Levaquin | Lawsuits | Side Effects: Tendon Ruptures, Tendon Injuries, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, SJS and TENS
Gilman Law LLP, a leading national law firm with over 40 years of experience protecting the rights of victims, is now accepting claims for lawsuits involving side effects such as tendonitis and tendon ruptures, and serious skin reactions, Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS), stemming from the use of the antibiotic, Levaquin.
Levaquin Side Effects and Symptoms
Tendonitis and Tendon Ruptures: Levaquin bears a Black Box warning – the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) most serious safety alert – regarding its association with tendonitis and spontaneous tendon ruptures. Levaquin tendon problems are most likely to affect the wrist, knee, heel, thumb and shoulder.
SJS and TENS: Both SJS and TENS are severe and potentially life-threatening adverse reactions to medications, including Levaquin, that affect the mucous membranes and the skin. Symptoms include rash, blisters, or red splotches on the skin; blisters in the mouth, eyes, ears, nose, and genital area; swelling of eyelids and red eyes; conjunctivitis; flu-like symptoms; and persistent fever.
FDA Warning on Tendonitis, Tendon Ruptures
In July 2008, the FDA announced plans to require a “Black Box” for the Levaquin label warning of the drug’s association with tendonitis and tendon ruptures. According to the FDA, Levaquin tendon ruptures most frequently involve the Achilles tendon, but can also include ruptures of the shoulder, hand, biceps, and thumb. The risk is greatest for those who are over age 60; are taking steroids; or have had a kidney, heart or lung transplant.
People taking Levaquin should seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of the following:
- A snap or pop in a tendon area.
- Bruising right after an injury in a tendon area.
- The inability to move the affected area or bear weight.
- Pain, swelling, or inflammation in a tendon area.
Levaquin and SJS/TENS
SJS and TENS are both conditions that cause the top layer of skin to separate from the bottom layers, along with severe inflammation of the mucous membranes (in the eyes, nose, mouth, genitals, etc.) SJS is diagnosed when symptoms affect less than 10 percent of the body, and TENS is diagnosed when more than 40 percent of the body is plagued by symptoms. TENS and SJS patients are usually treated in hospital burn units. Because SJS and TENS are so dangerous, Levaquin patients and their caregivers must be aware of their symptoms so they know when to seek medical attention. It is important to seek medical care and discontinue use of Levaquin immediately if signs of these disorders develop.
What is Levaquin?
Levaquin, known generically as levofloxacin, was approved by the FDA in 1996, and is a member of the fluoroquinolone family of antibiotics. Levaquin is prescribed to treat serious bacterial infections of the lungs, urinary tract and skin, including anthrax, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia. Depending on the type and severity of the infection being treated, Levaquin may be prescribed for 3 to 60 days, and the medication can be administered via pill, injection, oral solution, ear drops, or eye drops.
Legal Help for Victims of Levaquin Side Effects
If you or someone you know is suffering from tendonitis, tendon rupture, SJS or TENS following the use of Levaquin, Gilman Law is here to help. For a free evaluation of you case, please fill out the online form on the left or call Toll Free at 1-888-252-0048.