Levaquin and calves

The medical professional is particularly unhelpful in this matter. Talking with medical personnel about fluoroquinolone poisoning is a go-nowhere exercise. In an era when Monsanto genetically-modifies our seed stock you might think medical caregivers would advise us in advance that their prescription antibiotics mess around with their patients' DNA. (IT's that deregulation thing, yes?)

I experienced painful calves and a strange dream, possibly a nightmare, immediately, e.g., on the very same night, after having injested one Levaquin dosage for a prostate condition and maybe a year after separately having taken cipro for a week to combat traveler's diarrhea. The post-Levaquin early evening dream was strange insofar as I rarely drempt, and I never recall having been roused to wakefulness by a dream shortly after having gone to bed. Early on I did NOT associate Levaquin with the really terrible symptoms that I experienced within 60 days of having injested Levaquin.

My wheels fell off when I entered a period of insomnia. I thought my sleeplessness was stress-related because my health history includes a major depressive episode 11 years ago. I presented myself for help to a psychiatrist who prescribed a small dose of an atypical antipsychotic as a sleeping aid. My drug-induced sleep felt like a coma that lasted each night for a couple of hours. There were heart palpitations, agitation, panic attacks, racing heart, racing thoughts, insomnia, depression, paranoia, poor cognition, body shuddering, muscle twitching, night sweats, and pain in both Achilles heals. The symptoms filled a note book page. I felt like Jean D'Arc who was being burned chemically at the stake from the inside out. I would rise in the morning and then minutes later fall back into bed. I could stare off into space and completely lose track of time. I could not even find the right words in mid-sentence. I could not fill-in the registration papers when I presented myself for a second opinion at Mayo Clinic. I became a full babbling idiot. My wife said that I had retreated or devolved into some kind of primate or ape who communicated solely his emotional states by means of eye contact only.

I asked my doctors if the sum of levaquin and cipro had pushed me over my peak quinolone tolerance level. Or was it the medicine that the psychiatrist had prescribed to make me sleep? . I was no stranger to depression and I knew my symptoms were not merely emotional or psychological in nature. Why did I always feel as if I had been poisoned? The psychiatrist decided my paranoia warranted higher med levels. I declined the advice and stopped taking the meds altogether. My anxiety today is lower, my sleep is improved but fitfull. My neck aches. My head feels as if it were in a vise. It's not a headache and it's not painful, but there is a tingling, crawling, scorching sensation at my forehead and behind my eyes as if someone had beat me with a pillow and then filled my head with novocaine.

I'm not sure there's a moral to the story. It might sound a tad over-the-top, but I think we're faced by a pharmaceutical plague. There's really no excuse for the absence of informed consent. There is nowhere above ground, e.g., nowhere on main street, and no-one with whom you can speak in order to take the full measure of fluoroquinolone poisoning. If you are at this URL merely to find out about the FDA's recent black box warning re: Levaquin's link to ruptured tendons, you are in for peep into hell. Read the other thousands of postings on this site, and decide for yourself who bears the ring of truth.

I took levaquin for 2 weeks to treat a infection, i am 26 years old and have never had muscle pain for longer than a couple days after working out...now i have moderate pain in my rib area and muscles near the groin area and even upper leg, and have done hardly any physical activity while being treated...i have seen no improvement for a few weeks now, but think my infection is gone... going back to my doctor tomorrow...need help

Update on my post of Aug. 11th. I did see a neurologist who was a bit skeptical, but after looking it up did acknowledge that this drug can cause tendon ruptures, etc. Later that week he did a nerve conduction study, both the one with the needles and the one where they shock the muscles. He was happy to report that I did not have any "nerve" damage. I had already told him that I did not think I had neuropathy as the numbness had gone away and was just replaced by the constant pain in my joints, etc. I then went to see my rheumatologist who was also just as skeptical that the drug could be causing all the pain I was describing. She said she had had three patients with tendon ruptures, but nothing else. I really don't care what she believes, and I told her so. I know what happened and what horrible pain I have been in ever since. I hate to report that the pain in my feet, knees, hands, hips, back and now my neck are not any better. My insomnia is some better, but I am taking more Lyrica. I tried a different antibiotic yesterday for the sinus infection called Clindamycin. OMG! I took one pill and within a few minutes had unbelievable heartburn. That lasted for 12 hours, along with reflux, burping, weird stomach noises. Now, I can't take that. Doctor called in a prescription for Augmentin this morning. Afraid to try anything now, but guess I will give it a shot. Is anyone getting any better from their joint or muscle pain? Some encourgement would be good. Thanks.

I've been taking Levaquin for about 3 weeks. Last week, suddenly, every joint in my body started aching. I mean from my neck, hands, hips, knees, ankles, feet, everything. For the past week, when I wake up, I can't even make a fist without experiencing excruciating pain. I've always been very active, running, basketball, soccer, skiing, you name it, so this is scaring the heck out of me. I'm 47 years old, and up until a week ago, I was hiking with my family, running everyday with my dog. Now I feel like I'm 100 years old. It hurts to walk, stand up, etc! I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow! I'm ticked about this!

