's tearing. It did not occur to me until recently why this is happening to me. My hands go numb constantly and some of the fingers on my hand stay numb. I've never gone to a Dr about it. I have a general distrust of Drs since this, and more has happened. I believe the levaquin has ruined my life. I am in daily pain and have been for 7 or 8 years now. It is only getting worse.
Posted by

on
I too was floxed in 2016 by hospital after I told them NO more antibiotics please, they gave intravenously anyway! Said they wanted to 'rule out' pneumonia as cause of my oxygen dropping to 79 to 85%. Had NO cough, NO fever, NO chest pain on breathing, and NO elevation of WBC. Still they zapped me, I never got any interaction info or drug FAQ sheet, but in my IV it went. By the 2nd or 3rd IV dose, I had lost feeling in my feet and hands and had rash all over my belly and itching all over especially the lower legs. They 'kindly' stopped the drug, however the damage was done. I was biking 13 miles a day, climbing stairs at will before this hospital visit. My lung issue was NEVER pneumonia, a Mayo Clinic lung resection determined I have a very rare and grave auto-immune disease, interstitial lung Disease with fibrosis. Doc said he could get my lungs working again with immune suppressants however, now It doesn't matter that my O2 sat is 98%, my nerves are fried, I have peripheral neuropathy head to toe, I have the tendon tightening and have torn miniscus of my left knee, I hobble like a 100 yo grandma in the morning have to get going so slowly because I cannot put my feet flat on the floor or all tendons would snap. I have to take OTC pain meds because the prescription ones are just poison that brings on additional side effects. I recently began having strange nerve pain around my thoracic region and know it is time to check for aneurysm, I have found myself like many others on this thread, thinking only death can end this suffering, and I was just 48 when they fried me, I have 2 younger children and 2 grown. They have hard time understanding the pain and fatigue and the multiple forms of depression and aggression that go along with chronic pain. I have not been able to work a full time job because lack of sleep and mobility and pain makes me unable to commit to a rigid schedule. I also had inability to stand without hip and back pain for over 6 months, and still suffer short term memory loss, (that is very scary, as it is getting more frequent) All I know is BEFORE levoquin, I was just short of breath, and hyperthyroid, my heart checked out like that of 27 yo before my lung surgery, and AFTER levoquin, I really wouldn't wish this life of constant pain and inmobility on WORST enemy! Sucks that statutes of limitations are only 12 months in AZ, I didn't make the complete Levoquin connection until 15 months after I was given it in the Hospital! Now I have a son who is 14 and checking the charts for his possibly Levoquin reactions being the cause of short tendons, he was I believe given it for Rotovirus in IV in hospital at just 9 months old. He has foot and knee pain severe with use and always says it is hard to stand on his feet, he is crushed, if this drug ruin his chances to do what he loves most, play Sports! Honestly, it is hard to fight the tears as I read what all you are suffering so much the same and I can relate, but it just doesn't get easier.

I would say please don't give up, and please keep faith, get on Move Free Ultra generic and Tumeric capsules, those two things seem to give me a bit more flexibility, but when I stop moving I stiffen up like a dead body.
Posted by

on
Sept. 2017 Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship doctor/hospital treated me for a very simple UTI , first with 1 IV of Cipro, which made me vomit. Thinking I may have an allergy, he switched to Levaquin tablets, 500mg for 10 days. I took all of them, and on the first night back, on day 11, I became severely ill, hallucinating, insomnia, nightmares, twitches. Horrifying and traumaic because you don't know why. I could not leave the bed, and then both of my legs, ankles, every inch of both feet and calves began to hurt. This is how I found out about Levaquin poisoning or Cipro poisoning. When I saw the words: Tendon Rupture. All the doctor could have done was ask me if I had ever had one. But he told me nothing. I did not even know the name of the drugs he gave me until I read the bill. Never mentioned the risks, and I was 62! I could not walk at all and was bed ridden for 12 weeks, and at this time, seven months in, have relapses where I must limp, suffer from severe chronic fatigue, and many other symptoms that mostly keep me in bed. I have had to stop all socializing and going out, nor can I work. I am, by trade, a designer and artist. My eyes have become blurry, I have half the memory I had before being floxed and am too fatigued to be productive.

