Tendon Rupture Most Often Affects The Achilles Tendon
Levofloxacin, or Levaquin, is an antibiotic produced by the company Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is a division of Johnson & Johnson. Levofloxacin is a frequently prescribed medication, often given for the treatment of internal disorders such as kidney, bladder, and prostate infections. However, Levaquin side effects have been known to be quite severe. Many people received the drug after being diagnosed with respiratory issues like bronchitis, pneumonia, or a sinus infection. It is also an effective first step for anyone that has come into contact with airborne anthrax. Before starting on an antibiotic or any other medicine, be sure to consult with a medical professional. In order for the prescription to be useful, an infection must first be identified as bacterial, as antibiotic drugs will not work on viral infections. To help reduce the risk of negative consequences, be sure to consult with your doctor, and spend time informing them of pre-existing conditions such as the following: • History of allergic reaction to any other antibiotics
• Myasthenia gravis
• Pre-existing joint problems
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Seizures or epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia)
• Personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome"
Any of these may lead to severely painful or even debilitating complications if you begin taking the antibiotics. Cipro, Noroxin, and many other brands of antibiotics are classified as fluoroquinolones, as they kill bacterial infections by stopping DNA replication. They also carry a unique set of possible complications. Although some patients will not experience any problems, and those that do typically experience only mild symptoms, many victims have had reactions that are very severe. Examples of adverse effects include the following: • Gastrointestinal interruptions such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation
• Feeling restless, anxious, or depressed
• Headache and dizziness
• Muscle pain
• Sleep interruptions from insomnia or nightmares
• Mild skin itching or rashes
Even when the medication is given according to proper dose and administration guidelines, some users will experience painful and debilitating symptoms. Here is a brief list of more extreme reactions: • Dizziness or fainting
• Sudden pain or swelling near joints (especially in the arms or ankle)
• Tendon rupture or tearing (especially in the ankle)
• Diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• Confusion, hallucinations, depression, including suicidal thoughts
• Seizure
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or feet
If you experience any of the ailments listed above, or you begin to experience any other issues after starting your prescription, you should seek immediate medical attention. If at any time you experience any tendon pain or soreness, immediately contact your physician. If your doctor diagnoses these painful problems as a result of your antibiotic, you should consult with a lawyer immediately. There are several Levaquin lawsuits, both individual and class action, that are being brought against Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Although the first case will not be heard until August of 2010, learning about your rights now increases your chances of collecting recompense you may be owed.
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