Yardville, NJTen days of medicine could result in a lifetime of pain for some Levaquin users. That is because the drug has been linked to tendon ruptures and tendonitis. Although the FDA has now issued a black box warning for the drug, that warning comes far too late for many patients who have already experienced serious side effects after taking Levaquin. Others say they think Levaquin did not even help to heal their infections.
"I had a rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder and it developed an infection," David M. says. "It was treated with two regiments of Levaquin and it appeared that the infection had cleared up. But, the infection reappeared seven months later. It was there the whole time.
"It was in my right shoulder and the shoulder is now in terrible shape. The shoulder is very, very weak. I have a lot of difficulty using that right arm. There is a popping in the shoulder since I used Levaquin.
"I had some tendonitis before I used Levaquin but I the tendonitis is a lot worse now than it was before the surgery. I was given Levaquin for both surgeries on my right shoulder. The second surgery on that shoulder was a total failure—because of the infection, that two rounds of Levaquin did not clear up, there was no chance for there to be sufficient blood flow for the shoulder to heal properly. So now, the shoulder is almost useless."
In addition to complaints that Levaquin did not properly heal an infection, people have reported serious tendonitis and tendon ruptures after using the drug. Dennis A., from Pennsylvania, writes to LawyersandSettlements.com, I have been prescribed Levaquin several times, had my left Achilles tendon tear and be reattached and now have had another surgery to repair my right Achilles tendon." Dennis notes that he has been off work since February and will likely remain off work indefinitely, possibly with a permanent disability. He says he cannot work, can barely walk and is confined to his home since taking Levaquin.
Treating a torn tendon can be a long process. James S. writes that he took Levaquin to fight an infection and, within one month, began suffering tendonitis. He eventually required surgery and by the time it was over, the treatment had taken seven months.
Vicki B. says that although she only took Levaquin for five days in January, she has had muscle and joint problems ever since. "I've dealt with constant joint and muscle pain," Vicki writes. "My shoulders, elbows, upper quad/thigh, knees, numbness in my hand and ankles have given me trouble ever since…I can't hold a cup of coffee without pain. I can't sit in a movie theater for a two hour movie without my husband having to assist me to get out of the chair. I can't take my dogs for a one block walk without my legs becoming very sore and fatigued."
Many people say they have suffered tendonitis and tendon ruptures since taking Levaquin. If you were harmed by the use of Levaquin, contact a lawyer to see what can be done about recovering any medical costs and lost wages associated with your use of this drug.