I had already torn a tendon after taking Cipro in 2010..7 months after taking it. I had no idea it was because of the Cipro. IF ONLY THE DOCTOR HAD ASKED. The Warning! My age! The dose! My doctor wrote a letter to Norwegian stating that the amount I was given was considered unethical,which I sent with information about the side effects to my credit card company who successfully fought the 1500.00 bill. I do not know if I am to sue Norwegian, or the doctor himself. I do not know what my life will be in the future.
Posted by

on
I suffer from debilitating asthma and extreme allergies to all molds. My asthma was out of control 2002-2007 when I lived on the Gulf Coast. I was in the ER a dozen times for severe asthmatic issues, bronchitis and pneumonia, and hospitalized for the same 4-5 times. I was given Levaquin 500mg by pill for 14 days at a time - at least 9 occasions over these years, and was given IV Levaquin for hospitalizations of pneumonia. Always began with sinus infections. In 2007, I started noticing my right achilles' tendon was hurting, and didn't think too much of it, as I was over 40 and had been ill so much I was not very active. But the tendon ruptured and to 2009, withered to where I couldn't stand on my toes or even the ball of my foot. Over the next 8 years, my right foot had withered, along with my right calf and even upper leg. It would be comic if not causing me pain. My current doc says my right leg is more than an inch shorter than my left, and my right foot is only 60% the size of my normal left. My left foot is a size 11EEEE and my right is a size 10 C. I know size 'C' is an average male size width, but it used to be 11EEEE. I have been walking with a limp since 2005, and it has gotten so bad now, everyone asks 'what happened'? I have gone to physical therapy and have been using a cane to help me push off so that my hips don't contort as much when I walk. I have been diagnosed with hip-spine syndrome, which is where the hips twist or contort at the juncture with the spine, causing severe pain down my right leg and in my lower back and buttocks. I cannot sleep in bed or stay in any sitting or prone position for more than 20-40 min without burning - I have to get up and move. I have not been as effective in my job as a teacher, because I leave at the end of the day in sheer agony, physically.

Interesting that I have had multiple bronchitis and pneumonia with MRSA and Enterobacter colonizations dozens of times. I would appreciate any information regarding the link between overuse of Fluoroquinolones and raging Enterobacter and Pseudomonas bacterial infections, and Achilles' rupture with withering of the calf and upper leg. God Bless everyone suffering.
Posted by

on
Has everyone filled out the medwatch report the FDA uses yo track adverse reaction? I don't know if anyone reads them or not.if they did it would be completely pulled. Just make appointment with your state rep or congressperson. Tell them to propose congressional investigation of FDA ties to drug company and to END 2 year statute of limitations for severe cases of fq poisoning that your doctor's confirm is a permanent condition. Money won't get health bback but will bring some needed help to those crippled and help prevent suicides from those living in terrible chronic pain and often in isolation. Pain keeps you housebound. Send story to local news and try start group of those hurt or are caretakers to meet once a month share survival tactics. Every day feels like a war against pain. Use your creativity as often as. You can.
Posted by

on
I took levofloxacin 500 mg for sinus infection an my ankles got sore step on a crub an my Achilles snap in half .
Posted by

on
I have taken leviquin and cipro both name an generic for various infections over the last 6 years. Never really putting the 2 together. I did mention the side effects a few times to my doctors but was told it was not associated and so I co ntinued to take the mess. I have peripheral neuropathy and horrid back leg feet arm pain. Serious anxiety from the daily pain and sleep issues. I know get back injections and take pain meds. I work but I hurt all the time with what feels like inflammation.I think I getting rally depressed. Now my blood pressure is constantly high and because of my mobility I have put on lot of weight.
Posted by

on
I took a Levaquin about 10 years ago, after take the drug, a few months later, I suffered for a rupture in the aquiles tendon. That affect my military career in the Army National Guard.
Posted by

on
I took cipro about 8 years ago for a UTI and have been in pain since. At first I had know idea what was causing all the problems that I was having. Pain started under my lower ribs and it scared the crap out of me all I could think was cancer!!! But the pain started popping up everywhere legs, knees on both sides arms in elbows both sides, hips both sides dumbness on both sides with burning, upper shoulder and neck, finger dumbness, muscle wasting away, now depression because of the pain and not being able to do things after work I am exhausted fatigue, sleep problems, bowel issues, decreased sexual function. It is very scary not knowing what the hell is going on I have been to my regular GP done all the blood work nothing everything okay except body is fighting some kind of inflammation. I've been tested several times for lymes with different tests nothing !!! I need help with a dr I should see that believes it may be cipro poisoning. My GP says he does not think so but I believe it's because he does not know enough about the effects of cipro or that it is big business. Anyone's help would be much appreciated. Thank you Mike one more thing memory recall problems.
Posted by

