Avelox side effects

took avelox for 5 days, and developed "drug induced hepatitis", which hospitalized me for several days, and been sick with severe jaundice for 9 weeks, unable to eat, or be around food.
this has been confirmed by many tests, including biopsy's, ultra sounds, and cat scans.
no "liver" side effects noted but they can be severe.........................and should be noted !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I started getting sick on October 16 and was given a phone call got the 22 letting me know that I got the H1N1 virus after the virus was gone I had a very bad sinus infection, prior to this I had never gotten a sinus infection, and was given Avelox, I have diarrhea and vomiting on and off, and I keep forgetting everything.I have taken it for 9 days and the doctor called me to take it again for another 10 days. I am definitely not taking it again thanks to reading all of this. I really don't feel that this medicine helped at all for the sinus. I have been breathing vapors and used a lot of herbs I think that this has helped out more.

I took my 2nd Avelox pill at 10am this morning, by lunch time I felt very jittery and anxious, and had isolated tingling in my left hand and foot. Tonight I had severe abdominal pain and then the subsequent emptying of the bowels (ok, that's gross!). I am a healthy 39-year old woman who has never had any side effects from medication. This was prescribed for a sinus infection. Thank you all for your posts about your experience with this horrible stuff. I feel better knowing that I'm not going crazy. Unfortunately, because this is a once-a-day pill, this stuff is still in my system. For those of you who are posting on this site saying you've had no side effects and this medicine worked great, you probably work for Bayer in their PR department....if not and you really did not have any side effects, this site is for those of us who HAVE had side effects.

I was prescribed Avelox for a sinus and ear infection. I have been taking it for a week now and honestly don't feel much better. With amoxicillin or omnicef, I would have felt better on day 2 of the antibiotic. I haven't had any of the severe side effects anyone else has, but I do feel just "out of it." It's like I've had a "brain fart" all week! I've been extremely forgetful and lethargic.

In 2002, my doctor prescribe Avalox after two, ten day doses of Levaquin didn't seem to work for a sinus infection. I was very tired, swollen, vomiting and unable to urinate. At the hospital tests determined that my blood sugar was out of control, as was my blood pressure. I had excess potassium and several other nutrients were depleted from my body. It felt as if bugs were inside my skin and my mouth was very dry.

I stayed in the hospital 12 days because my kidneys had shut down. I was put on dialysis. My new doctor says that my kidneys are still sick. I have excess protein. Normal levels are 17 and mine are about ten times higher. I have to take a pill to protect my kidneys every day.

I have learned a lot about natural medicine and have improved my health. It took a several months and painful biopsies before the experts determined the cause. It was a combination of the two drugs.
epbp.....VA

I am so annoyed that this medication is still on the market.
What is it going to take for it to be banned??? It took me almost one year to get my life back together. The side effects from this medication are horrible. Only the people who have gone through them know how severe it is. I had anxiety, insomnia, chills, numbing in the hands and feet, palpitations, vomiting, tremors, twitching, vision problems and the list goes on. My body was out of control. My blood tests were even coming back with all sort of problems thyroid, high blood sugar etc. When retested a few months later, everything was normal.
It took me lots of hard work to get myself back to normal. Thanks to Chinese medicine/acupuncture I now have my life back.
Please don't take Avelox!!!!!

thank you so much !i read your blog when my 79 year old dad was taking his first dose of avelox, 30 minutes later he went into a seizure i called 911 and they rushed him to emergency room.he is doing good now.it is a very bad drug.

The best drug out there !! No I am not ignorant enough to make these cart blanche statements like some of these posts---Millions of people have used this drug successfully like I have. Just because it works for one individual they should not recommend it to the world nor if it causes you personally some harm YOU SHOULD NOT POST A STATEMENT THAT INFERS IT WILL HARM EVERYONE--IN-OTHER-WORDS GET A LIFE!

I have had no side effects!!
Well I have been taking Avelox 400mg for 5 days now, and had no side effects whatsoever. I asked my doctor to give me this prescription for upper respiratory infection, and after two days of taking it, I felt 200% better. It is now 5 days, I feel great, and not one side effect. This goes to show that what may be a terrible experience using Avelox for one person, it may be a great experience for another person. I was a lucky one that have not had any side effects at all. I have never recovered so quickly from taking an antibiotic in my life and I'm 38 years old. I do though recommend doubling up on a 30 day treatment of Acidophilus. This will help you replenish the Good bacteria in your body that was also killed off when taking a strong antibiotic such as Avelox 400mg. This antibiotic kills the bad bacteria causing the infection and the good bacteria in your body as well. Acidophilus after treatment is highly recommended. Other than taking Acidophilus after the treatment, I found this antibiotic to be the best that I have ever taken. Take care, Joe.