I was prescribed 500 mg Levaquin for 5 days for a uti.

After two days I got a cramp in my left calf muscle.

It's been 2 weeks now. My UTI still remains and I feel horrible. I'm taking Vicodin for all over pain. My calves, lower back, shoulders and knees ache badly. I feel like I have the flu, but without the nausea.

My Doc prescribed Nitrofurantoin to treat the UTI again. Can't wait to check it out.

I just found this site and have been reading the posts and I'm so pissed.

I read some posts that said this poison had left a metal taste in some mouths, so tomorrow I'm going to a CHELATION treatment center and start IV treatments. Chelation by intraveneous is good for getting metals out of your system. I had some treatments about 10 years ago to clean out my arteries and felt better, so hopefully this will work. I'll post the results here.

Took levaquin,500mg,for 10 days to combat infection in my left toe. Infection stopped,however pain in both calves is severe. Started on left leg then also rt. leg. Been off the med for 3 days. Seems to be better in am but gets awful as the day wears on. When will it stop? Is there long trm damage?

Well I posted a couple weeks ago and thought I would update. I intially thought I had no symptoms but lately it seems that in the morning getting out of bed that my muscles are extremly tight in my legs from my calf to my ancles. They seem to stretch out ok after a few minutes but i wondered if the damage has already maybe be not reversable. I just happen to have been seeing a physical therapyst for surgery I recently went thru for another problem altogether. I mentioned this drug to him and he had not heard of it. I told him of the tendon problems people have experienced. I asked him if he knew of any drug that can cause this effect and he stated cortizone can. He says its acks in destroying tissue, cells that act in supporting the tendon and allows them to stretch. . So knowing that a drug can actually cause the same symptoms some of you have experienced I am a believer now. I can see how this drug can possible reak havoc on any part of your body. So since i seem to have been feeling possible symptoms I was wondering if any- one has felt muscle aches and leg stiffness issues and how long after stopping the levaquin were the symptoms felt and what did they progress into if anything and did they subside and or go away all together. To me it seems that if this is about damage then its possible that just simple stretching can cause the tendon to snap. I can also see why some people may have recurring injurys. This would be a sign that one does not heal or the healing process is greatly lenghtened. I do plan on eating better and using some supplements to help.

Well after all the hype of the negative side effects of levaquin I did the 7 days and tho I felt like crap mainly due to the flu I think I seem to be fine a week after stopping. The side effects I did experience were wrenched stomach. This could of been a flu symptom or maybe a side effect of the antibiotic. Knowing that antibiotics can cause pretty much most of the symptoms that people here complain of and having experienced ten years of allergies due to antibiotics from 93 to 03 and curing myself thru education on the subject I knew before hand that taking any antibiotic is a gamble. I think the reason most people have bad experiences is due to an already compromised out of balance system. Candidiasis is a controversial subject that a lot of doctors do not believe in but recently it has made a lot of headlines both on tv and in the holistic field. So knowing I did not want another ten years of hell I bought good flora, probiotics from a health food store. I have been taking about 5 a day with meals. So far i have no side effects. I feel good. I will take probiotics for a month or so to make sure I get enough good flora back into my system. Anyone taking an antibiotic needs to know that it will kill most all benificial bacteria but does not kill candida so without the good flora which keeps candida in check candida can grow and leak into your blood stream and attack any part of the body. I personally do not agree that antibiotics should be used in a lot of situations but sometimes you have no choice. If one does not have the knowledge to use them responsibly I do believe your life can be altered dramatically. Its easy to blame the pill which in most cases you are correct in your assumption but its also your own fault and the doctors to of not educated yourself beforehand.

I went to the doctor with a sinus and kidney infection, after 2 days of levaquin, I had severe swelling in my knees, calves, and ankles, the pain was more than I could bear, I had vomited of the dry heaves because I had no appetite. Does someone know why this mediation is on the market, and why no one has done anything about it. I am still in severe pain after 9 days

I finished taking seven days worth of Levaquin about one week ago. I feel like I am dying. I have Fibromyalgia so I thought I was having a bad flareup. I told my husband this is the worst I've ever felt. I usually exercise, walk, swim and try to move so I dont get stiff from the fibromyalgia. This is very different. My muscles in my thighs and calves are burning, upper body weakness, bizzare nightmares (I usually dont remember my dreams). I cant get out of bed untill around 11:00. I just keep falling asleep when I try to get up earlier. I try to get some exercise and fall onto the couch in tears. I cant think straight and I am so weak. I cant believe my Dr. gave it to me knowing I suffer from chronic pain already. I took it in the past and stopped because of nausea and depression. But I wanted to tough it out this time to get rid of UTI. I also read that you should not take if you have had a reaction to Cipro. I had huge hives from cipro. I wish I had that reaction with the Leviquin so I wouldn't have full body pain. Even my feet hurt. I wish I never heard of this drug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was diagnosed with a bacterial infection six days ago and injected with Levauin, followed up by 500mg/day. The morning after the injection, my legs started aching as though I had run a marathon, particularly my shins, calves, ankles. Today, I woke up in more pain than before and am starting to notice knots in my shins. Every step is becoming more painful than the next, and I don't know how to fix this. I stopped taking Levaquin yesterday, but this problem keeps getting worse. Has anyone else had this experience, and when do the knots go away and the pain cease? Thanks for any info.

