Rare instances symptoms and conditions

I am a 57 year old male, who is in very good shape and active playing sports. I had a bad cold and had just finished a 3 day "burst" of prednisone per my asthma specialist. I am supposed to keep it on hand and take it if my usual meds and "rescue" inhaler are not working, and I feel that I am going into an infection (asthmatic bronchitis). The steroid treatment did not work, so I saw a doctor who prescribed Levaquin (with a coupon for $15 off) - for 10 days. The pharmacist remarked that they had seen a LOT of these coupons and that the drug reps must be doing their jobs. I read the warnings which noted that "in rare instances, ...". after I got home. Since I was leaving town immediately and did not have time to change meds, I took the Levaquin. I have suffered leg cramps for over three weeks now and don't know when or if they will disappear. The cramps appear in my hamstrings, groin, thighs, and calf muscles. They are debilitating. Sometimes I can barely walk. I am no longer able to play racquetball. I try to stretch out and warm up thoroughly before physical activity, but the cramps still appear in one muscle group or more - then I stop immediately.

I was on Levaquin for 6 of the 7 prescribed days, and as a result I have extreme joint pain. I am 37 years old and feel like I am 70 years old. I can't walk up or down stairs easily, it hurts when I get dressed, wash my hair...basically any movement hurts. After the first 2 days of taking the meds, I called the pharmacist since it was the weekend, and he told me that the Levaquin shouldn't cause this and it was OK to continue using it. So, I did through Sunday, then called my Dr. on Monday when I was instructed to discontinue its use. The only side effect remotely similar that was noted was "rupture of Achilles tendon" in rare instances. I've read some of the other messages that were posted and am glad to see that the pain some of you are having is subsiding. I sure hope mine does too. I go for blood work on Friday to see if any real damage has been done.

I was given 750mg of levaquin for 8 days due to a cellulitis in my left knee. After taking the Levaquin I developed swelling in my leeft leg, foot and ankle and then in my right. I have had this condition now for almost a month. My legs are very soire to touch and at night feel like they are on fire. The tendons in the back of my legs are so very sore and stiff I can barely walk. My back is also affected with pain and stiffness. i have been to three doctors this past week. One ordeered an ultra-sound on my legs, thinking I may have a blood clot. Another has ordered an uoltra-sound on my chest, thinking I may be in congestive heart failure. The last one said therapy might help. None of the three seem to know the real cause. One doctor did say that Levaquin can in rare instances cause torn tendons of the legs or shoulder etc. I have no other explanation at this point but that it is the Drug. A miserable way to supposedly get over an infection!

As with any drugs, prescription or otc, consumers must be aware that ALL have side effects. Almost always these drugs help us, but there are those rare instances that side effects or adverse drug reactions can occur.