Only available by prescription in the U.S., Levaquin is a potent antibiotic used to treat lung, skin, sinus and urinary tract infections. Additionally, Levaquin may also be used in the treatment of health complications resulting from anthrax exposure. Levaquin is generically known as levofloxacin and is classified as a "fluoroquinolone antiinfective" drug.

Also sold under the brand name Tavanic, Levaquin has been on the market for over 13 years in the U.S. As of 2008, it was the 19 th most sold drug in the world.

Dangerous Side Effects

Levaquin has been reported to cause a number of serious and some fatal side effects, including tendon rupture, liver failure and fatal hypoglycemia. Patients who experience serious damage to their health as a result of Levaquin side effects should:

• Receive all necessary medical attention to prevent further health complications, including death
• Attend a consultation with an attorney to find out if they have a case against the drug makers
• Follow through with a Levaquin defective drug lawsuit to recover the compensation they deserve

Injured parties can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, permanent disability and pain and suffering.

Levaquin FAQs

Following are some frequently asked questions and facts about Levaquin. Keep in mind that such literature is never substitution for speaking to a doctor or another qualified health care professional when considering a course of Levaquin.

1. How Long Does Levaquin Stay in Your System?

While this largely depends on the precise Levaquin dose a patient is taking, in general, Levaquin has a half-life of 6 to 8 hours — meaning that every 6 to 8 hours, half of the levofloxacin is expelled from the body.

2. Who is Levaquin Manufactured By?

The Levaquin manufacturer in the U.S. and Canada is Ortho-McNeil-Jassen. While this pharmaceutical manufacturer currently holds a patent on Levaquin and Tavanic, since 2004, various pharmaceutical companies have been making and distributing generic versions of Levaquin.

3. What is Levaquin Reaction Time?

Again, how quickly Levaquin starts working will depend on the precise amount of the drug a patient is taking. On average, however, the effects of Levaquin are apparent within 12 hours of taking the drug. Up to 36 hours later, the drug will be in full effect.

4. Allergic Levaquin Reaction?

Patients with a history of allergies to antibiotic will have the highest risk of developing a severe allergic reaction to Levaquin. Aside from this factor, it's hard to predict who will develop serious allergy symptoms when taking Levaquin. Consequently, it's crucial that Levaquin patients understand the symptoms of severe allergic reactions, which include:

• difficulty breathing
• facial or tongue swelling
• skin rash or hives.

For more information about the health risk of Levaquin, or to schedule a consultation with an attorney, contact a Levaquin lawyer today.