on
I was prescribed Levaquin CPAC two or three times for pneumonia several years ago after which It was discovered I had an aorta aneurysm. (I was having a scan trying to diagnose intestinal constant diarrhea) . No solution was found for the diarrhea. I was found to be in good health except for the aneurysm! Later I was diagnosed With granuloma annular. A rash all over my body. No solution found to correct this. After reading this article I am wondering if all was caused by taking Levaquin for the pneumonia. It has been about 8-10 years since all of this happened. Is it too late for me to file a lawsuit. Would I have to go back to the doctor for all the records since I have none of them.no one knows why I have the aneurysm or the rush. I am 79 years old and otherwise in excellent health and I'm very active.
Posted by

on
I have taken Levaquin many times. Cipro peeled my tongue, I had to be put on Nystantin! Caused thrush, very severe cause! I had to have a hip replacement 2 yrs ago, at 52. Same think with my daughter she has taken both of these meds. Made her nauseated, caused thrush. Severe stomach cramps. Went thru chemo for Hodgkin's Lymphoma at 22years old. My mother died 1/1/11 from the 3rd Aortic Aneurysm!!! She was given leviqun, and Cipro many many times for bronchitis, UTI's. Both killed her stomach, severe joint pain, degenerative joints, dics, I would have never filled the first prescription of either meds if I have have known this may have caused any of the above illnesses. Company should have pulled of the Market! Our loss for sure!!!
Posted by

on
I was damaged in November of 2013 by the use of Levaquin for 7 days. Today I must use a walker all the time because of tendon damage and loss of balance. since 2014 I have also been having issues with nerve damage. Levaquin should never be used unless a doctor goes over the possible effects.
what are the lawyer firms involved in this case and can they take on additional clients?
Posted by

on
I was damaged in November of 2013 by the use of Levaquin for 7 days. Today I must use a walker all the time because of tendon damage and loss of balance. since 2014 I have also been having issues with nerve damage. Levaquin should never be used unless a doctor goes over the possible effects.
Posted by

on
I took Levofloxacin in late August 2014 for possible long-term pneumonia. I stopped taking the pills after two days because my leg muscles were not strong enough to lift me up the stairs. A month later, I had a slight right shoulder tear which was enlarged during a chest CT Scan procedure. My knees felt as though there was cement embedded in the joints, preventing a complete knee fold. Hot/cold sweats during sleep caused 15 lbs weight loss over a 6 month period. A tingling hand/arm persisted for several months. My left hip began to hurt as did my left shoulder. I can barely walk when getting up in the morning and use a cane until my left hip and knees adjust to standing up. Two months of exercises this year at Physical Therapy made my hip and knees worse. Heat helps such as hot baths or PT electric nodes on the hip area. For the last year, I have been able to walk because of cortisone type shots to the knees, a cane, and, this year, low dose prednisone for inflammation. I am a candidate for left hip and both knees replacement.

Before the above, I walked everywhere because I don't drive, took yoga twice a week, and danced whenever possible. Now, I can shop, hanging on to a grocery cart, but cannot walk my dog or carry a large load of firewood.
Posted by

on
As a result of taking Levaquin and Cipro for UTIs, I am now on disability. Because of a delayed reaction to these drugs, I didn't know why I became so ill that I am fighting for my life. I completely lost my ability to sleep. Because of damage to my tendons and joints, I can barely walk. My legs swelled so much that I couldn't walk without being in excruciating pain. I had to keep my legs elevated day and night for two years. I also have a tear in my rotator cuff and damage to my right ankle by trying to play piano and using the sustain pedal. The brain fog is so thick that I get easily disoriented. But that's not the worst of it. My central nervous system is destroyed. Things that I used to be able to just 'blow off'... now emotionally crush me and cause horrible mental distress. This resulted in my having to protect myself from siblings and other family members who just couldn't understand. The pain is similar to Fibromyalga and labor pains. On the pain scale I am usually 5 to10 all the time. Muscles have atrophied to the point that I have no core musclés and can't even sit up straight. This class of drugs also destroyed my immune system. Afterall, it is a chemo drug! I am now allergic to most foods, household chemicals, and the sun. Can I sue?No. My insurance company always demanded generic brands so I'm not eligible. I consider myself fortunate that unlike others here, my spouse has stood by me. He's paid a horrible price too for my being 'floxed'. His health has been destroyed. I hope this group wins this lawsuit and that others will learn from our experiences to never take this class of drugs. Do know thqt all of us here have not shared all that has gone wrong. The list is beyond comprehension. The cost can be measured in ruined lives and ridiculous out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Posted by