Thank God for this forum. It's my second day taking this poison and I am feeling AWFUL ..insomnia, anxiety, flu like sympotoms and all this time I was thinking I was going crazy. I am just worried about what would happen if I stop taking it, but at this point I can't feel any worse. It is obvious to me now that we cannot put our heath on anybody's hands, except ourselves. I can't believe this things is still being prescribed after everything I've read about it.

I had hip replacement surgery last August - and had the generic of Levaquin. In December I got achilles tendonitis - plus a partially torn tendon and plantar faciitis all in one foot. The heel of the other foot is hurting me also. DEFINITELY THE LEVAQUIN!!! Now my daughter just had Bariatric Bypass surgery - and the anti-biotic they gave her during the surgery was Levaquin. She is now experiencing terrible pain in her calves..and she is finding it hard to walk and do any exercise. THIS DRUG NEEDS TO BE BANNED OFF THE MARKET COMPLETELY!!!!!!!

Carole (carole4ever)

Basically I have nothing new to add, but to confirm the many reports here. I under went some Upper and Lower GI testing back in May, and to clear up some infections the doctor found, he put me on a 10 day course of Levaquin and 14 days of Metronidazole. After the 2nd day, I was very sore in every muscle and tendon in my body. I had been doing work in the garden and just thought it was from that, but a couple more days, the muscles in my calves and the tendons around my knees felt like they were being pulled out of my body and it didn't matter if I was at rest or up moving about. Getting up in the morning was excrutiating. It was all I could do to put weight on my legs, and my arms and back muscles felt like they were on fire. I also had headaches, but the muscle and tendon pain overshadowed anything else. Doctors need to know this very debilitating side effect of this drug, and prescribe it only in the most dire of cases, and not to anyone already suffering from joint, muscle or nerve disease. The flyer I received from the pharmacy had a brief warning about tendonitis..but listed it under additional side effects. This should be listed as a critical warning. It has been 2 months since I finished the prescription, and I am still having problems walking and a great deal of pain in my legs. The calf pain has mostly subsided, but the muscles in my calves still feel very tight and the tendons around my knees feel sore all the time. This is a very dangerous drug!

I was prescribed 5 days of 500 mg of Levaquin for a possible UTI. I had some vision disturbances - seeing spots and shapes that weren't really there on the 2nd day. On day 3 I had a night of complete sleeplessness. On day 4, I noticed a slight soreness in both calves. I thought it was just from gardening. On day 5 (after I had taken the final dose) the calve stiffness/pain got much worse - it was like the muscles had become extremely tight and was centered around the tendons. I realized it was from the Levaquin when the insert and way down at the bottom it said to call your doctor if you had leg or tendon pain. Since then, I have looked at several sites and it's very scary. I can only hope that the leg pain goes away in a few days - I can hardly walk and it hurts with every step. I have always been a very active person. If this is permanent, it will change my life completely, as I walk everywhere and right now can barely get down the street or up and down stairs. My doctor said that only prolonged use would cause tendon tears, but that is not what I am reading. It damages cartilage, muscles, tendons. That's one of the reasons they don't prescribe it for under 18-year olds.

It should not be prescribed for anyone. There are thousands of entries on the web about the sometimes permanent and very serious side effects of this toxic antibiotic. I feel very sorry for all of us.

Marianne
7/3/07

I have been taking 500mg of Levaquin for the past 24 days. Now I have severe pain in both achilles tendons and lower calves of my legs. None of my regular doctors have made any connection between the pain and the Levaquin. I just called a new medical resident on staff at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta and he told me to stop the medication immediately because it can, in rare cases, cause the tendons to rupture. He said new research shows that Levaquin can damage tendons in some patients.

I was diagnosed with bilateral ear infections and was prescribed 500mg Levaquin ( because I am allergic to most penicillin-based products) once a day for one week. On the fourth day I began to experience stiffness and pain in both feet, especially the heels, and also in my calves, and knees. I also had pain in my neck, at the base of my skull.These symptoms proceeded to worsen to the the point that I could barely walk on Sunday and had to go up and down stairs two feet at a time. I worked from home yesterday and took a Naproxen because the pain and stiffness was so debilitating. Today the symptoms have somewhat subsided, but I still feel stiff and can't walk or climb stairs very well. I was so deparate to figure out what was wrong with me and entered all search words that applied to my problem to Google. My search return included numerous sites connecting these symptoms with Levaquin. I found the PI and it is true. I have to say I feel better just knowing why this happened. I never suspected that the antibiotic was responsible. My question is this: has anyone else ever had this happen to them and what were you advised to do to "get back to normal"? I hope that these responses to the medication will go away now that I have finished the prescription. Please advise.
Ruth

Ihave been taking levaquin for 9 days for the last week I have experienced severe aching in my feet and up my calves, I have trouble sleeping at night because my feet and legs throb all night! In the morning it is a little better and then it starts all over again all day long. I had one day left of my medicine, when I found this website, I will not take any more. I advise other people do not take this medication!!!! Thanks for all the info from everyone on this website.

took levaquin for respiratory infection 10 days before a marathon. Calves so tight I stopped drug after 6 days and missed running the marathon - cannot run 2 miles without stopping 11 days after stopping drug. How long does it take for effects to go away?