I started taking 400mg yesterday for a sinus infection. Fifteen minutes after my FIRST dose, my stomach started cramping. About five hours later I noticed muscle pain in my thighs all the way down into my toes. It was like I worked out at a gym. This morning I have a metallic taste in my mouth that even lemon water won't cure. I have a VERY HIGH tolerance for medication and usually have to double whatever is prescribed. Fortunately I did not do that with this med since it was new to me. I will not be taking anymore. I will go back to the amox and deal with the infection. I read that apple cider vinegar was good for that - without the side effects. Seriously, beware if you are sensitive to drugs. This one surprised me.

My Mom started taking Avelox September 28, 2009. She took her first pill at 8:33 P.M. and within 25 minutes could not breathe. Her tongue swelled so much, that it pushed her dentures out of her mouth. Nothing alerts you to this in the side effects. She had no time to call her physician as she died. She had previously taken Cipro and Levoquin, so she had the false security that this drug was safe. It was not. No one should die like this!

I was prescribed Avelox for a sinus infection that would not go away. After 4 days of taking it I have had severe cramping in my joints around my ankles, knees, shins and calf muscles. I have pain in my fingers too. I feel totally out of it, and dizzy. I have little to no appetite. This is a terrible drug, and should be pulled off the market. I was desperate to get rid of my sinus infection, and now I find myself having bigger problems from the side effects of this drug.
I have had pain now for 4 days. Does anyone know when this pain goes away?

I am alarmed to see all of these various side effects posted because I have occasionally taken Avelox-400 for sinus infections during the past five years or so.

Does anyone have any positive results to post?

This is further to what I has posted here below on the 16th of October.(you may look at it for symptoms). My dad passed away last night. The doctors had administered steroids to him saying it is the only solution to healing him out of this in order to save his eyesight.I am crying to myself now remembering how he suffered those last 10 days of his life due to this drug. He had never experienced anything more horrible in suffering like this during his life. His death report says, cause of death: Steven Johnson's Syndrome.

I'm a 22 year old female who is pending a lawsuit against Avelox. This drug ruined my life. I was a full-time student hoping to get into Duke University in Fall of 2010; it looks like all of my dreams have been destroyed after taking this deadly drug. I was diagnosed with pneumonia (pretty much walking-pneumonia) on August 8th, 2009...I have no slept since; it has been about 2 and 1/2 months. I did not get to go to school this Fall Semester to pursue my 15.5 units honors classes. I'm currently being told by the doctors of KAISER that I'm gong crazy, bipolar, psychosis, anything but a victim of this terrible drug. Please, help me with this lawsuit. I will let everyone know the status and hopefully we can bring many people to my court case and support!!!! my email: ******

Please do not ever take this drug!

-Brittany

My dad had taken Avelox 400 for 5 days prescribed by a doctor for Bronchitis. He is a cardiac patient as well. After 1 week he developed the following symptoms in the order: high fever, Swelling in the ankles and knees, mild jaundice, thick sputum, rashes all over the body, difficulty swallowing food, conjunctivitis affected like discharge from the eyes, poor mental co-ordination, skin tearing in the lips, diarrhea, difficulty passing stool, anxiety, confusion, low blood pressure, insomnia, slightly impaired vision. I only hope and pray he recovers soon. I really do not know why this drug is administered to people when there are other alternatives which are milder. This drug has not done any good to anyone.

Thank God for the posts here. I thought I was either going crazy or had been poisoned, or both, after my first dose of Avelox. Through the 6 days I took this drug before throwing it away I kept thinking the side effects, to numerous to list, would go away - they only got worse. I know all the usual disclaimers are listed on the prescription literature, including possible liver damage, but if the manufacturer is wise they will broadcast the possible side effects more emphatically to physicians and their distribution chain (pharmacies).

hair loss, neuropathy in my right leg, complete exhaustion, numbness and tingling, stabbing pain in my back that wraps around my chest, headaches, depression, paranoia, stomach pains, chest pains, tremors in my head, pain down my neck, pain in toes, blurred vision, tearing pains in feet, very weak, moody, pain in face, really bad symptoms week prior to period, cracking sound in joints, -- Have had symptoms for three years and just had a neurologist confirm today that all of these problems have been caused by my doctor prescribing avelox and prednisone!

Was prescribed avelox for bronchitis. Took it for the full ten days. began having diarrhea. It has been 5 weeks since i stopped taking the medication and have continued to have diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain. The diarrhea is a loose stool. Have had stool tests done and do not have a secondary infection from this.

I am 36 year old female and was prescribed Avelox for an ear infection and sinus infection. By day 5 I discontinued taking the drug. I've never had such a bad reaction to a medication. By day 5, I had major dizziness (the room was spinning), my heart was beating fast and I felt like I was going to pass out. I had a burning sensation along the back of my neck and a tightness in the left side of my chest. I had a headache and some nausea but felt completely out of it. My hands and feet jerked by themselves. I felt anxious and didn't know what else to do but go and lay down in bed. I tried to keep calm but then I started sobbing like a kid whose family pet died ( I can't remember the last time I cried). I was afraid to go to bed fearing that I would not wake up. What the heck... I will never take Avelox again.

