September 29th
2008
5:18 PM
I'm 18 years old and live in Florida, while at the gynecologist for a routine visit my doctor strongly suggested that I start the Gardasil 3 shot cycle. After checking with my mom (who was unfortunately given biased information from my doctor without first doing research on the product) agreed since we both figured that my doctor would be knowledgeable enough on the subject (or you would think since she was the one administering the drug.) The first two shots went fine and I had no reaction at all. After the third shot (in October of 2007) I woke up the next morning with swollen hands and extreme swelling at the injection spot. I immediately returned to my gynecologist where I was told “there is no possible way you can be allergic to this medication” by my doctor, and that those reactions would go away in a few days. A few days following this I developed sores in the back of my throat and under my tongue, however my gynecologist still insisted there was no possible way it was an effect of the Gardasil (EVEN THOUGH IT WAS THE VERY NEXT DAY) & I had no previous illnesses. Within the week following I developed body-wide hives so severe that I cannot sleep and they affect my breathing. I’ve seen several doctors (allergist, dermatologist, primary physicians, and immunologists) none of which can determine why exactly I have these hives, besides that it is a “drug reaction” (it took 11 vials of blood to determine that). However when one of my dermatologists questioned Merck about it they simply said that there is no evidence and I cannot sew!!! That’s all they cared about! A law suit! WHAT EVER YOU DO, DO NOT GET THIS SHOT, TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW! It has ruined my life. As an 18 year old girl living in Florida I love to go to the beach however because of these hives they get so severe when I’m exposed to sunlight I can no longer go. It’s also extremely embarrassing when people stare at them since they cover most of my body on a daily basis.
-- By samanthawa | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
September 18th
2008
10:19 AM
I'm so glad that I have read all of these. The last 3 days have been horrible. This is my second month using the NuvaRing. I put the 2nd ring in on Monday night and I starting throwing up Tuesday night and haven’t stopped. I can’t hold anything down (not even water). I drove to work on Wednesday morning, while throwing up and literally falling asleep at the wheel. I couldn’t see anything, my vision was awful. I had lost feeling in my arm earlier that day. I took an early lunch yesterday and fell asleep in my car. I fell asleep at my desk and couldn’t see my computer screen. I thought I was dying. A few girls looked up this website and told me to immediately take the ring out after lunch. I had become so dehydrated and weak I left work early and went to the doctor. The Doctor immediately referred me to ER. I have a horrible infection that has gone through my body. I am on strong antibiotics to get better.
Now that I read all of these stories; I realized that I have been extremely tired for the past month and would fall asleep anywhere all the time. Like mentioned from the other girl below it was like I was in a coma. I have lost all my energy. Others have noticed a change in my attitude. I’m usually really hyper and now I’m very quiet. This ring could have wrecked my new relationship. (He noticed my attitude change and that I couldn’t even stay awake to watch a movie) I had a rash on my forearm a few weeks ago that freaked me out. I started getting acne on my face and dark spots on my cheek. And now that I think about it I have thrown up many times in the past month for no apparent reason.
Now that I have read all of these and have went through this horrible experience; I have a much better understanding and will never use the ring again. I feel bad for the girls that are going through this horrible experience now and in the future.
August 30th
2008
3:46 PM
I started taking Levaquin on Aug 8th for bronchitis 6 days after taking medication I was awoken about 2am with severe shoulder pains in both shoulders I went to the ER to find out why I told them that I was taken Levaquin they took an X-ray of my shoulders and said they were fine prescribed percocet for pain. Pain got worse went back to ER was given a shot for pain and was told to get an appointment with bone and joint Dr. On the day of appointment my right forearm, wrist and hand swelled up. I told my Bone and Joint Dr.that I was taken Levaquin I told him that I stopped it immediately after reading side effects He prescribed an anti-imflammitory Pain got more severe went back to ER was given EKG and took blood and urine test all test came back fine. Went to another doctor he then checked me for Lyme disease. which came back neg. I then went back to first doctor that prescribed the Levaquin. she thought that I had arthritis. 8 different blood test were given all came back fine. Ended back in ER because by the end of day I could not walk, had high fever, sore throat, severe head ache, and was sick to stomach. Several more blood test were done. all came back fine. ER doctor prescribed prednisone which seem to help some. I went and seen another Dr. Still no one knows what is really wrong. I believe it is the LEVAQUIN it has messed me up bad.