I took just two doses of Levaquin for a sinus infection. The first was before bed. I lied awake all night, with brief periods of dosing off, but would rapidily have distrurbing, odd images. In the middle of the night, I got up to discover that my calves and ankles hurt really bad. I didn't associate any of this to the Levaquin. The next morning I took dose 2. I am a school teacher. At work that morning, I couldn't function. I kept becoming confused, disorientated and paranoid. My Principal, concerned, sent me to the ER. That night, I still had disturbing images and felt horribly "drugged" all day. Luckily, I found out what was causing my symptoms, but for a while I was scared. I thought I was losing my mind!!! Really!!! I will never take this drug again.

I took Levaquin for 10 days for a sinus infection. On the sixth day, my knees began to ache. Since I stand all day at my job, I thought it was job-related. By the 10th day I had terrible pain in my knees and pain in my calf muscles. After 3 days of agonizing pain in my knees and calves, and having to hold onto to furniture in order to walk, I called the dr. to relay my symptoms. The nurse said it was a side effect of Levaquin. . .sore tendons, aching joints. When I asked if there was anything I could do, they said it would just have to work itself out of my system. They would mark it in my file. I asked how long the side effects would last. . answer. . .4 to 5 days. It is now 14 days since I took the last pill, and the pain is just starting to subside. However, I'm still having difficulty getting up after sitting, and have weakness in my knees. I am 63, have a little arthritis, and now feel this medication should not be given to anyone that has slight joint problems. The pain has been 10 times worse than any arthritis pain that I have had. I have stepped up my anti-inflammatory medicine in the last 5 days. This may be why the pain is lessening, also. I agree that if I had been able to read the side effects warnings before paying for this prescription, I never would have taken it. I just hope these side effects are not permanent. You are always told to finish your medicications. . .however, in this case, I wish I had.

I started taking 750 mg of Levaquin as prescribed by my doctor on Wednesday, December 27th for my bacterial pneumonia. The following morning I had arthritis like pain in my shoulders, neck, elbows, calves and even my feet. I also had diarrhea, nausea and fatigue. I continued to take this medication because I thought I was having "flu" like symptoms because of the bacterial pneumonia. I stopped taking the Levaquin today because I had researched the side effects yesterday evening. The nausea and diarrhea have subsided. I still have the arthritis like pain in my joints and fatigue.

Taking 1 500 mg tablet per day. Tightness in calves after 3 days. On the 7th day I had debilitating cramp like pain in my right calf. 8th day both calves very sore but I can walk. I will finish the course of 10 tablets but I won't take it again.

Levaquin 500 mg. I have never had side affects in 64 years of life till this drug. Weakness, and sever cramps in the calves both legs. I was given this drug for Bronchitis for 7 days. On my third day I had a leg cramp in the right leg and on the 5th day, the left leg.

I have been taking Levaquin for six days for a urinary tract infection and have been experiencing terrible headaches, neck and back pain, and pain in my calves. I cannot exercise and by the end of the day I feel like I have been hit be a truck. I have a call in to the doctor (at a walk-in clinic) to call me, to see if he can give me something else.

I just took 750 mg of Levaquin for 5 days. About a day or two after taking it, i noticed my calves and legs were aching and pretty stiff. I didn't associate it with the medicine until i started reading on this site. In the mornings especially they are so tight and sore that it takes a little time to get moving. I am also noticing that my fingers are getting stiff and sore. I just thought it was from going up and down the stairs all day, but it must be a side effect from this drug. Hopefully it goes away soon.

I was put on levaquin for lung infections - I developed some side effects similar to what others have - finger pain (also 2 lumps under the skin between finger joints) wrist pain, chest soreness, soreness of calves, thighs, knees, ankles, but the
one strange side effect is - my skin is extremely salty! I asked my pulmonoligst about this symptom and she said it was the Levaquin causing it.

More.. I forgot about the other side effects I had; the aching calves in my legs when trying to fall asleep, dry mouth with difficulty swallowing, tongue feeling funny, food and taste not right, light headiness, almost fainting when I reached to the ground to pick up something, makes me feel like I'm going to pass out when I stand upright. Will never take this damn stuff again. Besides what ever happen to the other anitbiotics. They cant make as much money.... you know the deal.

Pain below both calves, pain behind right thigh and jaw pain.