on
This medication ruined my life also but it has been many years since I took it I believe it was in 2003 or 2004 so probably too late to do anything. I was given 10 pills I noticed something was wrong right away but not putting it together with the pill I had taken 3 pills before I ended up in the ER first I had a rash all over my body from my head to my toes was very sick but it took me years to figure out what all was wrong with me I became allergic to everything I used on my body from bath wash to mascara I mean everything I suffered for years I even went to a specialist he could not figure it out either but when I stopped using everything and I mean everything I had used for many years on my body the rash that itched so severe went away and nothing would stop the itch. I don't know if this has anything to do with ending up with back surgery I live in severe chronic pain 24/7 365 days a year and can't find any help I have had 3 back surgery's but the neuropathy is very severe. I hope somebody get's paid for what this awful medication has done to so many people and probably many people don't even know this drug has caused them problems Thanks
Posted by

on
I was given Levaquin in the ER for a kidney stone, I assume they thought I had an infection. Five IV bags later I have a torn rotator cuff a torn meniscus, peripheral neuropathy , spinal stenosis , ringing in the ears, brain fog and high anxiety. I was never given any information on the adverse reactions that could come from being given this medication. These are life changing reactions to a medication that does not have the proper warnings for doctors. Thousands have died from these drugs, thousands are suffering , thousands need help, thousands deserve to have their lives back. I want my life back..... don't ever take these drugs, there's too may other antibiotics doctors can prescribe.
Posted by

on
FLUOROQUINOLONE TOXICITY GROUP is the biggest and busiest of many different groups that work together to meet the needs of the FQ community. We only allow folks who have been harmed by these drugs and people who are taking care of a victim. If you have ANY mysterious health issues then you should join us for information and support. Best wishes to you!
facebook.com/groups/floxies/
Posted by

on
I'm bedridden thanks to just TWELVE Cipro pills taken over the course of six days back in 2009. I went from healthy and active to being crippled in ways I never even knew possible. Everything that constituted a life is now long gone. I cannot wait to die. Anyone who thinks death is the worst possible side effect a drug can have hasn't been severely floxed by a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Doctors have been of absolutely NO help, and in most cases have kicked me while I'm down & even laughed in my face when I've told them Cipro did this to me.

Glad to see J&J is finally getting nailed for what they've done--now it's Bayer's turn. Honestly, all the money in the world won't give me my life back at this point--I'd rather see Bayer execs executed for what they've done to me and countless others.
Posted by

on
I am an Cipro XL survivor. I was prescribed 10 pills, but thank God only took 9 pills over 9 days (1 pill a day at 1,000mg per day) all for a suspected UTI infection that I did not 5even have. Some people get their first adverse reactions 7-8 months after stopping the FQs, so there are many more FQ victims who have no idea as they never link there multiple damages, diseases or ailments to these FQ pills...especially after 7 months! But there are victims who took one or two and died. Myself, I had my first adverse reaction 2 hours after the first pill and then it snowballed hour by hour, day by day, week by week year by year. At first I did not associated the bizarre adverse reactions to 1 never mind 9 pills ... who would imagine a pill that was suppose to help you and not harm you, would make your eye's crossed eyed, plus complete numbness in your entire arms from shoulder to fingers with tingling, electric zapping, pins and needles or psychotic horrifying nightmares, which I couldn't even tell if I was sleeping or awake...it seemed so real! Or my hair falling out, and months later being diagnosed with arthritis/osteoporosis, then fibromaglyia when all the time I am trying to get ultrasounds done as something with my muscles and joint. the last 3 years I developed physical heart damage too with palpitations, arrhythmia, extreme high blood pressure, diabetic, kidney and liver damage, I became partially parlayed on the left side of my body and could not stand or walk for more then 5 minutes at a time 5 months after taking Cipro. I lost my sleep from the first Cipro pill and went from sleeping 8 hours a day to a total of 20 minutes each night. After 7 months it took me over 2 1/2 hours to get out of bed and just to sit up and stand (i had to put a piece of heavy furniture by my bed so that I can after 2 1/2 hours of crying out in excruciating pain just to stand so that I can take my first steps to get to the washroom that was only 4 meters from me. My eye-sight was affected too, my skin, my mind. I had severe brain fog, and felt like I was looking through a tunnel and at times like I was outside of my body ... the pain that I experienced everyday 24/7 non-stop was enough to make me pray every day to already take me (I could not bring myself to commit suicide so I prayed hard to God everyday to take me already regardless how much I loved life!). I have much more damages still and diagnoses not mentioned. Please before you take medications, do your research especially on FQs!
Posted by

