Levaquin and blood test

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.

Well, I took Levaquin 500 once a day for 14 days for an inflamed lower bowel. It cured that. But, I got a blood test back today saying I am positive in my ANA pattern? Also states it is "A nucleolar pattern is associated with systemic sclerosis." Probably Drug induced Lupus.

My symptoms have been painful joints, muscle weakness to the nth degree pain and weakness in shoulders, panic attacks, fainting spells, headaches, finger pain! Depression, happy, depression, happy. Strong, weak.

My next step is to go to a specialist (Rheumatoid)

I'm leaving for Costa Rica for 6 days. I am going to be positive and get over this! I hope nothing happens over there. I will not let it get me!

I am 67 years old and I had a PSA level of 5.7 as of April 16th 2008. In the year 2000 my PSA level was 11 and Dr did biopsy and found no issues. On May 8th my present Dr prescribed Levaquin 500 Mg to treat my PSA. As of today I have taken 18 tablets of Levaquin 500 mg. On May 24th evening I started getting fever tiredness and diarrhea. Took Paracetamol 500 mg to reduce fever. Temperature reduced to 97. If I didn't take any fever reducing medicine my body temperature started increasing. on May 26th temperature started increasing and it reached 102.6 and got admitted into emergency. At emergency they did run several tests and later discharged asking me to continue with fever reducing medicine. Also I was told to continue with Levaquin 500mg. Though I am taking fever reducing medicine with Levaquin, today my body temperature reached 105. On May 19th,2008 I had a blood test and came to know that my PSA had reached 6.2. I don't want to take Levaquin any more.

I took Leva-kill last November, 500mg for 10days due to a resistant ear infection. On the 3rd day, my back felt like it was on fire. Went to ER, did one blood test for muscle deterioration, came back fine.Told to keep taking. I thought I was going to die. I felt and still feel like I was poisoned. Seems to be permanent. Some days worse than others. Check out FQVICTIMS.ORG.Any doctors and dentist I have seen says not Levaquin {about ten]. One ENT said "I bet" when told levaquin made me feel like dying, but that was it. Has anyone heard of any hope? Is this really permanent?

Started Levaquin yesterday for Bronchitis. Today I started with episodes of Tachycardia, Tightness in the chest, and numbness and tingling in the hands,feet and face. I am a nurse and trust me I will make sure none of my patients leave the office I work at with a script for this class of medication. 1 DOSE WAS PLENTY FOR ME I'M THROWING OUT THE OTHER 9 PILLS ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello fellow sufferers,
Several years ago I had a CT of my face and head due to frequent migraines...They had thought maybe there was a tumor or blocked blood vessels, but to my complete surprise all of that was normal, but I had all the sinuses on the right side of my face completely blocked...The doctor @ that time asked me some questions about my breathing and pain...Of course my breathing through the nose wasn't that great, but I had always taken that as a bonus since I work in the hospital...NO pain really either...Due to the fact that sinus infections have a direct pathway to the brain they decided that I needed Levaquin...On the second day of taking the medication I was in complete tears...The bottom half of my body ached like someone had kicked the %^&* out of me...First off I thought that maybe it was because I had my leg in a full cast and that had just been adjusted so stupidly I continued with the med another 2 days and the symptoms got to the point that I couldn't walk...I called the pharmacy right away and told them of my symptoms and they said they had no documentation of such side effects so I continued thinking it was something else ( they always tell you to complete the full course of an antibiotic so you don't kill off half the "bug" and the other half goes resistant)....Stupid....I finally made an appointment and had my husband literally carry me cast and all down there...The doctor had no explanation for the symptoms I had but did lab work to kinda shut me up and low and behold it reviled that I had full blown arthritis so off to a rheumatoid specialist...We went through my health history and other that the sinus infection, migraines and a broken leg I was fine except for the constant pain from the waist down........It took 7 months to return to "normal" blood test went back to normal too...I had made a second trip to the pharmacy and insisted on filling out a form for side effects and had proof of it with the weird lab tests that had since gone back to normal...This form was supposed to be sent to the drug company (not sure if it ever was).....Thought I would just share my experience with you and hope it helps others...I am an RN with 15 yrs surgical experience and thought I was going nuts when on this stuff...Since then I have always included this as an ALLERGY since it is one of the best and most common drugs used for things like sinus infections and I don't ever want to take this again.
Sincerely,
Debbie

I was diagnosed as having Bronchitis. I have cardio vascular disease; have had 4 heart attacks. A doctor prescribed Levaquin 500mg for seven days. I started getting pain in my left leg about the 4th day of taking the Levaquin. I started having difficulty breathing and found myself gasping for air especially at night. I just thought the infection was getting worse and I finished the 7 day of pills. After that time I got a rash on my body, shortness of breath continued, my eyes were swelling up, had little urine flow, got cramps in my feet, thighs, neck and arms and I gained 20 pounds of fluid even though I was not eating much and swelled up like a water balloon in my abdomen and down to my feet. I went back to the doctors office, had a different doctor which she said I was having heart problems. She ran blood tests to check the heart and liver, took another x-ray, gave me a drug to test my urine flow and when the results of the blood test came back I was told I had an enlarged heart, fluid in my heart cavity and referred to schedule an appointment in two weeks with a cardiologist.