I was given Levaquin for a coinfection that can come with Lymne Disease. My doctor told me one of the side affects could involve pain in the Achilles Tendon. He said if I felt such pain, to stop the pills immediately. On the morning of the 8th day of taking the pills, the lower left heel had pain as I stepped out of bed. The next morning, both heels plus the Achilles Tendon on the right foot hurt. I did not take any more pills. I experienced pain and swelling in my feet, stayed in bed for 3 days, per nurses orders, as doctor could not be reached. I soaked my feet in warm to hot water for 20 mins with apple cider vinegar and then another 20 mins with Espsome Salts every morning before I left for work to ease the pain. Three weeks have passed. Both feet, shins and calves ache with occasional sharp pains throughtout the day, and always at night. My right knee has an muscle that is swollen and aches. Wearing sandels, bending, and walking or standing for lengths of time agravate the pain. I sometimes find my self whimpering at night when I get into bed because of the pain in my lower leg. Often have to get up and soak, my feet for comfort so I can get to sleep. My fear is that my muscles have been permanently damaged. I am researching what I can do to help myself.

Took Levaquin for chronic prostatitis. After a a few weeks experienceds intense pain in feet, calves and thighs. General feeling of maliase, fatique and depression. Inability to sleep. Sense of taste has diminished though sense of smell has been heightened. Fingers and wrists aching on and off. Fealt extremely dizzy and nauseous for several days. Nausea has diminished, but the feet, calf and leg pain remain. Have called doctor and recommendation is to cease taking Levaquin and see if syptoms abate after a few days. In the mean time he told me not to do any physical exertion as muscles and tendons are weakened when side effect occurs. Prescribed mild OTC anti-inflammatory (Ibuprofen) and pain-killer (Tylenol) for a few dayswhile we wait to see the progression and/or abatement of symptoms.

I had started taking Lamasil for toe nail fungus infection for about 20 days. I came down with fevers, chills and sweats about 20 days into 30 day doseage. My doctor prescribed Levaquinn for the fevers. I had a blood test and found my liver was very effected by the Lamasil. I was to take about 8 day of Levaquinn which I did. After 4 days of the Levaquinn my fever was gone but muscle pain developed for which I took Ibuprofen even after the levaquinn ran out. The pain became excrutiating. My calves felt as if they had been kicked and charle horsed. My shoulders felt as if they had drills drilling into the scapulas, My blood vessles felt as if they had gasoline running through them. My right hip started to get a deadened spot on top of the front of my hip joint, Pain flashed at various spots as if stuck with a knife. about two days fter stopping the Levaquinn, I had a period of three nights I could not sleep or lay down the pain was so great. Three weeks after stopping Levaquinn I am still in pain. My hip joint feels like it is being stabed by 40 Ice pics at time, it is sensitive to pressure and quick movement, my calves are still sore and make it hard to walk at times. Over the period I was tested for hepatitus A, B, C, HIV Lyme disease, Shingles Herpes, had Cat scans of my head and Abdomen, I developed Bells Palsy on my left face. After 7 weeks of pure hell and none of my local doctors culd think of any more test to give me, I went to a Nurologist on my own at the Lahey Clinic who identified the culprit the Levequinn. He tells me the pain will eventually go away in 1 to 3 months it has gotten more bearable after the many weeks but I still take Celebrex to sleep. No one thought to read the contra indications including me, least of all my doctors-except the last one at Lahey Clinic. Two medications suposed to cure damn near did me in!
Stay far away from this stuff unless you are dying- or want to.

I recently had neck surgery and at my last visit to my surgeon he noticed a "pimple" at the top of my scar. He popped it and suggested I take Levaquin 500 MG for 2 weeks as an antibiotic. This is now the 3rd day on Levaquin and I have experienced aches/pain in my calves and ankles. Is this unusual and/or can it interfere with the other medications I am taking? I am on Percocet (generic) and Premarin. -

I have taken Levaquin for 5 days and just developed pain in both my calves.

I was prescribed this poison for a uti and a week later I was prescribed again for bronchitis. My "Doctor", and I use the term loosley, didn't bother to tell me of any side effects or even as much I should take with food or at night to help with upset stomach. I now truly believe that the pharmacutical rep told her that it was an effective drug and she said "Well, ok then, lets give it to some people. I can guarantee that if asked, she would have no idea about the damage or side effects which as a side note tells me that she cares nothing for her "patients." I hope she is making herself a good living. I have been off the drug for almost 2 weeks and have not had a nights rest since. The pain in my calves is too the point that I can barely walk around the block, I seem to have knots in my calves, my jaw has even started hurting. I have been having horrible nightmares, headaches and a feeling of being lost or not knowing where or who I am for periods of time. If it were not for sites like this one, I would have no idea. I would simply have to trust what my doctor tells me. People, it's time to stop assumming that a doctor knows what he is doing simply because he/she has a degree on the wall. I read in another article on the web that one lady persisted until she made her doctor do and enzyme test to test for muscle damage. At that point he finally started to listen to her when he found that she had muscle deterioration. I'm afraid there will be no looking back for some of us. Anyway, I'm trying to change PCPs today and hope I find a real doctor that will listen to me and believe me and help me with this condition. DO NOT take this poison-Levaquin. Tracy

i was admitted to the hospital with possible heart attack and or getting ready for one---also inner ear infection and upper respiratory infection. put on levaquin g and discharged after 4 days. legs, calves hurt, lower and upper back pain, shoulders, one which i fractured and had not problem with, became very painful as did my neck. took for 8 days. saw my doctor today and he said stop the levaquin because it can cause alot of intestinal problems and some weird "stuff". stomach and gi tract feels raw. levaquin may have helped the infections but created another problem WHY DON'T THEY
ADVERTISE SIDE EFFECTS.......DANGEROUS.....