After experiencing these effects, I looked on-line and found this site. Glad to know I'm not alone. I did go to sleep only to have mega weird dreams about motor vehicle accidents along the highway and eating a live crab/lobster creature only to have to bury it in the garden for a bunny??? Crazy and WTF ?!

My father-in-law died Thursday, Oct. 8 , after taking Avelox for 10 days. It resulted in a reaction called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (aka steven-johnson syndrome). I am convinced that he died needlessly. Avoid this powerful drug at all costs.

Im 29 Years of age, male, the doctor gave me AVELOX 400 for chronic sinusitis 2 days of taking it it was ok. the third day is a nightmare. Begin to have bad dreams, confusion, my blood pressure started to rise up and different parts of my skin begin to swell and started to itch. the worse part is my penis started to itch and then afterwards began to swell and lesion on in. so freaking scary. Please don't take this drug. and for those who made this drug. BAYER right? Please recall Avelox. Medicines are supposed to cure people, not worsen the problem. not only BAYER but all other companies who sells drug which have serious side effect to recall your medicines. If i were only a billionaire i will buy all your medicines and burn it all. O well humans sort of Guinea Pigs. Thats the reality.

My experience with Avelox was horrible. I was prescribed Avelox for an ear infection, I had tried two others and it still didn't clear up, so my doctor gave me this prescription. I only took one dose and that was it for me, no more! I was suppose to take it for 7 days, but couldn't after the first. Half hour after taking it I felt strange, I wasn't myself. Half hour after that I felt really nausea, then half hour after that I went on my computer to do some stuff and couldn't type, couldn't press the buttons on my mouse, I felt like I was rubber, my mouth went dry..no matter how much I drank it was still dry. Talking was hard, felt like I was slurring all the time and concentrating was impossible! I felt like I wasn't myself, my neck swelled up..I ended up going to the ER, was told by the doctors there that I had gotten an allergic reaction to the medication. NEVER AGAIN AM I TAKING A DRUG LIKE THIS!!! I just finished flushing it out of my system and feel much better off it now.

I started taking Avelox 9 days ago. I was prescribed 14 days of Avelox after a round of Ceftin failed to clear up a sinus infection.
I am an avid tennis player, playing 3-5 times a week. My first bad experience happened yesterday when I went out to play and as soon as I walked outside I had a head to toe tingling feeling. This felt like I had chills but no goosebumps were showing. Over an hour or so later, the goosebumps showed up. This was in 90 degree heat!! I first thought it was dehydration, which it may have been, since I didn't seem to be able to get enough water/Gatorade no matter how much I would drink. This is even at night when I am not in the heat!!
I didn't take the medicine today. Played again this morning. I had the same tingling feeling head to toe, but no chills this time. To explain the tingling, I told a friend my skin felt like it was creepy crawly! It was a horrible feeling again in extreme heat!
I, also, have a hamstring that feels a lil tinge to it. I never have these problems and I am guessing this is due to the medicine, too.
If I walk outside, my body temperature feels like it shoots up! Even though I do not have a fever.
I went to my doctor's office and he is out of town! I asked to see another Dr. and he was "too busy to see me" since he was trying to get to the hospital! I was told to call my family Dr.which I did, only to be told he was also booked and I couldn't be seen. So, I gave up! And, not taking the medicine anymore!! Never again. This will be on my list of 'Allergic to.'
I usually have no side effects from medicines.

I am a 34 year old woman in Texas.My daughter got sick at School and so it spread and we all got it.I have a problem with my spit glands backing up.I don't know the medical term,anyway.I went to my ear nose and throat specialist and he said I had fluid in my ears and had a bad sinus infection so he prescribed me Avelox.This is my fourth day on it.I have noticed every since I started taking it I have a nasty taste in my mouth.My mouth is dry most of the time.But it seemed i felt a little better.I was on the computer talking to my Mother and BAM! Immediately my lymph nodes are very swollen,My neck,there is a huge bump on the right side of my neck,A bump where my wind pipe,I am dizzy,I was trying to write down everything and I kept misspelling everything,It feels at times I am out of my body if that makes any since,The pain is like someone beat the crap out of me and I am bruised all over randomly on different parts of my Body,I keep getting what feels like vibrations in my hands,My eyes at times feel like they are going out and in really fast,I still have extreme whizzing even after using the inhaler,When I cough you can hear stuff in there but it will not come out,I feel like I can't catch my breath,My back feels bruised at my shoulder blades..If I would have seen this site before I took Avalox I would have never taken them.
I feel like we are all just experiments to see what the drug does to different people.There's gotta be something we can do about this.This is not right.We need answers like,What are the long term effects.????
Now I am tired I feel like it has made me so tired but I am to afraid to go to sleep in fear that I won't wake up.I have 3 kids and I am not ready to die.I am suppose to be going to a pep rally tomorrow at my Kids School but instead I will have to spend my time in a Hospital.This is B.S.
I am so happy I found this web site.I thought it was just me.About a year and a half ago they found a mass in my lymph node and the doctor said after I get better he will set me up with another ct scan to see if it has gotten any bigger.It is 2 x the size since I was at the doctor's 4 days ago.This is ridiculous!
Thank You,A.