-- By kevin1960 | Reply | Private Message me
August 10th
2008
8:19 PM
I have taken Cipro & levaquin or several occasions for several years. I DID NOT KNOW OF THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF THESE DRUGS ON TENDONS AND OTHER MUSCULOSKELETAL EFFECTS. A FEW DAYS AGO I HEARD A LEGAL AD ON TV WHICH CAUGHT MY ATTENTION: ' IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAS TAKEN LEVAQUIN AND SUFFERED A RUPTURED TENDON, CALL....... ' OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS , I HAVE HAD THREE ROTATOR CUFF INJURIES, TWO OF WHICH REQUIRED SURGERY AND A LONG REHAB, AND A "PROBABLE" TENDON TEAR OF MY FOREARM FOR WHICH I WAS ON LIGHT DUTY FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, REHABBING W/ PT, STEROIDS, BOTH ORAL AND INJECTIONS, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDS. AS MOST OF THESE INJURIES OCCURRED AT WORK- I AM A CCU NURSE- AND WAS TREATED BY OCC MED DOCTORS, AND THEN REFERRED TO SPECIALISTS WHEN I WASN'T GETTING BETTER, I WAS MADE TO FEEL AS IF THESE INJURIES WERE SOMEHOW MY FAULT, THROUGH POOR LIFTING TECHNIQUES,ETC. AT NO TIME DURING ALL THESE TREATMENTS FOR INJURIES DID ANY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER PUT THESE TWO THINGS TOGETHER AND ASK QUESTIONS, AND NOR DID MY OWN PHYSICIAN. THIS WOULD LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF THIS DRUG HAS NOT BEEN WELL DISSEMINATED TO THE MEDICAL PROVIDERS.
-- By rjbinc1 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
August 6th
2008
2:27 PM
I feel almost lucky to have hardly any side effects considering what most of you have been through. I just finished about a 7 day prescription of Levaquin for pneumonia. Well, I remember the first day I took it I was lying in bed and my right arm started aching and my muscle in my forearm was throbbing. Then, my arm started to burn and tingle. I attributed to painting the ceiling my bathroom the night before and ignored it even though the script package said that that could happen and to call the Dr. The sensation was gone in the morning. The rest of the week, I had been extremely tired, anxious, nervous, restless, couldn't sleep, crying for no reason, I would pop off at my family which is completely out of character for me. I would fall asleep and then pop up in a panic spontaneously. Last night I noticed my teeth chattering and my throat and tongue feeling almost swollen. Today they feel just strange swollen but almost heavy and tense. Today was my last day on this medicine thank God! I too noticed that I was fine in the am but clawing at the walls by the evening. I am also on an ADHD medication (that the Dr.'s new that I was prescribed) and the added stimulant has made me foggy, antsy and jumpy and my muscles from head to toe will twitch and jerk. Thanks so much for the information. I will definitely inform any of my family and friends to refuse this medication.
-- By coleen | Reply | Private Message me
July 6th
2008
7:59 PM
I've taken Lisinopril (10 mg once a day) now for two months and am reasonably happy with it so far. My BP seems under control. I bought a BP monitor and record the results on a spreadsheet. Since starting Lisinopril in early May, my average BP is 112/64, down quite a bit from where it used to be. I often check it several times a day. I do have some side effects, the worst of which is light-headedness when I rise from sitting or lying down. I also have some tiredness. Lately I've developed itchless red spots on my right forearm that come and go. My big concern is what longterm use of Lisinopril will do to my body. My goal is to continue with a diet and exercise program and, with the doctor's guidance, wean myself completely off this medicine by the end of the year. I would suggest to anyone who hasn't to buy a BP monitor, record the results and show them to your doctor. The doctors treat you on one snapshot of your BP taken at their office, and BP readings can change dramatically during the day, depending on the situation. If your average BP, say, is 135/80 at home and you're being treated for what the doctor sees, perhaps 160/95, questions arise as to dosage and to the necessity of taking any BP medication at all. walterj
-- By walterj | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
June 6th
2008
2:54 PM
I'm taking 10mg. of Lisinopril currently because I'm borderline HBP per my Dr. I'm tired all the time, and fall asleep at the drop of a hat. I will watch tv and by 8-9pm I'm out and my family can not get me to wake up and go to bed. I can hear them, and respond most times-but I just can't get up. Now my left hand and halfway up my forearm started feeling like it fell asleep last night. I don't cough much, but my throat and mouth is always dry and feels like I need a drink, I'm also having trouble having a bowel movement and I am more short-tempered than normal. I'm done with this medicine. I'm working on losing weight, working out, and staying away from junk food. Thanks everyone.