I was prescibed Levaquin about three weeks ago for a sinus and kidney infection. After a few days I began to have horrible dreams but associated these with a very disturbing murder in our area. I couldn't sleep, had terrible headaches, but associated this with my sinus infection. After 10 days I was no better but felt worse so I called my doctor and he wanted me to take the Levaquin for another 10 days. After this I developed severe pain in my calves, knees, arms, back, and hands. I attributed this to my fibroymyalgia but as the days have gone by, I'm getting progressively worse. The pain is so bad that pain medication won't even help. I talked with my brother in Florida tonight and he told me that he had had the same problem when he was on Levaquin. I decided to look up the medication and found all of these remarks. I am to go to my doctor tomorrow and I'm going to take these with me. I won't take this medication again. I have missed church and so much more because I have been in pure misery. I had taken this before and thought the pain was just coming from my fibromyalgia but this time it is much worse. It hurts to walk, or stand, for any period of time. My husband just read all the remarks and said that he was having some of the same problems. It turns out that he is taking Levaquinn for a prostate infection. I'm going to take him with me tomorrow to the doctor to see if he can't be given something else. I just hope it isn't too late for me. I've had fibromyalgia for years but never had pain this bad. I'll do my homework from now on with any medications that I've been given. Let me know what is recommended if the pain doesn't go away. Penny

I was prescribed lavaquin for a staph infection. I took two 500 mg pills for 4 days and then one a day for 10 days. On the 10th day I developed severe pain in my knees and calves. I continued taking this antibiotic until it was finished (four more days), since I was worried about the staph infection returning. However, I now have pain in the middle of my back plus the pain in my knees and calves makes it difficult to walk and is very painful unless I am sitting. I just hope that I will recover soon. I will NEVER take this medication again.

I was prescribed a month course of Levaquin for a sinus infection I had for 2 months that did not go away after 3 courses of 3 different antibiotics. Within 1/2 hour of taking the drug, I experienced severe hives along my jawline. I should have stopped taking it right away, but the hives went away, so I continued.
That night, I had terrible insomnia and anxiety attacks. I felt like I wanted to jump off the roof or drive my car into a tree.
The following few nights I slept a bit better because I took the pill in the morning, but my dreams were vivd and strange.
I experienced some nausea, but thought nothing of it. My second week on the drug, I started to get a severe pain in my lower back, then between my shoulder blades. As the week went on, into my third week, my body flet as though I had been hit by a truck, and that it was riddled with arthritis from head to toe. I had previously suffered from planar facititis which was now again in full force, my ankles burned with pain, shooting pain in my knees, calves and lower thigh in extreme pain with hot burning - itching on my chest and when I developed severe neck pain and headache, I called my doctor. I had found this site and realized it could be the drug. It was the only explanation. PS my sius problem was worse than ever!!
My doctor told me to immediately stop taking the drug and not to exercise, stretch, lift or make any sudden movements to protect my tendons.

I was livid. He prescribed Augmentin, and I don't know why he didn't in the first place. NO ONE TOLD ME how serious the potential side effects of this drug are. I can't tell you how much work and how much of my life I have missed being in so much pain. I cannot sleep at night with the pain.

What is worse is that no one knows or can imagine what I am going through and therefore are not sympathetic, nor do they allow me to rest. They expect me to be my old self which is currently impossible.

I have been off the drug a few days, but I do feel the symptoms subsiding a BIT. Not a lot, but some. I hope it won't take too long to get back to normal.

God bless us all in the hands of these doctors and drug companies.

What is worse is that my husband works in the Pharma industry and looked up the drug in his drug reference. Even there, it makes only a brief passing mention about tendon ruptures with this drug. Something has got to change.

My advice? Don't even risk taking it. Maybe you will be free of side effects and it will work beautifull for you. But try everything else first, and no matter what you take, read boards like this and become educated before youtake anything. It is oUR responsibility - since we cannot rely on doctors or the drug companies to come clean.

Pray for me...

Don't give up. For me, it is getting better. I was given Levaquin 5 day dosepack for a recurrent URI and also after extreme fatigue following major surgery that just kicked my butt. In 24 hrs of taking the drug, I went from pure exhaustion to no sleep for 48 hrs straight. The severity of pain in my wrists, calves, feet and various other extra muscle pains (that were not there before taking Levaquin) was unbearable. It was over the weekend and I did continue taking the drug until Monday - finishing the dosepack that day. I was in the doc's office that very day and all they could say was "I've never known this drug to do that...." and of course my reply was to 'read the side effects in the PDR'. That was about 5 months ago and they have noted my file to no longer give me this class of antibiotic - even though this was the first time I was on Levaquin, I'm told there are other meds in it's family that I've taken for years with no problem (Bactrim?). Today, I still suffer from hand weakness & pain and bilateral feet pain. It is nowhere near the severity as the initial onset. Hang in there, take it ODAT & drink plenty of water & juices to flush your system.