I continue to read and sit here crying. I wish I could reply to each and everyone of you...this drug needs to be stopped. The company needs to be held responsible for their actions. Avelox needs to be off the market!

One more thing the doctors told me...Avelox stays in your system for a while after taking it. I finished the drug in early September, 2 weeks or so, later all the side effects began to surface. However, like I am reading, people can also have an immediate reaction as well.

Warning to Avelox users

As I am reading all these posts I am very alarmed. I just got out of the hospital because of an allergic reaction to Avelox. I developed a potentially fatal reaction called Stephan Johnson Syndrome. Please google this, as it might save your life. From what my doctors said, Avelox is a major offender of this syndrome. After reading the posts I see that a great many of you have the same symptoms I did. Even if the side effects don't seem that serious, stop taking the medication right away and consult your doctor. People who are most in danger are people with low immune systems and people who are allergic to other medications. PLEASE, I beg all of you to check this out, it can cause death in a matter of days. Fortunately for me we got to it early. Best of luck to all :)

i went to the doctor for blood work because i was tired all the time, no energy, cold even when it was 80 degrees, and i had breathing problems, so i thought i was anemic. the doc wanted me to have an xray and i got diagnosed with pneumonia. i didn't even know i was sick! so i got prescribed avelox for 10 days 400mg, i feel worse now then what i did before. im extremely tired, i sleep all day, i feel like a stoner, i get dizzy at times and confused. i cant seem to go to bed and iv have dream after dream i even had one about a potato.last night i just started crying about nothing and could not stop then when it was over i just stared off and it was like i was a crazy person. im on the 8th day and im going back to the doctor. oh and im only 18 and i read tests haven't even been done on this drug for 18 - ppl.

Horrible side effects!!! Was just put on a 7 day of 400 mg. of Avelox for a bad sore throat, sinus infection and bronchitis cough & congestion. After taking the first pill the only good thing the pill did was ease my sore throat so I could swallow without a lot of pain. But I starting itching on my stomach and noticed pink hives but didn't link it yet to the Avelox. So I continued taking them for the next two days and started itching more on my stomach and also now on my shoulder/neck area from these pink pimple like rashes. I also started noticing that I wasn't sleeping and I was waking up through the night to drink water causing me to have incontinence. I also started getting horrible headaches and very high blood pressure. I would wake up during my sleep with this lumpy swollen feeling in the back of my throat. Also, my tongue felt like it was burnt, numb and tingling. After taking the fourth pill and since it was the weekend and my doctor wasn't in and being stupid I continued taking the med. Now by Monday I was on my fifth pill and I noticed that all these symptoms weren't going away. So I called my doctor and told her I wasn't continuing the last two days of the pills because of what was happening. She told me I was having bad side effects to the med and to stop taking them. I will never take Avelox ever again....a horrible med!!!

please don't Take this stupid medication.... .. its expensive n doesn't work ... .. n millions of sides effects come with it so theres no point of wasting money on this making money factory... ..Depression, Headache, n feels shitty

I had a severe upper respiratory infection and regular well known antibiotics wouldn't kick it. I went back to the physician who prescribed Avelox. Within less than 2 minutes of taking the first pill out of the bottle I started getting sensations of bee's stinging my tongue everywhere and my lips were tight, purple and swollen. Within just minutes I started having a hard time breathing and the whites of my eyes were really bloody. Next thing I knew I could literally feel and hear my heart beat in my ears and everything sounded like I was in a tunnel. Within 5 minutes of taking the pill an ambulance was called and by the time they arrived my blood pressure was 70/16 with over 240 pulse.

When I got to the ER they said I wasn't the only one with the same issue to this drug and 3 were within the week prior to my being there. When I said I had SVT Supra Ventricular Tachycardia the doctor said people with SA Node (Natural pace maker of the heart) issues which control the magnetic aspect of your heart biting it sends something in there to screw it up and make it a big mess. I wouldn't suggest this med to anyone as I did some other research on it through the web and their reports from the FDA and there were some pretty NASTY side and long term effects of it.

Needless to say; since this happened I've developed a panic disorder and my nervous system isn't working correctly. Again; be careful what you take.

My doctor prescribed Avelox 400 mg tablets to treat pneumonia. I was warned by the pharmacist not to take it with my morning vitamins, so I took it 1/2 hour before bed time - needless to say I hardly slept. I started itching all over, my arms started tingling, my heart was racing a hundred miles an hour. Believe it or not I took another one the next night, and yep it happened again, I thought I was dying. My blood pressure dropped to 99/78 and my pulse was 50 - my normal vitals are 120/60, and pulse is 95. It seemed that within minutes my pulse jumped to 115 and my pressure was 138/90. I guess that is what an anxiety attach feels like. Then to top it all off, it felt like someone was pouring water in my veins, this feeling of rushing water ran from my fingers up my arms in into my shoulders then my heart would jump again; I had weakness is my legs and felt nausea the entire next day. I contacted my doctor with no return call, so I discontinued the medication. I do not believe the benefits of this medication out weigh the side effects. I will not ever take this medicine again. I will pray for healing for all of you, God bless and keep smiling.