Then the doctor asked me if the previous doctor knew I had heart disease and I said yes. This doctor informed me it looks like you had an allergic reaction to something. She then prescribed a blood pressure and diuretic for me to relive fluid and released me, I took the diuretic one day did not relieve any additional fluid became constipated and I immediately stopped taking the water pill.

I then went to a third doctor four days later since I got no help from the first or second doctor for the shortness of breath, fluid retention,swelling and shortness of breath.
This doctor asked me what medication I had taken I informed him Levaquin and he proceeded to tell me they were having trouble and bad effects in some people taking Levaquin. I felt relieved because I had read the warnings that came with the medication and I confirmed I had certain allergic effects from the drug. The doctor then took a blood and urine test told me to come back in four days until the blood test results come in. I am extremely angry at the medical profession and the treatment I have received for their failure to treat the side effects of the prescribed medication I was given, I even read Lefaquin has caused cardiac collapse in some patients so why on earth would a doctor prescribe this medicine to a person with cardio vascular disease? I am sitting here suffering the side effects and they are out of the office not having a concern to my suffering just lining their pockets Monday through Friday with cash, Our medical and drug systems are broken and no one is attempting to repair them to my knowledge.

I have finally figured it out. The drug causes uric acid crystals to build up and the result is gout. I am going for another blood test today and will find out for sure but I know the knee pain etc. is the result of gout, for sure. Marsh

PLEASE READ THIS! UPDATE FROM ROCCO21ELM

I suffered terrible joint/muscle pain after taking Levaquin for 9 days. After reading all the posts here I was terrified that it was going to be an ongoing problem but it's been about a month now and the pain is nearly gone completely. Worry and fear seem only make the pain so much worse!
Pleae go to the doctor for a blood test. If everything comes back negative then you can relax. I suggest a proper diet, (AVOID foods known to cause inflammation and eat more foods that are anti inflammatory! Stretching in the morning, and swimming in warm water, hot baths help, and above all else, have a positive attitude. It goes a long way!! Good luck to all of you.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF THE PROBLEMS YOUR HAVING ARE A DIRECT RESULT OF TAKING LEVAQUIN.IS THERE A BLOOD TEST THAT CAN REVEAL THE LEVAQUIN IN YOUR SYSTEM EVEN AFTER IT HAS BEEN WEEKS AND MAYBE EVEN MONTHS AFTER FINISHING THE DRUG.MY DR. PRESCRIBED IT FOR A UTI INFECTION AND JUST GAVE ME FREE SAMPLES OF IT FROM HIS OFFICE WITH NO SYMTOMS OR SIDE EFFECTS PAPER WITH IT .I FEEL LIKE MY CHEST IS GOING TOO EXPLODE AND I CANT SLEEP .I ALSO HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND TAKE LOTREL 5/10 .CAN THIS BE HARMFUL FOR ME

Levaquin, thank God you folks had problems I thought it was me!!!! My doctor too said to keep taking the drug for 10 days, I was just able to take it for 5 days - the heartburn all day and all night, the massive head aches - the nightmares I thought my wife was trying to kill me - me and my dog hid in a closet for a couple hours but he has stinky farts and I couldn't stand it. I slept on a chair too freaked out to go to bed. It took three days to recover from Levaquin but what the heck my sinus infection went away. Now- a week later I have a blood test and I am told my Liver is screwed up and there are all sorts of other problems. i am pretty sure the Levaquin is messing with my interior... wouldn't it be nice if the maker of the drug had to put his name and address on every bottle so when stuff bad happens when you are all better you could go kick his ass... The doctor that perscribed Levaquin is refusing to accept the fact Levaquin altered my blood test so he s insisting i have some serious tests completed - screwed coming and doubled scred leaving, how special

Had an aching testicle...for unknown reasons. Doc put me on levaquin for 13 days...no symptoms. About a week after taking it developed a 102 fever (but only at night), aching joints, blood pressure went up, pulse increased, rapid weight loss (16 lbs in less then 3 weeks). Doc gave me another perscription for 30 days. Six days into it I called and complained of symptoms. Took me off it and ordered a blood test. All was normal except alkaline phosphatase (slightly elevated). Doc was concerned about the rapid weight loss saying that it is attributable to cancer however acknowledged none of this started till after I started taking levaquin. Now I'm going for a battery of tests. I'm 40, no health problems, no other meds, and was very active. Something shut me down! I hope this is the problem and I hope the reactions subside. Anyone similiar...especially with the weight loss?

