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Levaquin & Achilles Tendon Damage

Levaquin (levofloxacin) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that is used to combat severe bacterial infections in many parts of the body. From lung and gastrointestinal infections to bladder infections and bacterial STDs, Levaquin can be effective at killing bacteria if it's taken precisely as directed. Levaquin was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 1996. As of 2007, it is the leading quinolone antibiotic prescribed worldwide. Levaquin is made by PriCara, a division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen.

Tendon Damage

Among the serious side effects associated with Levaquin use is spontaneous tendon rupture, tendonitis and tendinopathy. Although these conditions can affect the tendons in any part of the body, in most cases, they develop in the shoulders, elbows, wrists and ankles. Tendon damage that occurs in the ankles is clinically referred to as Achilles tendon damage.

To reduce the risk of developing Achilles tendon damage, it's essential that patients:

Talk to their doctor before starting a course of Levaquin, as a patient's medical history may make it too risky for him to take this drug
Take the time to completely understand the types and symptoms of serious Levaquin side effects
Seek medical attention, should they develop the symptoms of Achilles tendon damage
Consult with an experienced defective drug lawyer, once their health is stable, to find out if they have a legal claim against PriCara

Levaquin & Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is a condition in which the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed. Specifically, the Achilles tendon is the tendon in the back of the ankle that connects the calf muscle to the heel. Individuals who start to develop Achilles tendinosis will experience symptoms that may include:

Pain in the ankle, particularly when walking, running or otherwise exercising (Patients may also experience ankle pain when raising their heels off the ground and standing on their toes.)
Tenderness to the touch
Swelling and/or warmth in the ankle region

Tendinosis refers to tiny tears in the tissue and around the injured tendon. Extreme pain is typically caused by tendinosis, not tendonitis. Treatments often include:

Ice
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen
Physical therapy to strengthen the muscle-tendon groups in the ankle
Rest
Use of a brace, cast or boot to limit activity in the affected ankle

Levaquin & Achilles Tendon Rupture

When an Achilles tendon rupture occurs, symptoms typically include:

An inability to point the foot
An inability to “push off” the foot when walking
An inability to stand on the toes (with the heel elevated)
Hearing and feeling a pop or snap in the ankle
Irregular walking
Severe pain and swelling in the ankle and heel

It generally takes between six and eight weeks for patients to recover from Achilles tendon surgery.

For more information about the potential injuries caused by defective drugs, contact our Levaquin lawyers.

Defective Drugs Breaking News

"Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics Causing Tendon Ruptures"

A class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones needs heightened warnings about the risk of tendon rupture and tendonitis, said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics include:

» Read More

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