Levaquin Side Effects Are Painful, Debilitating And Long Lasting
Recently, a popular form of a very powerful antibiotic has come under legal, academic, and media scrutiny. Particular attention is being given to a certain group of drugs known generically as levofloxacins, due to concerns about Levaquin tendon pain. There are many different brands that are distributed on a regular basis, differing only in their delivery method. These useful but potentially dangerous products come from a wide variety of health care and pharmaceutical companies, such as Ortho-McNeil, a division of the chemical giant Johnson & Johnson. Other brand names include Noroxin, Avelox, Maxaquin, and Floxin. The problem with the various kinds of medication is that they often come with very painful, debilitating, and long-lasting side effects. Many patients have been lucky, experiencing no adverse reactions at all. Others have avoided symptoms more severe than a fever, nausea, sore throat, mild muscle pain, or other flu-like complaints. But some victims have had extreme responses to the regular dosage and the subsequent complications have forced them into hospitals, physical therapy and, in some cases, wheel chairs for extended periods of time. The number of victims complaining has prompted the federal government to step in, requiring manufacturers of the drug to place “black box” warnings on the packaging. This is the most severe warning that can be placed on any legally distributed medication in the United States. These warnings are intended to educate patients about the increased risks of the following severely painful bodily responses: - Burning or painful thumbs
- Sore rotator cuffs (shoulders)
Many of these issues often require surgery and months of physical therapy. Achilles tendon rupture is one common problem associated with the drug, and one that has regulatory agencies and many victims worried. Although it has been observed mostly in older patients who are less active and less mobile than younger individuals, it has been confirmed in otherwise healthy, active people. This problem can ruin a victim’s ability to use the associated joint. After a rupture, the ankle immediately becomes unusable. The resulting surgery to repair the issue is quite painful, and can take upwards of 7 weeks to heal. And, even after healing, the ankle is not 100% operational, requiring that the victim undergo months of therapy. However, a successful surgery and apparent recovery is no guarantee. Many people that have the surgery contract infections. Also, tendons that are repaired surgically carry an increased risk of injury later in life. Individuals fearing the risks of surgery often choose a non-surgical remedy. This typically means immobilizing the foot, so that the sole points down for 4-8 weeks. And, although it seems that this is an effective way to regain strength, the procedure is far less effective at avoiding another rupture in the future. Some physicians estimate that 30% of those treated non-surgically will rupture again sometime in the future. If you feel at any time that you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above, contact your doctor immediately. If you are diagnosed with tendinitis associated with levofloxacin, contact an attorney immediately to obtain the Levaquin information you need to retain your rights. There are several Levaquin lawsuits currently pending, and you may be owed monetary recompense.
|