I am a 54 year old, very active female. Had a UTI and was given ...

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I also have been down this terrible road. The good news is it will get better..the bad news is that it can take months to years. However, the beginning is the "acute" phase. That lasts a few months and then you start to feel better. Unfortunately, doctors don't seem to be able to help much. Most don't even believe in fluroquinolone toxicity. I have found the following websites extremely helpful: fluoroquinolones.org, fqvictims.org, fqresearch.org and also noquinolones.proboards58.com/index.cgi. There are also some support groups on the yahoo health forums.
Don't lose hope. I took Levaquin in December and I am finally starting to have some better days. It will happen for you too. Good luck.
Rose

My husband started taking Levaquin for an upper respertory infection and he took 750 mg for 30 days. He is now completely without the use of his arm and is facing surgery. This drug has torn his rotater cuff in both arms and now he is so now in his back, he is unable to work. This drug is pure poison!

I am the 54 year old from before. I went to the Dr today. I have a problem with my rotator cuff, won't know more until I get the MRI. However I spoke to a University Professor of Pharmacy and his research says that for 3 days of Levaquin, t will take 21 days to leave my system. Because I took it only 2 weeks it should not be a long term condition. However, if you have taken it for a long period of time it may not reverse itself.

He told me cipro, levaquin and aveelox are all the same class of drugs (Quinolones) and have the same side effects. I have taken Cipro for years and have never had any muscle problems. The only long term effect I found was it lowered my white blood count. But after being off for a year or more it returned to normal levels.

I am 51-female treated for a UTI starting 6-17-08. On 6-21-08 I woke up and could not ben my knees, could not bear wieght without pain. Called my pharmacist-thought it was my anti-cholesterol med-he said are you taking anything knew-just finished Levaquin-he said call your MD. She said--no--probably injury. Today I saw the news--Still walk like I am 90-any advice on how to handle my MD??

I am FURIOUS at the physician that gave me this drug...considering the other options out there. I had Strep (sp?) throat. I only took it for 5 days. Instead of giving me Zithromiacin (sp??) commonly called Z-pack, and $15.00 co-pay, he gave me Levaquin with an $88.00 co-pay and it ruined my life!!! I am 31 and I can't walk without extreme stiffness in my right lower leg near my heel and my knee and knuckle joints are stiff and hurt all day.

I will NEVER go to that physician again, needless to say, and I am considering taking legal action toward Levaquin manufacturer (my hubby is Medical Mal-practice attorney).

NEVER TAKE LEVAQUIN!!! Find another drug! 5 days of Levaquin ruined my summer vacation and my life!!