I was given 5 doses of Avelox for a bronchial infection along with an asthma inhaler (Symbicort). While taking the Avelox my hands were shaky, but not to an extent that it impeded my work (typing/computer operation, writing) or daily life. I did find it harder to concentrate and occasionally I would forget something I was about to do, which is not normal for me. I also found myself zoning out from time to time and having delayed reactions. I was still able to drive, but if you are just starting to take this medication, I recommend waiting to see how much your alertness is impaired before driving or doing anything that requires a lot of focus. After the 5 doses, I felt slightly better, but not as well as I expected. I asked the doctor about this and she said the antibiotics should stay in my system for up to two weeks and I should continue to feel better in that time. It's been a few days, and this seems to be true as I am feeling steadily better.

Approximately 1 1/2 years ago I was given Avelox for Bronchitis. I had taken the drug several times without any Side Effects. Within 15 minutes of taking that dose I got a flush that started at my toes and went up to my head in seconds. Then I started to itch and broke out in hives. At this point my mouth started to swell and I knew this was bad. At this point I called my doctor's office and told them I had an EPI Pen at home should I use it. The nurse told me to take a Benadryl and that she would check with the DR and call me back. She said if the reaction got worse to just call the squad and go to the ED. The nurse called me back and told me to use the EpiPen and if this didn't help to call 911. It was pretty scary.

I recently had a severe Drug Reation to Avelox in April 2009. Within 5 minutes after taking it, I started with heart palpitations, very similar to an anxiety attack. My thinking started to get out control, my breathing became shortened and rapid, much like a panic attack. I started to itch, couldn't think and felt like I was losing control of everything. Within 10 minutes I knew it was getting worse. I had my husband call 911 and the operator told me to take benadryl while I was waiting for the squad, and I did. The squad was there in a reasonable amount of time. However, at this point I was so short of breath, I could barely walk & talk. I just collapsed as soon as I reached my porch steps. It nearly took me 1/2 hr before I could walk to the squad, only taking a few steps at a time and waiting about 5 minutes or more, before walking again. I hardly remember walking out to the squad and the ride to hospital. I remember being totally limp, and was
carried down my porch steps. I barely remember getting into the squad. I had to answer questions in short phrases, pausing several times to get enough breath to do so. I was told by the time I got to the hospital I was purple. After about an hour things started to calm down. I came very close to "buying the farm" that night and never want to experience anything like it again. I spent the next 7 days in the hospital, on oxygen and several medications to help me breath and clear the tracheal bronchitis.

Both my Mom & I had come down with the flu and our doctor gave us each 6 day sample of Avelox. I became severely depressed & anxious telling the neighbor I felt a doom & gloom in the air. I just googled Avelox and anxiety and depression and found this site. I just asked my Mom if she felt depressed while on it and she said yes but could not put her finger on why. I also experienced bad back pain. I will never take this drug again. There is nothing wrong with the tried and true drugs that have been time-tested. Again, this proves to me the pharmaceutical companies along with the doctors they wine & dine try to push the latest fad drug as they make the most amount of money on it. The drugs that have been around for decades do not make them the money that the new ones do. FDA should be ashamed for allowing these drugs to be passed onto the consumer so easily.

i am a very healthy 55 year old who dances salsa 4-5 times a week, skis 4-5 mornings per week and works out at gym with wight 4-5 mornings. i developed a possible case of pneumonia and was prescribed avalox for 5 days (at $90.00 dollars no less) on the 3rd day i woke up ,and felt heel pain in my left heel and attributed it to0 a nerw pair of shoes i used for dancing. upon rubbing my heel and noticing NO callous or rubbed area i stood uo do experience sharp pain in my achilles tendon area. later on that same day i noticed my left shoulder area(rotator) seemed sore and did not make any connection since i use left arm to spin salsa partners. that same morning while drinking coffee at breakfast I read the sheets given to me by the HMO pharmacy to discover to my ALARM the side effect for people my age "possible torn achiiles tendon" as well as other tendon issues. alarmed i stopped to meds and called the PA who prescribed them.meantime i was on my way to Mexico and put on zithromax instead and upon coming home 10days later off of marvelox i still have extreme heel pain and discomfort in tendon areas . i finally went to see a doctor 3 days ago and upon telling him of these symptoms he told me there was "not a definite connection"....i proceed ed to almost start screaming and told him "not top talk to me like a stupid FU---ng 21 year old. i know my body and I HAVE BEEN VIOLATED AND when i confronted the head of pharmacy at the clinic she informed me thast on the computer Avelox was"blacklisted" for these side effects and it was posted on the system. when asked if this was permanent symptoms she did not know for sure and I informed them that I expected a call from their pharmD to discuss these symptoms,history,effects and possible remedies. i've been screwed and SOMEBODY will pay for abusing me!!
mark