-- By whambino | Reply | Private Message me
May 31th
2008
12:34 AM
every day my feet, legs up to knees, hands and up to mid forearm and face become tingly, numb and very weak to where I cannot get out of my chair or out of bed. Sweaty and chilled, headache, neck ache, thirst. I am on vytorin10/80. 63 yr old female. It sucks!
-- By higheverything | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
March 7th
2008
11:35 PM
my daughter has taken Phenergan in her IV twice now, first time it burned, then subsided, the second time, burned worse and hasn't quit for 72 hours and going. Had a CT and doppler on her forearm to see if there is damage as she has had swelling and the skin is hard to the touch and extremely painful. She has gone to the oral form, trying to still get its anti nausea benefits as little else has helped. She is concerned over what effects the oral might have if it is that harsh of a drug.
-- By maclay | Reply | Private Message me
February 16th
2008
4:51 AM
I was prescribed Effexor while attending Uni. My depression was negatively effecting my academic performance and on the edge of getting my scholarship withdrawn, I continued (as a requirement from the board) with Effexor despite its side effects. I advised my counselor but he insisted I continue as it would "get better." On the contrary my self-esteem took a dive, I became way more suicidal, I felt like there were an army of ants crawling under my skin, I was "emotionally numb"....more like I could feel so many emotions at once and in such great magnitude, I felt like I was going to explode....and I did....through slashing my forearm and wrists. I felt like I could breathe when I did that....then I would just return to my bed and lay there....lost.
I finally decided to stop medicating, I gave up my scholarship and returned home. The moment I set foot on home ground I didn't know where to start or even if I was going to get a job; but I did, a great job for someone without any degree/diploma....for starters anyway. One day I sat down looking out to the sunset and recalled my days of depression. I beat myself up inside with the realization that I had ALLOWED myself to go be depressed. I realized that it is beatable, it really is in our control; mind over matter! I'm not going to lie, it does creep up at one time or another and I do still feel an imbalance in my emotions, but I find the critical step is to just STOP whatever I'm doing, go out for some fresh air, and remind myself that I have come so far without Effexor and other anti-depressants I've been prescribed with, and I remind myself that I CONTROL what goes on in my mind, and thus my body.
Again, it is still challenging at times, but I have decided not to let depression rob me of a happy and fruitful life, and its been great so far.
-- By mizmoody | Reply | Private Message me
November 28th
2007
5:47 PM
You are all completely 100 % right
I have a book here called the high blood pressure hoax
the lady that wrote it is 100 % right in her findings we are all living it !!!!
the list of side effects is overwhelming too many too list
I quit all hypertensive meds yes my blood pressure shot up rebound etc
but I can actually sleep and don't feel depressed and tired anymore
it may not be a good thing but id rather live with no side effects my skin is actually clearing up in 2 days from the itching, the nausea is still coming and going brain fog is clearing up as well as a ton of other horrible side effects for the first time i actually feel good .....in 2 years of taking these horrible drugs ,,,,,yes they are keeping us alive but in the long run they will kill us just as fast as the hypertension !!!!!!!!!! good luck with diet and exercise everyone I am starting it myself this weekend
-- By dman11111 | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
October 15th
2007
6:33 PM
I first took avelox last december for cellulitis. I also took levoquin for the same condition. I had a recurrence and took Avelox again this week. On the 3rd day I noticed brief "sticking" pains that would come and go. It felt like someone was poking me, first on the leg, then my back, then an arm. They lasted briefly, and then came back a few hours later. About the same time I noticed my shoulder was hurting, and my forearm and some of my fingers. I thought the infection was spreading and I went back to the doctor, who offered to Xray my shoulder. That seemed pointless, so I said forget it and refered to the package insert, where i found tendon rupture as a side effect. I searched more and found that Avelox, and other quinolones are TOXIC to the TENDONS and may cause muscle and tendon pain. I discontinued the medicine and now am using ceflex to treat the infection. I will wait a while for the pains to resolve, and pray I do not blow a tendon, esp. in my shoulder. I am pretty pissed that the doctor was unaware of this side effect, and when I informed him of my experience he said he would not use Avelox for cellulitis in the future.