I recently had sinus surgery and was given a 12-day prescription for Levaquin. I was okay for the first five days or so, but then I began having horrible, vivid nightmares that stayed with me upon awakening. I have also noticed pain in my calves and ankles and feel the need to stretch my calves. Instead of feeling less tired and more alert as the days after the surgery progressed, I am feeling more and more tired and foggy. Am glad I have finished the prescription and will ask not to take it again.

I posted on 7/28 regarding an allergic reaction to Levoquin. Despite being off the drug now for over a week, I continue to have severe muscle pain especially in my thighs and calves, but general muscle pain as well. It feels as if my muscle fibers are about ready to shred into pieces, as if I just yesterday ran a marathon and today my muscles are extremely sore. How long after discontinuing Levoquin do these type of symptoms linger? What course of action can be taken to facilitate some improvement?

If you are a runner, do not take Levaquin without doing some serious research into its side effects. I was prescribed Levaquin after not being able to shake a sinus infection for over three months (it would go away and then come back). My doctor (who is also a runner) said he had seen a lot of resistance to antibiotics, and so wanted to give me something stronger. He prescribed a 5-day, 750 mg dose of Levaquin, and I have taken all 5 pills. I felt better almost immediately after taking the first dose. After taking 2 doses, I felt good enough to go for a run, which I did, and didn't notice any discomfort. However, two days after (4th day of medication), I went running in the morning and felt severe pain in both of my Achilles tendons. All through the day my lower legs were killing me, and when I woke up the next morning, I could barely walk (I took Naprosyn, a prescription anti-inflammatory, which did nothing). I did notice that it gradually got better, even though I was doing a lot of walking, so after taking two days off, I went running again. Only to feel the same pain, but even worse. Runners are stubborn, and will typically run through pain (you could call it stupid), but I couldn't do it because the pain was so severe. I began to worry that I had done some sort of serious damage to my Achilles tendons; when I rubbed them, they made a weird, "gristly" noise. 3 days after my last dose, I notice that I had visible swelling in the back of both of my lower calves (Achilles), and they were still fairly sore and tight to the touch. 5 days after the last does, the swelling *seems* to be going down a bit (maybe I'm just being optimistic), and I have been able to walk the dogs and such, but after reading all these posts, I will not run again until I talk to my doctor. I began suspecting that it was caused by the Levaquin because it happened to *both* legs; I've had lots of minor injuries, but it's usually to one leg or knee or foot; not both. So I was suspicious, and came to this site. After reading the post about the man whose wife ruptured both of her Achilles tendons, I got pretty scared, and feel terrible for her, and feel fortunate that hasn't happened to me, because I honestly felt that it was going to at one point. Without really knowing what's going on physiologically, it seems to me that in some people, Levaquin deteriorates muscle and tendon mass, causing weakness, possibly to the point of rupture.

Also, I concur with many other posts about frequent urination (for a time, I was getting up about every half hour during the night), and also with complaints about joint pain. I had been taking Naprosyn for pain in my hip, and it was really helping. Now, after taking the Levaquin, my hip hurts as much or more than it ever did, and the Naprosyn won't touch it.

If I had read these postings, I never would have taken this drug. I would rather put up with a sinus infection than contemplate the inability to run again. But after reading other things on this site, I suppose that should be the least of my concerns. I am worried about how long these side effects will last, and concerned about permanent damage, or things that haven't even surfaced yet. I am going to call my doctor first-thing tomorrow and tell him what's going on. Thanks to those who have posted and offered insight and remedies.

Oops! Excuse the entry below. I goofed & hit the wrong key.
Anyhoo, here is my Levaquin story. I am 51 & was diagnosed with cellulitis on Jan. 19th of this year. I was given an IV drug, (Daptomyacin) & 500 mg of Levaquin for 16 days. Towards the end of the treatment, my joints became very achy. (mostly in my knees) I was having burning, tingling sesations throughout my body & my calves were cramping. One week after treatment, I could barely walk through our house. I normally am active, with daily walks & short jogs. Within days, I had to have knee surgery. It is now almost 5 weeks past my surgery. The achy joints, burning, cramping & tingling are still present off & on throughout my body. Although the orthopaedic surgeon did find trauma in my knee, (past fractures, etc.) I am convinced the Levaquin sped up & exacerbated the damage. Now my other knee is hurting so bad, I am starting to think that one will need surgery as well. Both my orthopaedic surgeon the infectious disease Dr. that prescribed the Levaquin dismiss the notion that Levaquin had anything to do with it or that my joints are aching because of the drug. I am thrilled I find this site, because I realize that I haven't imagined these symptoms. But the reality of these reactions is quite sobering. I have never had a bad reaction to a drug in my lifetime. This one was so sudden & severe, I had to add my account to this list. I've just started trying the Milk of Magnesia & hope it works. I too have been drinking lots of water. God bless each of you out there suffering with this & may we find some solutions soon.