My local hospital prescribed Avelox for a sinus infection since Amoxicillin wasn't working. My fever jumped up to 102 the first 2 days so I called my family doctor. He told me to keep taking the meds for 2 more days and if my fever persisted to call him back. I experienced the high fever on day 3 and then was in a world of shock when I took the 4th pill. My body went numb, I was speaking but had no idea what I was saying, dizzy, the fever subsided during the day but spiked back up to 102 that night and I was very irritable. I made a doctors appointment the next day and the doctor told me to take the meds at night and I wouldn't have those reactions. After reading these comments and my day 4 episode, I had it in my head that I was not going to take any more pills. Then I called a nurse friend who assured me that it wasn't the antibiotic making me feel that way.....it was the extra strength Tylenol. She advised me to take the pill. I took the pill and not two hours later, my body went numb, I became dizzy, my tendons in my right knee and left foot swelled and I couldn't sleep. After my body went numb, I took the rest of the pills and flushed them down the toilet. I'm still feeling the affects of the pills and it's been 2 days. I've been swallowing gallons of water to flush it out of my system. I lost an entire week of work and pretty much my normal life. I'd much rather have sinus pressure in my head then deal with these side effects.

Took my 3rd dose of the Avelox samples my Dr. gave me for a sinus infection. Yesterday I thought it might have been the infection getting worse before it got better and the nausea was from the nasal drainage. Given Clarinix D which I thought might have been causing the dizzy, shaky feeling. Today I woke up feeling pretty good, but took the Avelox with a bagel and I felt very sick to my stomach, hot and flushed, dizzy, throbbing head and wanting to cry. I didn't take the decongestant so I know it was the Avelox. I have RA and yesterday it felt like all my joints were throbbing and I was having a flare up. My doctor's office was closed today, I won't take this again tomorrow. I'll wait until Monday to get a different antibiotic.

this is probably the worst thing Avelox caused, besides death, which would have happened without help..

7th day on Avelox for sinusitus - massive pain back of my head, sweating so much my clothes were soaked, threw up 2 times, legs were uncoordinated when trying to walk

Called 911 - paramedics took blood pressure - guess what.. 210/180.. something was definitely wrong. Rushed to hospital - passed out in ER - woke up with wife and family present - CT scan found my brain bleeding and brain surgery was performed to remove the clot..

But wait, it gets better... 2 days in the ICU my brain swelled from the surgery and the fluid stopped circulating.. I was semi conscious in the ICU for probably 4-5 hours and nothing was done. My wife came in early in the morning and thought I was sleeping, but could not wake me.. The nurse said that a doctor was called and will be there later. I'm DYING right before their eyes in the ICU!!! My wife demanded I get a CT scan immediately. If she didn't I would have stopped breathing. Later CT showed my ventricles enlarged with fluid backed up so much that my brain and brainstem was ridiculously squeezed so much, my head was all ventricles and barely any brain showing in the CT. I attribute my current brain damage to this episode.

A shunt was placed in my head for about 3 days.. basically a needle is inserted into my brain and left there to drain the excess fluid.. After my condition stabilized, the shunt was removed.

Spent 1 week in the hospital, then transferred to another hospital to stay in for inpatient PT and treatment. I didn't know left from right, had double vision, was throwing up constantly, was hot, then very cold, my legs hurt, had hallucinations (was believing certain things were happening, that really weren't) was incontinent, had a new catheter inserted every single day, was taught to walk again, had to use a wheelchair.

I had always been healthy, was vegetarian and did not smoke cigarettes.. I exercised regularly, did not use drugs (i.e. - cocaine or methamphetamine which can cause high blood pressure leading to a stroke)

Didn't know what happened to me, but realized I had to be there.. After 1 month, decided to go home (the hospital was becoming too stressful, somebody was always screaming and yelling at night and the daily catheters were uncomfortable), to be back in the lifestyle I knew.. my wife, my granddaughter, my house, my dog, cats, and other pets were sorely missed.

Once home I found that I couldn't do what I used to anymore - could not mow the lawn, drive, speak well, walk properly, had double vision, a tingling on my face, a metallic taste in my mouth so bad that good food tasted bad.

My wife set me up for physical therapy three times a week daily outpatient at the hospital I was at. Vomited regularly from the daily dizziness.

This was most disturbing, I developed a pain in my left hand and left shoulder, to the point where I could not raise my arm above my head and had to sleep with my arm straight down for at least a year. After playing guitar for 30 years, I found myself unable to play my guitar anymore. My left hand had lost all its dexterity and was not usable. I did not realize what happened to me until my wife explained the entire thing to me.

In the next few weeks I spent each day trying to put "2 and 2 together" and figure out why this happened to me. When doing research on strokes, I realized that certain things happened to me that were not consistent with having a stroke. In my brain damaged condition, I remembered taking the antibiotic Avelox, based on a physicians prescription. I researched the adverse effects and to my amazement, the listed side effects were consistent with what happened to me.