I was prescribed Levaquin the first of April 2003 as a preventative measure, and around the 20th of May 2003 lost my ability to taste, just a weired metallic taste, and noitced I tired very easily and was short of breath with very little exerction. Was advised by a Dr. friend of mine to have some blood test done which showed that my immune system was very depressed. Abnormal platelets, very low RBC (2.95), very low WBC (1.22). Just about every entry on my CBC is low, with exception of two items which were high and these have remained unchanged for the past two weeks. I have had four CBC's done in the past 14 days with virtually no change. I am going for a bone marrow biopsy as soon as I can get in. (no insurance) Does anyone have any suggestions?

I was given Levaquin for a skin infection. I started taking it 3 weeks ago and I have a prescription to get a refill now. For the last 3 weeks I have been extremely tired, short of breath (so much so that I went to the emergency room a few days ago), aches in my shoulders and neck, sleeplessness, and pain in my joints and lower back. I didn't know what could be causing this as I am in good health otherwise. My doctor just sent me through a lot of blood test and xrays, trying to find out why I'm feeling so bad all the time. Since I have read the other testimonies, I know what is wrong. Thank you so much for sharing your information. I thought that I was truely sick. I will stop taking this medication immediately.

I was relieved to see other peoples side effects. I thought I was just losing my mind. Since I started on levaquin, 1st time about a month ago, and currently finishing a script, I have been experiencing severe pain in all my joints upon awakening in the morning. I live on the second floor and to get out I feel and look like Frankenstein getting down the stairs. My achilles, knees, hips, shoulders and neck are most affected. The pain does seem to subside somewhat during the day, but believe me I am still in a state of moderate discomfort. I called my MD and he said he had never heard of such a thing and to finish the RX. If I am still uncomfortable in 2 weeks he wants me to call him so he can do a blood test to check for rheumatoid arthritis. Again thanx to all who have taken the time to write out their troubles related to levaquin therapy, now I don't feel alone or crazy. best luck and quick healing to all affected by this antibiotic.

I took Levaquin from May 1, 02 until July 19,02 for an infected hip prothesis. I developed severe pain in my fingers, knuckles, hands, shoulders and TMJ joints. The Dr. said it would go away. As of May 9, 03 I still have the problem and am seeing a rheumatologist. He, through blood test said I have ANCA Positive vasculitis which is caused from taking Levaquin. The course of treatment is steroids. I took steroids and the raised havoic with me, and only made matters worse. His next course of action is massive doses of steroids. IV therapy for three days followed by 100, yes 100 days of taking 15 mg prednisone daily. He treated his only other patient with ANCA Positive and it did not work.
I'm currently waiting to get in to Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic or University of Michigan Medical Center.
My question to anyone out here is if there is a class action law suit going against the manufacturer of Levaquin.
jcoleman@shianet.org

I take lithium for a bipolar illness and found that the Levaquin actually interacted with my medicine and lowered it's effectiveness. My doctor tested my level with a blood test and found it had been lowered by 33% in just 10 days. Also, I experienced pain in my shoulder muscles and had heart palpitations as well. I felt feverish at times too, yet, much of the time I felt so cold. I experienced nausea, and dizziness. Best of all, I couldn't sleep worth a darn either. I took this instead of Biaxin because the Biaxin gave me stomach cramps and diarrhea. I'll tell you what, I will beg to take the Biaxin over the Levaquin next time I get a sinus infection.

I was given Levaquin for 10 days for sinus infection on Feb 22, 2003. I couldn't sleep for those 10 days. Even now I still have trouble to sleep at night. I don't have touble sleeping before I take Levaquin. After 6 days of Levaquin feel a little pain on my back around kidney area. Since it was just little uncomfortable, I didn't pay much attention on it. And my sinus infection seems improved after 6 days. I finished 10 days Levaquin. I got severe back pain around kidney area after I finished 10 days Levaquin. I went to ER. They did blood test, X-ray, and ct-scan. Everything are normal except a tiny kidney stone. The ER doctor said the tiny kidney stone should not contribute to my severe back pain. But he cannot explain why I have such severe back pain. I don't have sinus infection now. I still feel mild back pain now. I feel tired and weak sometimes. It's good to find this website to explain why I had such severe back pain around kidney area.

Don't take Levaquin. There are other drugs we can take.