KB
August 13th
2007
6:55 PM
I am a 38 yr old female in excellent health--thin and fit, and don't take antibiotics. I had a bacterial infection and was prescribed levaquin. After the first dose, 24 hrs (500 mg 1x day) I experienced joint pain in a place i'd once injured a wrist. A few hours later it was into my hands--a deep ache, with a tight, numb feeling them. By the second dose--48 hrs later, it my joints and forearm area ached as if I'd lifted crazy weights. It moved into my shoulders, neck, hips. By the third dose, I was sleepless. My head ached at the nape of my neck and ears rang. When I got out of bed, I felt shin splints, sore ankles and my fingetips feel like they're asleep. I called the doctor and they told me to discontinue the meds. The bummer is, I was only warned at the doc's ofc of the tummy effects (which didn't happen at all to me since I timed the meals and no booze were ingested). Also the pharmacy did not provide counsel or an informational sheet which floors me after seeing this website. I really hurt. I have faith the symptoms will subside since I'm so early in the dosing. I would never take this again.
-- By heidiwitherspoon | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
March 14th
2007
6:06 PM
Not sure if it's a side effect but after being on the drug Biaxin XL - 1,000 mg / day (single dose) for 2 days my feet hurt, my right forearm is very sore, my right wrist is swolen and the left-center part of my lip is really swollen. Can't sleep. My couch is productive however.
-- By jmw588 | Reply | Private Message me
February 1th
2007
8:52 PM
I started taking Levaquin for a Strep infection that didn't go away on another antibiotic. The second day on it, I noticed a tightening in the backs of my legs, and my fingers felt funny when I woke up. I hobbled through that day, thinking that maybe the Strep had gotten into my system and was doing damage. By day 4, the bottoms of my feet burned when I tried to walk on them, and using my hands for leverage when getting up caused burning in the palms of my hands, too. By day 5, I needed help getting in and out of the car, and needed help getting up the TWO steps from my garage into my house. By day 6, I wasn't able to sleep because of the deep aching in every joint, muscle and tendon in my body - and when up, needed support to get from place to place. Heat helped some, so used an electric throw when sitting in my den, and the electric blanket at night. I didn't take anymore Levaquin after the sixth day when my daughter looked up my symptoms, and it all came down to the Levaquin. I don't have any swelling, but the pain is almost unbearable at times - heat still helps somewhat. I have been off the Levaquin for two months now, and no relief in sight. I still wake from sleeping unable to use my hands for the first 5-10 minutes - and the pain in my ring fingers and pinkies are not describable. I am on Ultracet for the pain, and though it doesn't stop the pain, it seems to make it a bit more manageable. I still have to pull myself up the stairs one at a time, I can't squat without pain behind my knees severe enough to nauseate me and I almost pass out. I can't straighten my arms because of the pain in the tendons, I think, in my forearm and around my elbow. I can't lift my arms over my head without pain. I am more concerned now that I've been on this site because it sounds like this may not go away, or if it does, it will take a long, long time. That's scary to me!!
-- By poogf5 | Reply | Private Message me
January 7th
2007
9:51 AM
Any further info re cysteine / selenium depletion ? Also sources if possible.
Also, any info re muscle tension, fragility ?
I stopped Lisinopril earlier because of muscles tearing.
On taking it again, old muscle tears re-opened, forearm and back musles very tight.
Thank you.
May 19th
2006
2:24 PM
I took a 2 week treatment in January for a bronchial infection. At the end of the 1st week I began to experience pain in my right elbow and forearm. It is now mid May and the pain has spread to include my wrist joint and the back of my hand as well as the initial sites. There have been periods of as long as 4 days when I have felt no pain and then it returns without injury, mis-use, or over-use. If ever prescribed by a medical provider again I would refuse Levaquin citing SEVERE negative side effects.
-- By jeanne1nyc | Reply | Private Message me
April 8th
2006
9:20 PM
Unfortunately I experienced extravasation of my Ultravist dose, causing extreme pain in my forearm, spasm of my fingers on the arm that it was injected into, followed over the next two hours by increasing swelling of the whole arm and patchy red discolouration of the skin.
My normal diameter of my arm is 18cm below the elbow, and it swelled to 24cm, to the point that I was unable to bend my elbow, and the swelling in my wrist began to act like a torniquet around my wrist, causing my hand go blue from restricted blood flow.
I spent hours massaging my arm towards my armpit, and applying heat, I took an antihistamine, and a diuretic, in a somewhat panic state of what could happen long term to my arm, as none of the medical staff had any idea.
The swelling slowly subsided over the following 5 days, and I appear to have no long term complications.