I began a quest to file a lawsuit - was unable to find a lawyer willing to tackle such a huge case.. although one lawyer did file before the 2 year time limit expired.. I had MRI's performed on my hand and shoulder which revealed scarring and previous ligament tearing.

During the time of having more outpatient and in home therapy, I regularly visited a psychologist and my physician confirmed that the Avelox most likely caused the brain bleed, tendon tears, and other mysterious symptoms when I presented him with my research. I was unable to work and my only income was from monthly Social Security Disability benefits that didn't begin until 6 months after the incident.. leaving me with no income and unpaid bills for 6 months. The mortgage payments fell behind and soon foreclosure notices arrived. We decided that an alternative would be to sell the house.. it could not be sold after 1 years attempt, so my wife and I moved to an affordable apartment. I put household items in a storage facility. I either sold to pay bills or threw away much of my personal things,since I was devastated by what happened to me, I didn't think I was going to survive long after reading statistics on strokes.

While in the apartment, I needed an income and was forced to take what was in the scpoe of my limited ability. I accepted an early morning paper route and then made deliveries for a courier company using my own vehicle.. That was a 12 hour work day. Being completely upset over what happened, losing everything including my house.. I decided to attempt to escape the overwhelming things that happened and were still happening. I found a house for rent that was less than the apartments rent, except it was in North Carolina. At the time that seemed perfect, a 3 bedroom house located in a far away place where I could forget everything that happened and make a fresh start. Only problem is my wife not want to go, but I was adamant upon doing it. She helped me move everything, including all storage items.. I had moved to North Carolina, but soon found being alone and unable to find suitable employment unbearable. I was being contacted for back rent owed, but could not do everything alone - I became more depressed to the point of feeling suicidal, so I called my aunt in NY and she said just leave everything and get myself to her house. I did, leaving everything behind, and stayed with her for a month until my cousin invited me to stay with him.. which I did. I stayed with him for 3 months, all the while searching for employment.

With help from my family I moved back to my familiar area in NJ in the summer of 2008. I had lost everything..unable to be physical with my wife and being seperated for 18 months, she has requested a divorce. Currently I live by myself and am still slowly recovering, yet my left arm and hand are uncoordinated, my talking is difficult, slurred and gravely (diagnosed with dysarthria), my balance is bad and am dizzy every single day for the past 4 years.. Although brain damaged, I am attempting to rejoin the computer support business again.

My entire past, everything I knew and did, everyone I knew, who I was, etc.. is all a strange hazy memory. If I don't take a sleep aid, I wake up around 4am with racing thoughts, unable to sleep.. My depression and anxiety are so bad, it is difficult to function and interact with others. My psychiatrist has diagnosed me with post-traumatic stress disorder and prescribed Zoloft and Xanax.

Upon proper research, I have to blame the prescription and subsequent use of Avelox for causing the brain bleed which led to my life being completely and utterly destroyed. My intentions are to file suit against the manufacturer Bayer and/or the hospital for allowing me to die in the ICU

I am a 62 year old male who works out and is in good shape. I developed a case of diverticulitis and was prescribed a 10 day course of Avelox, 400 mg. per day. I began taking the pills and they worked on the diverticulitis. However, after 7 pills, I developed pain above and below the knees and down at the ankle. This pain is in the tendons. It feels like a permanent Charlie Horse. I went to the doctor today and his belief is that I do indeed have a side effect, since I am in otherwise good health, the pain is in both legs, and the onset coincides with taking Avelox. Unfortunately, he said they do not really know the mechanism of this reaction; they don't know how long it lasts; don't know if it goes away, etc. Now I must really watch myself for who knows how long because of the danger of popping a tendon. This is incredible to me. Seven pills and perhaps permanent damage? I am wondering if any of the people who have posted tendon issues have improved or gotten worse after time.

Today is the 10th and last day of Avelox for me. My heart is racing and pounding, I am very jittery and anxious, I have little appetite, and have extreme fatigue. I have also been on 6 days of prednisone, so I don't know if one or both of these medications is causing my symptoms. All I know is I will be glad to be off both of them and hope and pray my sinus infection doesn't come back!

My Avelox experience has been hellish! I took 10 days of Avelox in the first part of May, 2009. Today is July 12.

By day 3 of taking this drug, I had severe welts all over my face, I tried to get an emergency appointment with my HMO doctor. He was on vacation. I had an emergency appointment with my HMO dermatologist, who gave me an alternative rosecea cream. (this WAS NOT rosecea.!)

Ever since I have taken this drug, my skin gets blotchy, itchy, swollen and extremely red. It begins one day, stays a second day and starts to subside the third day. It all happen again about a week later.