on
My life was ruined by this drug. I can no longer work because of what this did to me. I took it multiple times and each time I got worse and worse. It started out with a delayed reaction, tendons in my feet and ankles were all messed up so I had to wear wraps to work. I also started getting pretty severe and very frequent headaches and migraines, along with back pain and weakening muscles. The pain got so bad I had to start taking pain killers after a while which I was on for so long that I was getting addicted and they didn't even really help after the pain got so bad, so I got off of them. Now I live and suffer with the pain, and nothing even takes the edge off anymore. After the other doses I started noticing increased anxiety and decreased energy lvls. My headaches got more frequent and more painful, and I started getting pain in my eyes, leading me to believe I had MS after yrs of not being able to find any other explanation (this was before I found out that fluoroquinolones could cause this). I also started getting nerve pains, pinched nerves from my crumbling bones and crippling arthritis that was progressing a lot faster than any other person's arthritis I've ever seen. My bones in my back and hips are a mess (they look like swiss cheese) and are starting to fuse together. I have liver, kidney and heart problems, the list goes ON AND ON! I can never be comfortable again, and now I can't even do what I love to do, which is spend quality time with my kids and cook for my family and host parties. I had a passion for cooking and helping ppl, and I can't do either of those things much anymore. I was going to college and had to drop out because of anxiety, and increased cognitive decline keeping me from doing the timed tests I had to take. As I said, my life is ruined now, and it all started with fluoroquinolones. I can never get justice either because I took a generic brand and I can't sue because of that..... Thanks America, you have failed me once again! F*** the FDA!!! It's corrupt and indecent in it's practices, making it too easy for crap products to be pushed through! They, along with the pharmaceutical companies, have been poisoning us for decades! (Pharmakon- A Greek word, the origin for the word pharmaceuticals, meaning poisonous cure.)
Posted by

on
Thank you for sharing/exposing our "stories" and the horrific over-use/abuse of this classification of drugs! My reaction was 4 years ago and life has never been the same. ON-GOING ISSUES: neuropathy; tendinopathy; myalgias (deep muscle pain), musculoskeletal pain/muscle weakness/muscle wasting; inability to perform with endurance and duration for my age; FREQUENT ISSUES THAT COME-AND-GO: anxiety; insomnia; confusion; skin rashes/dry patches; electrical zaps/shocks/deep stabbing sensations; head pressure/squeezing feeling; ringing in ears (tinnitus); heart palpitations/racing/skipping a beat/tightness/shortness of breath. I wasn't even sick when my Rx was prescribed. Being seen for an annual renewal of seasonal allergy Rx, and my doc decided she wanted to "clean up my system" and then re-do allergy testing. 4 pills that changed my life forever! Here is the link to my (Jeannie’s) story that aired Feb. 27, 2015 on KSTP (Minneapolis/St Paul, MN): http://kstp.com/news/stories/S3718761.shtml?cat=1
Posted by

on
I developed rotator cuff tendon issues, knee problems, foot tendon or ligament problem, all in the days & wks after I took a prescription of the generic Levofloxacin. It has completely changed my previous active and healthy life.
Posted by

on
I too was floxed by Levaquin. There was no informed consent. These drugs are pure poison and should be removed from the market.
Posted by

on
Thank you so much for your hard work to support those who have been so horribly damaged by these dangerous drugs. They are not even a normal antibiotic, but rather a chemotherapeutic drug! My brother's life was totally destroyed by taking Levaquin. The symptoms don't necessarily happen right away. So many people have been damaged by these drugs, and don't even know what happened to their great health. They suddenly develop fibromyalgia, IBS, chronic fatigue, diverticulitus, tendon problems, back pain, neuropathy, etc, yet they don't know why. The physicians have been so indoctrinated that these are "safe" drugs with "very rare" side effects, that they dont believe you when you suggest that you might be experiencing an adverse reaction to the drug! So, not only do victims face a life of painful disability, inability to work and provide for themselves and their families, but they also face all of this with no support from the medical community! Thank you and continue to fight not just for financial settlements, but for criminal justice. These companies KNOW the truth of how harmful these drugs are. They are thrilled that most of the time the side effects take so long to appear that people don't connect the dots. AND they purposefully planned their marketing to promote them as the opposite of what they really are!
Posted by