-- By gineen | Reply | Private Message me
March 18th
2006
9:42 PM
I'm a 46 year old male. I started 10 years ago with Lipitor 5mg, after one year increased to 10mg, insurance company made me switch to Zocor 10mg. After switching with another ins company had to go back to Lipitor 10mg, had to switch again to Zocor 20mg, then my doctor took it to 40mg along with 1,000mg of niacin. Switch again to Lipitor and back to Zocor, all this transpired within a 10 year period. I have always been extremely active and very muscular. One day I noticed twitching in the upper part of both arms. When I visited my doctor, his first words where stop the Lipitor now. Within the next three months I had extreme body tremors, full body muscle cramping, extreme night sweating (would soak the sheets) and had a vibrating (it was like a humming sensation) sensation in my whole body 24/7. It's been two years now since I stopped taking this poison and I now suffer with a great deal of muscle loss in my hands, forearm, upper shoulders, butt area and feet. I have difficulties with balance, holding my bladder when I feel the urge to urinate, severe pain, difficulty lifting my arms to my head and difficulty with my speech. The sweating and vibrating feeling has gone now however my quality of life is not anything to talk about. If I new then what I know now about this statin drug I would have never takin it. If any one knows of any ways too reverse these side effects, please e-mail me at ******
-- By tom13 | Reply | Private Message me
January 28th
2006
5:58 AM
After being on liptor for about six weeks I began to feel very depressed and unmotivated and weepy. I had pain in my shoulder and back and left arm and forearm and couldn't sleep at night. I had tingling in both hands. All in all I was miserable. My doctor has since taken me off-only a couple of days off-but already all of the above symptoms have disappeared. I am trying to control my high cholestrol with diet and exercise only. It was only slightly high!
-- By jann218 | Reply | Private Message me
October 19th
2003
11:59 AM
In my opinion, Levaquin is a dangerous drug. In January 2002, I had a severe cold/sinus infection for which my Dr prescribed Levaquin. I had started a moderate exercise program, and was doing curls with 10 lb dumbbells. I developed SEVERE tendinitis in both elbows within 2 weeks, while taking the drug. I've had cortisone injections, tried stretching, medication, and forearm braces, and nothing has helped. I'm possibly looking at surgery in the near future. My orthopedist was quick to conclude that Levaquin was indeed the cause, combined with the light exercise, which, under normal circumstances, couldn't have possibly caused tendinitis. DO NOT exercise if you're taking this awful drug, and if you're reading this, please get off of it as quickly as you can.
-- By guitarman_08012 | Reply | Private Message me
August 1th
2003
2:20 PM
I took Levaquin in April for a sinus infection that was pretty severe that the medicine worked and I don't remember major side effects. However, I have the sinue infection back in one ear, went to the dr. yesterday and she prescribed again 500mg for 10 days. I took the first pill last night and w/in a few hours was nauseated, my vision was blurring (thought it might be time to change contacts), did not sleep well and got up several times in the night to urinate (which is rare). I woke up feeling very achy and my right forearm, shoulder and neck were very sore. I thought maybe I slept on it wrong. Today I am nauseous, urinating frequently and having vision problems not to mention very lethargic at work. Not good. After seeing all the negative comments on this website I feel better that I'm not losing my mind and it is the Levaquin, which I plan on not taking anymore and will call my dr. for another alternative.
-- By khaluda | Reply | Private Message me
July 31th
2003
12:38 PM
I forgot the blisters! I seem to be breaking out in round water blisters, and some "knotty" sores. The blisters look like someone burnt me. The knots are hard and very sore! How about these? Thanks, Mickey
-- By charitybal | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
June 25th
2003
2:03 PM
I have been taking 20mg Zocor (simvastatin) for 14 mos post heart attack/stent placement(2) in L. ventricle. About 2 monts ago I developed severe muscle pain and weakness in right forearm/elbow, left elbow, dexterity problems in the hands from time to time. I have had for some time; a burning sensation in the right leg, foot cramps, fuzzy vision and other symptoms. I am also taking other drugs; atenolol, lisinopril, asprin and venlafaxine, so they all had their part.
-- By sgpage | Reply | Private Message me
Levaquin (9) Lisinopril (4) Zocor (2) Lipitor (2) Phenergan (1) Biaxin (1) Avelox (1) Effexor (1) Vytorin (1) Ultravist (1) Diovan (1) Remicade (1) Gardasil (1) NuvaRing (1)
October 13th
2008
2:52 AM
I have only been on Lisinopril for about a
-- By nancyjo | Reply | Private Message meweek and I knew right away that this drug
is not for me. I am experiencing palpitations,
anxiety, nausea, numbness in my right forearm and I wake up at night with my heart
beating like a drum. I can see I'm not the only one experiencing these awful side effects. I need a new medicine for blood pressure with no side effects or at least minimal side effects I can live with. I was
taking atenolol to start with but that gave me
hives! I'm open to suggestions!