I've tried many different face sun tan lotions, as I have to be outside part of the day for my job. I do use hats and an umbrella. Any solution or similar experiences would be appreciated, if shared

J.F. , Manhattan Beach , CA

I took Avelox, on the second day i woke up with red itchy spots all over my legs,,, they started to spread and became so swollen,,, for the 4 days i walked with my legs being in so much pain and burning sensation around those spots,, then spots turned more like stones,, they harden so bad ,, i couldn't even sleep,, by accident i forgot to take my 4th dose and on the next day i noticed that swelling came down a little ,,, i still went to doctor and she said to me ooooo i am so sorry,, this is so rare but it is a side affect to Avelox, and obviously i stopped the medication,, I have checked with Nutritionist and Natural Care doctors,, and i was told that the best way to flash this antibiotic out of your system would be drinking a lot of water and also get Natural Aloe juice,, in Organic Health stores, and drink 8 oz,, 4 times a day...!!!!! Try it,,, it works

Well, I had foot surgery. Several days later when I returned to doc my foot was obviously infected. He gave me Cipro AND Levaquin at the same time even though they are in the same family of drug. I went home and ate supper then took my first dose. I had a weird feeling like I was about to pass out and was home alone. I unlocked the front door and waited for EMS to arrive.

They checked me out and I was going to go to ER by car. When I stood up, I turned white and fell back on the sofa. I had a rash on neck/chest and felt like someone was squeezing my chest all the way around my body. They said my blood pressure dropped. They gave me epinephrine in ER. I looked at my daughter and said it is happening again. I thought the top of my head would blow off. I turned white and started vomiting everywhere. Turns out the nurse should have given it in the muscle not by IV.

A few months later, I took my first dose of Avelox (also in same family as Levaquin and Cipro) for a sinus infection. (I think it caused palpitations the one other time I took, but I do that occasionally anyway so I didn't connect it to the antibiotic.) Second time I was out at a restaurant with my sons. I felt like I was about to pass out again. I called an ambulance because they aren't old enough to drive. I told them about my reaction to Levaquin, but to my surprise my blood pressure was sky high. Again it felt like pressure in my chest but no difficulty really breathing. Since I had an "atypical" reaction, I had to stay overnight in the ER and be evaluated for a heart attack! I had an EKG, stress test, and cardiac enzymes drawn all night. What a pain! Then the dufus ER doc told me to continue the antibiotic. My daughter, who is a paramedic, said just nod and smile. Then go home and throw it away. Call your regular doc and ask him to change it. That is exactly what I did.

Now I am petrified every time I have to take antibiotics! I have to talk myself through it.

Second time I took it, I felt weird again.

I am a 32 female and on my third day of taking Avelox and its driving me crazy. I haven't slept nearly two days. I am so tired and I haven't been able to eat anything as well because as soon as I put food in my stomach it doesn't want to stay long. I am also so bloated and very jittery and have very bad mood swings and very irritated with things. I haven't been able to do anything I have no energy and as soon as I would stand up I have to sit back down because I get so dizzy and light headed and ready to faint and then vomit. I have been doing that as well. Ive called my doctor and told me to continue to take the med and they are just side effects that will go away in time. Well I can say that these pills made there way into the toilet and are washed away somewhere. And I cant believe that I would spend the amount of money on these pills $120.00 to feel the way that I do. My eyes burn and also cant stand the sunlight. Its summer time and I love being outside and cant. I haven't experienced depression yet and don't plan on it. I guess I will just let this runs its course and eat plenty of chicken noodle soup. I know the next time the doctor wants to prescribe this med for me I am just going to come out and say I AM ALLERGIC to it.. Does it count that since ive been on it that my nose has been itchy and my hair feels like its crawling and I always bite my lip now..I wouldn't advice anyone to take this medicine. Its not worth being more sick then you already are and I am right there with everyone else if there is a lawy suite against this drug I am right there with it

I just finished my last pill of Avelox today. I take the generic form of prozac each day. I was taking the meds at the same time because no one told me different. For the last 3 night I cannot go to sleep. When i do finally fall asleep i am worked by a panic attack that can last for a couple of hours. Stomach very upset and very nauseated. I also feel very sad and depressed. Had no idea it could be from this RX until tonight when I looked it up! Will never take again. Just wish I knew how long it will take to get out of my system????

My husband developed a bad, really red rash on arms, legs, back chest and face after 3 days of being on Avelox. I did not know what this was from as he takes several medications, but this was a new one prescribed for chest congestion so I decided to look it up on the internet. Lo and behold, lots of other people have had this problem as well. He took another Avelox today before I found out this info.... hope he does not get worse! Looks like this is a common side effect of this drug. He won't take another one ever again!

Had "walking pneumonia" in February 2008. Went to a couple of primary care physicians before I was finally prescribed AVELOX. I was 40 at the time and have no psychiatric history but within a day of taking AVELOX I suddenly felt like I was being pulled into a black hole of depression. That lasted about 20-30 minutes but felt much longer. The next day, the same feeling happened. I immediately went online and found all of these posts. I stopped taking AVELOX ASAP. Over the next couple of days, those feelings dissappated. I feel so fortunate that my symptoms went away. Every chance I get, I tell people, "DO NOT TAKE AVELOX!" I am wondering how AVELOX remains on the market! How many more people will be temporarily or permanently damaged by this toxin?!