on
FQ's ruined my health and life......Have had them prescribed several times before learning of their adverse affects. Totally disabled from all the destruction of system by system for 15 yrs, now. Female living/dying in TEXAS.
Posted by

on
I too am suffering horribly as a result of Cipro poisoning. Drs are if NO help. About to undergo surgery to repair damage to tendon in thumb. Have had tendonitis in both elbows for 2 years.... And there list goes on.
Posted by

on
I too have many problems i believe are related to these meds for use over many years...many bouts with tendonitis,severe muscle cramps and pains, neuropathy which is worsening,an aortic aneurysm for 10 years, prolonged Q-T wave, confusion, brain fog, etc
Posted by

on
I took the generic forms of Levaquin, cipro multiple times. I have had 6 tendon surgeries, I suffer with horrific pain in my legs 24/7. I have brain fog, anxiety, panic attacks. I went from a busy wife, mother, and nurse to almost bedridden. I can't work, shop, clean, etc. My life and plans have been destroyed. I am alive, but definitely not living...I pray this lawsuit will be successful and these drugs be used only in life or death situations. I had a mild case of bronchitis, and for that my life is over...
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I took Cipro (another fluoroquinolone) in Jan of 2012. I had an acute reaction that caused tendonitis in my forearms and pain in my right shoulder so I stopped the medication. Then OVER A YEAR later I experienced anxiety, cracking and popping all throughout my joints, dry eyes, dry skin, floaters in my vision, visual disturbances, ringing in my ears and many other adverse drug reactions. The joint issues, visual problems and cognition dysfunction has been PROGRESSIVE over the years. My life is nowhere near the same. I went from an intelligent, active, athletic, happy, funny artistic 38 year who played hockey 3-4 times a week, hiked, biked, snowboarded, played soccer with my daughter etc to an old weak, tired, depressed, anxious 42 year old who is in pain each and every day and CANNOT EXERCISE ANYMORE. I feel like I have aged 40 years in these 4 years since taking ciprofloxacin (generic Cipro), which there is no recourse as no lawsuits are allowed against generic drug companies in this country. I have torn cartilage and tendons that snap and pop and seem to be deteriorating. My brain functions slowly now. I feel like my IQ is dropping steadily. I am a pharmacist. I had NO IDEA of the REAL horrifying effects of this class until I was floxed. This unfortunately has changed my perspective on the pharmaceutical industry. I cannot believe J and J and Bayer have hid this information from the health care community and the public. RISK VERSUS BENEFIT FOR THIS CLASS HAS NOT BEEN ALLOWED TO BE ACCURATELY WEIGHED BY PATIENTS OR PHYSICIANS. What's worse is when most floxed patients ask their Dr. about if these drugs could be causing their steady health decline that started after Cipro, Levaquin or Avelox, most physicians tell them no. (Especially with delayed reactions which absolutely do happen with this class) I'm not surprised that most physicians don't attribute severe debilitating illness to FQ's. Where is the black box warning that tells the health care community that these meds can cause PROGRESSIVE cognition dysfunction, body wide connective tissue destruction, and many other irreversible symptoms that has no cure and can mimic many other disease states. How many lives have been ruined by these drugs?? How many people have been suffering from "chronic mysterious illness" when in reality they have been suffering adverse effects from a drug they took months to years prior? The public MUST be warned about what can REALLY happen to you when you take these antibiotics. Some people experience no noticeable adverse effects. For others, their lives can be absolutely ruined. It is hard to believe but it is true. The truth about these fluoroquinolone is finally starting surface despite the fact that the FDA and the drug companies have not been forthcoming to the health care community or the public which is why these drugs have been on the market so long and just now FINALLY falling under scrutiny. These reactions are nothing new. There have been victims of these drugs for years and years. The drug companies and the FDA have known about these bizarre and many times delayed reactions for years and have not disclosed this information. Thank God for the internet which has helped so many that have been suffering from floxing to come together and compare bizarre but VERY similar stories of severe health issues after taking these drugs. Sadly the patients that are able to connect the dots from failing health back to the antibiotic they took are usually younger patients, while SO many of these FQ's are given out to the elderly for pneumonia, urinary tracts infections, COPD exacerbations and even sinus infections who would never be able to connect joint pain, cognitive decline and visual disturbances with an antibiotic. It has taken the efforts of MANY fluoroquinolone victims to band together to expose what has been hidden for years and years. Taking Cipro was the worst decision I have ever made. I regret it daily. My life most likely will never be the same. I cut myself a little slack because I had NO IDEA the severity of the adverse effects this class could cause or I would NEVER have taken the risk. My story will keep happening to others until something is done. This lawsuit is a step in the right direction. May justice be served.