I was prescribed levaquin for a sinus infection and began to have pain in my calves and ankles the next day. After the second day, the pain was debilitating and involved joints included knees, ankles, hips, shoulders, and back. My dr initially stated this was not a side effect of the drug. I have since learned otherwise. It has been 10 days since I discontinued the med, and I still am unable to do my usual exercises and activities. I had previously been active and am in good shape, but now cannot run ot go up and down steps, and even walking is paiful

I began taking Levaquin about 5 days ago for a sinus infection. I started to have joint pain right away. First my calves and ankles hurt, then the joint problems progressed to my knees, ankles, shoulders, hips, etc to the point my sleep was severely disrupted and daily activities became difficult. When I called to report this to my dr, she denied these problems were a side affect noted in the physician's info. THIS MUST CHANGE! Only the research done by my wonderful husband provided the awareness of this drug'e debilitating side affects, and I insisted I be switched to another antibiotic.

After two doses, 250 mg, of Levaquin, I could not move. Instead of going to work, I went to bed. Three days later, my husband took me to ER. The first guess was a stroke, because I was so disoriented and could not move. There were specialists all around me. I was tested for meningitis, lupus, West Nile, arthiritis, etc. I had severe body aches and muscle pain.I spent 1 1/2 weeks in the hospital, unable to function. Body pain, no appetite, fever/chills, twitches, weak, very tired. My legs hurt the worst - knees and especially calves. I had no idea what was going on around me. I was incoherent. The hospital staff had me finish the Levaquin prescription.

I spent the rest of the month in a rehabilitation unit learning how to eat, walk, tell time, write, and other mundane tasks. I have been off work since Oct. 7. Mentally, I'm doing ok now, but physically, I cannot walk without a cane. I cannot go up and down stairs. My knees are still a problem. Acid reflux is better. My wrists and hands are weak. If my leg is straight and I bend it, I get a burning pain in my knee ... when I am laying down. When I get up in the morning, my calves are so stiff that I cannot stand. I have to grab the furniture. My hips are weak and have lost bone density. I cannot drive yet. I still get tired easily.

I was normally a low blood pressure person with a heart rate in the 60's. Now, I am taking beta blockers. My blood pressure is beginning to come down, but my heart rate is still high for me, but safe.

The doctors were not familiar with the side effects of Levaquin. I had a sensory nueropathy before Levaquin, but was totally functional. My physician prescribed Levaquin for a sinus infection. She never would have prescribed Levaquin, if she had known that it could attack your central nervous system! (My nuerologist said that "something" recently attacked my central nervous system.) I printed out some of the experiences from this website to convince her to fill out an FDA report. I will follow through with a letter to the drug company and my congressmen. And, I have spent some time educating the medical professionals in our community. I have considered legal action, but I don't know how to go about it.

I have been going to physical therapy. Those therapists can do a lot without drugs. My coordination is improved. I even have exercises to improve my digestive tract. We worked on isolated muscles for two months. Now, I'm trying water therapy. I am not strong, but I have gained coordination.

Two other suggestions for temporary relief: 1) Use a vibrator on your calves in the morning, and 2) Wear support hose/socks.

My 16 yr old son has experienced: hallucinations, tinnitus, calves cramping, pin-point headaches, knees, feet, wrist pain. Nightmares with fasciculations (sensation of skin crawling), vision disturbances (black spots). He has had concentration problems, making it difficult to complete sentences and read. It has been almost 3 weeks since he took ONE PILL 500 mg Levaquin. (The next entry is also mine.)

I started taking Levaquin for cystitis. After the second dose I experienced muscle pain in my back which spread up and down. After the third dose my back worsened and I had severe pain in my calves. I got suspicious and looked on line for side effects. Then I called my physician who said it could be the levaquin and to stop taking it. It has been 2 1/2 days since I had the last dose. My back is not much better, but my calves improved a little. At least I could walk without shuffling by the day after I spoke with the doctor. I thought by now all the side effects would be gone, but they are not. After checking with this web site I am somewhat alarmed, but will contact my chiropractor and physician again tomorrow.

I am into my 6th day of taking 500mgs a day. The first day my calves tightened up-felt like I'd been exercising too hard. My mouth has been dry, and now the bones in my hands ache and I have a fever. Today was spent over the sink barfing, or rather, trying to. I have heartburn/acid reflux that keeps gagging me. Feels like someone punched me in the chest and then set it on fire. I haven't been able to eat anything since yesterday because it just sits in my throat and then comes right back up. I also wasn't expecting severe constipation, as the other antibiotics had given me diarrhea. I'm glad I found this site because none of the literature mentions any of these side effects, and my doctor said there were no side effects. I was prescribed for pneumonia/bronchitis/sinus infection, and after the first day I was impressed because the lung pain and coughing had lessened considerably, my head stopped hurting and I could breathe. I didn't think much of these symptoms, even though they were new, because I was told there were none. I attributed them to the fact that I have Epstein-Barr. Now my guess would be they are directly related to the medication. I'm glad I found that other people have had these reactions, too.