Discussion group symptoms and conditions

I am scared to death after reading what everyone is going through. I was put on Levaquin for 10 days and got to day 9. My joints ached so bad I thought I had arthritis, and even had my Dr. do blood tests for it (I had no idea it was the Levaquin). I am only 35 years old and never worried about arthritis before this. Also, within 5 days I started developing hives all over. Again, I was stupid and didn't realize until day 9 that the hives were because of this med. I told my Dr. and he told me to stop taking it which of course I did. I assumed the hives would go away after the med was out of my system. But a week later the hives were unbearable. I was put on prednisone (another issue altogether) and that helped the itching, but now every time I try to go off or back off the prednisone the hives come back- and they are terrible! Now my Dr. thinks the hives were from something else because there is no way that the Levaquin is still in my body. But after reading what other people are going through on this med, I am convinced this stuff is as everyone says- POISON!! I am so worried about the joint and hip pain that was so bad I couldn't stand for long without excruciating pain in my right hip. It felt like I had a one hundred pound weight just sitting on it. And my hands were the worst. I have a newborn and could barely pick him up without worry that I'd drop him. I don't know what to do.. Is there anything to do?? I'm still on the prednisone, and have been for a month. I need to get off of it but every time I do I itch so bad with the hives that I cannot function. Also because of the prednisone I noticed last night that I am getting "moon face" my face is swelling up and there are a million side effects from that drug too. How long does this last? Has anyone else fought the hives that come with this? Please help me, I am so scared!

I posted this as a reply in another discussion group, but thought I'd share here too due to the very serious and potentiall deadly side effect (I think may be a result of taking Yasmin):

I suffered a Pulmonary Embolism on 6/4/08 - was not on Yasmin at the time, but had been for about 2 years (was switched about 3 months before my PE). I am 36 years old, otherwise healthy (am very active and have no other underlying risk factors), and have been on other forms of the pill (on & off, but mostly on) since I was 18 - with no side effects. The more I am reading, the more I'm mad about not being appropriately warned! People seem to keep dismissing the risks of this pill. Yes, millions of women are fine on the pill, but from what I'm reading hundreds of thousands are not. PEs are terrifying and potentially deadly. In case anyone needs it, there is a great on-line support group called ***** and there is a PE suport group on there I found last week - they are wonderful people and have saved me from losing my sanity (lots of panic & anxiety). Recovery from PE is a long, painful and bumpy road, and these people are of immense support. Good luck and good health to all!

Hair loss! My hair was falling out by the handfuls after about 5 months on Yasmin. It first I had no idea that it could be the BC, since I have never had any side-effects like that from any other kind. I stopped taking the pill immediately, but my hair still falls out! I've been off Yasmin and any other BC pill for over a year now, and my hair is still falling out! Help! My Dr. is completely ignorant and telling me that he's never heard of any side-effect like that. I also have really bad acne. I had thick hair and completely clear skin before I started this BC pill. What the heck is happening? I had all my hormone levels tested as well as thyroid, and those are fine. Any ideas? Anyone else having this problem? Anyone found a cure? What is going on, and how do I get my hair back?

I have been on Synthroid for about a year. I had high blood pressure and the doctor did a number of tests and found a thyroid deficiency. I started with 75 mcg and was moved up to 100 mcg.

I have gained weight in the last year - at least 15-20 lbs. It is all in the stomach. I look like I'm pregnant. It is very hard to get rid of! I am exercising my tail off, and giving up snacks, sweets, etc, and it's not going away.

I also never had problems sleeping but I do now. I'm glad I found this discussion group, because I see many others have had weight gain problems.

I called the FDA
Their sending me a form to fill out to list side effects of this terrible drug LEVAQUIN. And also any other information I have. I'm going to send the address to this discussion group. Hopefully they will check into it.
I realize some people have had no problem, but for those of you that suffered such terrible side effects and wants to help get this durg off the market please do so.
Call the FDA and complain...please. before anyone else suffers.
Janet G