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This drug is killed way more than hundreds try thousands , i would liken it to a serial murderer or a terrorist attack on this nation. As the drug came out the same week as the 911 towers fell . i find it very highly probable it was used against our country to take it down in so very many ways. I am disabled since 2009. Felt my whole body shutting down through my mitchondria and next CNS . Kind of like an insect twitching all over after its sprayed by toxic bug kiiller. There is no mercy at all from this killer drug. As it hides behind the false name of antibiotic , more like neutron bomb
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This class of drugs has destroyed my health and my life. I have been bedbound for 8 years and very very ill from these medications. This is criminal.
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Back in the 80's Cipro caused extreme joint pain to the point I had to stop on the 4th day. The pain did not go away, a few months later the tendon on inside of knee ruptured. No doctor believed me that it was caused by the antibiotic. Surgery was eventually required and the tendon on the outside of knee was cut to keep it from pulling the knee cap out of place. 30 years later I still struggle with that knee. In 2008 I was given Levequin 750 MG for 3 days. By day four I had terrible headaches, I disturbed balance, and memory. I was at working talking to people when I lost track of where I was, who I was talking to, or what we were talking about. I went down hill from there.
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My Mother was given this drug numerous times for bladder infections. She had a prolapse which prevented her from emptying her bladder completely. This went on for years and she finally had the hysterectomy and bladder sling. The problem is her health went downhill so quickly the last 5 years. A lot of muscle weakness in her legs, back problems etc. I think she would have lived much longer without having taken this drug.
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Ihave taken Levequin many times.The last few times I took it in the hospital and then a followup dose when I got out.For months I had sciatica but along with that I had amisterious pain and muscle from my groin to my knee.I suffered and still am with a major impairment and excruciating pain .am now taking pain medications .The hospital pretty much ignored my symptoms.Saying you will be allright.Icant sleep in my bed all night due to the pain and I am pretty much handicapped.Iam not at all atheletic so the pain I am suffering from
th is not from an injury.
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Sadly, this lawsuit cannot makeup for the loss of lives that fluoroquinolone antibiotics victims have suffered, however, it does alert the public to the very real and potentially horrific and permanent side effects of this class of antibiotics that are actually chemotherapeutic drugs that cause cellular damage. Thanks for covering this story on Terry Aston et al lawsuit.
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I was given Generic Levaquin and now suffer several side effects including torn tendons. It is not right that the FDA made Laws and loop holes that do not allow us to file suit simply because our Insurance Company requires us to get Generic prescriptions. The active ingredient is the same regardless if it is generic. These people have put profit before safety and there are thousands of people who are suffering and not able to work or have a descent quality of life.
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I was prescribed Levaquin for a staff infection in a scratch I received during the time I was a teacher. I took it before going to bed. I awoke sometime during the early hours of the morning and had no awareness of who or what I was. All I remember was feeling fear. I huddled against the headboard of my bed and stared at my husband and everything in the room. I didn't know him or what I was seeing in the room. I was looking at everything and nothing was familiar. I could hear myself breathing in my ears heart racing. I was not even able to speak I had no vocabulary! I don't know how much time passed before things began to look familiar but I had my "dose" of pure insanity. I immediately called my doctor after that first dose and he told me to never ever take Levaquin again. You can bet on that!
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I took Levaquin in 2010 and suffered many adverse symptoms.
Central nervous system, autonomic system plus others.
I had burning skin, nausea, I lost 50 pounds in 2 months. Blurry vision. Hair fell out. Nails stopped growing. Extremely dry flaking skin. Dizzyness. A burning sensation in my brain. Tinnitus. Aching and sore muscles. The list is long. I was unable to work. I recovered, only to relapse in 2014 and I am still struggling with symptoms to this day. Pressure in my head. Tingling all over, burning feet. Tinnitus.
This drug is extremely dangerous and doctors will not believe it can cause so much destruction.
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As one who has suffered the effects of levaquin, I can say that this drug should be pulled off the market. I believe there are probably more people suffering from this that have not linked it to their medication, but have no idea it's the medicaiton causing their health issues. There many of us are working daily to try to regain our health back. It's not an easy or a fun road.
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I had severe prostatis in Febuary 2015. I was given Levaquin for 10 days. In late March my heel on my left foot started hurting. In late Febuary of 2016 I had an MRI and was diagnosed with severe plantar fasciitis and a tear in something in my foot, I didn't catch what the doctor said was torn. I am now in a boot and crutches for 6 weeks. What has me very concerned is that the pain and stiffness is moving into my knee now.
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I am so glad to hear that the suffering of those affected by this family of drugs are finally being heard. It is imperative that the use of these drugs is limited to only the most extreme infections and even then patients need to be made aware of the horrific side effects that may result from its use. Please get onto the other drug companies as well so that the people like my husband who reacted and are suffering from a reaction to CIPRO can also be heard.
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Thank you for doing the work to hold corporations to account and raising awareness about Fluoroquinolone damage. Cipro like Levaquin is damaging and taking peoples lives. My 85 yr old father was given 4 weeks of Ciprofloxin for a UTI and in those 4 weeks he went from being independent and walking to completely dependent and in a wheel chair. He couldn't even lift his arms to feed himself. None of the doctors mentioned that this could be a drug reaction from Cipro. In one weeks time my father became so weak, dehydrated and lifeless it was shocking. He died 4 weeks later. Sadly I became very ill two weeks later. I too was prescribed Cipro. I took this drug for 1 week and immediately my arms and legs stiffened up so severely that I could not walk, sit down, stand up, lift my arms to brush my teeth. It was then when my symptoms mirrored my father's symptoms that I went back and reviewed my father's medical records and discovered that my father had been given Cipro and the reality of what happened became clear. I have been unable to work for 9 months and much of this time predominately bed ridden from lack of mobility, pain, severe neuropathy, fatigue, and feeling of being poisoned. I have graduated from a wheel chair to a scooter for mobility, with ortho boot for walking because the pain is so severe in my heel and Achilles tendons. I have to pick what I want to accomplish in a day because I only have the strength to be up for 1-2 hours Prior to Cipro I was a long distance runner, cyclist, and a ski instructor. Now I cannot even walk. Doctors MUST be trained on the devastating effects of these drugs. I since discovered that my mom took Cipro and had her hip tendon rupture. Again- no doctors went over her medication list to find that she was given Cipro for a UTI just 3 weeks before she became disabled. Side effect are rare???? I disagree. People just have no way to connect the drug to the damage weeks or months later... and who would suspect a tendon rupture, retina detachment, severe neuropathy from taking a sinus or bladder infection prescription? Thank you again for your diligence and legal action.
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Something they should of mentioned I this lawsuit is that the former head of the FDA who was nominated by President Obama Mrs Margaret Hamberg Change regulation so that people who had worked for or had bean pain by companies like J&J to be able to now work at and for the FDA ad included to be able to run the FDA, So now we have a person in charge of the FDA that has bean paid by many of the pharmaceutical companies, Now I hope that plaintiffs win this lawsuit , If they do than the people who were injured by the generic brand will have a better case to file suit against the FDA, The biggest thing that needs to be done is that we get the information out about what has bean going on with the FDA and the corruption with in now
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Thanks so much for covering the Aston et al lawsuit for Fluoroquinolone Associated Disability! It is so awesome that they are using the RICO act to go after the unbelievably corrupt former head of the FDA, Margeret Hamberg, and her husband, and J$J. These people belong in prison for crimes against humanity. This pharmaceutical crime is an order of magnitude higher than most, with the drugs causing horrific systemwide damage to the victims, from head to toe, mind and body, devastated, leaving us in a half death state we call being "floxed". The generic names of these drugs all end in "...floxacin". I would have preferred a better name than floxies, but that is what stuck long before I was floxed. I cannot express how important it is that everyone reading this google Fluoroquinolone Toxicity and Levaquin damage or cipro reaction, and then follow the links. You will be stunned at the number of newscasts and articles and movies and groups and blogs and so on. Please, look into it!

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