Levaquin and muscle pain

I have been "sick" and in pain since taking Levaquin - first prescription before my sinus surgery in Jan. '09 and then again after the sinus surgery. I thought it was just taking me a along time to recover from the surgery for some reason but now as I read all the posts, I believe it was the levaquin. The joint pain, muscle pain, extreme fatigue continue to this date. I see the only lawsuits are for torn tendons but what about all of the other problems people are experiencing. Are we to live with this?

I was give Levaquin when I had a Prostate Biopsy and had a reaction to it , Hives, muscle pain oral thrush ,I told the doctor about it so he gave me another anti biotic,CIPRO which made things worse, then I find out they are both from the same family of antibiotics, these doctors don't know what they are giving you and he said all that I should have gotten from them was a little stomach problem, Its two years now and I still have skin
problems, joint pain and pain in my neck amd the doctors say it can't be from the Levaquin, Well how come I was healthy until I took it

I began taking Levaquin for a kidney infection. After the first pill (500mg) I had insomnia, joint pain and a little under the weather. I thought maybe it was a combination of the pill and still having the kidney infection. I figured the infection wasn't gone because the first med, Sulfameth/trimethoprim 800/160 I had a reaction too also. That was prescribed for 10day when I only was 4days into it with that pill. So I went from Friday to Monday without any medications. I felt that the kidney infection was still there because I was still hurting, not as bad as when I went to ER but knew it wasn't gone. So Monday night I started taking the Levaquin. Felt bad after the first pill but after taking the 2nd pill I became very weak, had ringing in my ears, eyes started to swell,had sweats nausea, stomach hurt and became very bloated, neck pain so bad I could hardly turn my neck. Pain running down into my shoulder blades, jaw pain, sore throat, nausea, felt like someone was squeezing muscle in left arm and squeezing muscle on left side of neck Started to have some muscle pain in right calf. Call Dr. on call and he said STOP taking the medicine, take some Benadryl and if gets worse go to the ER. Well, I took some Benadryl which made it seem a little better, but this is the day after and my muscles by my shoulder blades are so sore and have a burning sensation. I still feel somewhat weak but not as bad as last night. Seems I tired out real quick. This medicine made me feel like I was on the way out. I was prescribed it for 7 days and only took it for 2. Now I am very hesitant about taking anything as I have had reactions now to 2 different meds. Still don't know if kidney infection is gone or not. Does anyone know of any natural ways to rid yourself of kidney infection? I would appreciate any advice anyone has. All I know this has been 2weeks of @@@@ since I was diagnosed with this kidney infection.

Hi All,

I am so glad that I found this group of postings. For the past 5 days I have been experiencing muscle pain which began on the inside of my left knee day 1. On the second day I had significant pain in both calf muscles as if I had begun a new calf workout routine(I haven't) as well as pain in the large back muscle that runs down either side of the spine. Day 3 I noticed serious pain in my forearms and wrists. The forearm pain is causing hand cramping and my thumbs don't seem to function properly. I tried to sign a credit card receipt today and could barely grip the pen. I now have pain in my neck muscles as well.

I know I have taken Levaquin in the past 6 months, I am just not exactly sure when it was. I am definitely going to research that. I went to the Dr. yesterday to discuss my muscle pain. He took 2 viles of blood. He said he is going to check for Lyme's disease and other infection. I am hopeful it is not something serious. I must say thought, many of the posts above sound a lot like what I am experiencing. I am going to be beyond angry if I have a permanent condition from taking Levaquin. Some pain I believe I can deal with. It is the current poor function of my hands I am most concerned with.

I wish all of you the best in recovering. If my condition turns out to be something else I will repost.

I have been off of Levaquin for three weeks . I am experiencing joint and muscle pain from my thighs to my ankles. Wake up in the middle of the night in agony. Soaking in a hot tub gives minor relief. Has anyone found something to ease the pain and help the healing process I need help!!!

I was prescribed levaquin back in May for a sinus infection. Have suffered from severe side effects, worst of which being joint and muscle pain, stomach pains, weakness and hives (last dose was taken 10 days ago). This has been the most physical discomfort and pain that I've ever been in. In addition, my ability to concentrate and recall easy things has lessened.
The "Bafoon" of a doctor that prescribed this claimed he didn't know what was wrong with me after a normal blood test. My new knowledgeable doctor told me that some people can't even walk after taking Levaquin. She says it takes on average 7 days to 6 weeks to feel improvement. Being a 36 yr old woman, having to move turtle speed, and feeling like I'm in a 90 year old body is very depressing.
If anyone has any information on any class action or mass tort litigation lawsuits please send me the information. This drug is poison and should not be prescribed for minor infections!!!

32 year old male here. I was prescribed Levaquin 500mg 2 days ago for 10 days after being diagnosed with cellulite which is a bacterial infection in the blood. I had a swollen and sore groin on the right side. I already take prilosec once a day for acid reflux. Since starting Levaquin the infection seems to be clearing up, but the heartburn is pretty vicious. Yesterday I thought to myself hmm, maybe I didn't take my prilosec but I thought I did. So, I took a second prilosec but with no results. Today again as listed on the bottle I waited two hours after taking the Levaquin and then took my prilosec, but no luck. I've since taken a second prilosec and a couple of tums. As I drove home from work the heartburn started reoccurring. Thats when I googled it and came to find this site and that I'm not crazy. I also had sharp pains in my wrist and hands today and feel really run down and almost mildly depressed. I can live with joint pains and feeling a little run down, but the heartburn really does effect your eating and sleeping. I guess I'll have to see how the next 7 days go.

Has anyone had the experience of previously taking Levaquin without side effects, then when taking it again, developed severe headaches, joint aches, muscle pain and weakness, etc? I am currently going through this. I've taken Levaquin before probably 2 or 3 times due to upper respiratory problems and not noticed any side effect but this time, I've taken 5 days worth, 3 in hospital 2 as outpatient dose and can hardly move. I had the same experience in 2004 with zithromax. Had taken it without side effects, then suddenly when taking it again developed such bad chest pain, I thought as did my doctor, that I was having heart attack and spent a week in hospital before figuring that one out.

First off I will begin by saying I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2006.
I just finished 10 days worth of Levaquin 500 mg.,(for a sinus infection) that seemed to be reoccurring after 2weeks of Augmentin generic), the whole time while on it I've been experiencing horrible side effects. I'd say the worst one is joint pain..(.especially knees & hips), Left shoulder, neck,upper back burning-miserable pain, unable to sleep (from what I remember of the last 6 days only 21 hrs. of sleep!!) dizziness, nausea,bad muscle pain, lower back pain, weird stomach pain, bloating, urinary retention, (was tested for an UTI-negative! )
6 days into it returned to Dr. because I'd been up all night itching like CRAZY, along w/the lower bk.pain,urinary problems, and a rash on face, chest, &upper back. (she attributed the rash to sun-photo sensitivity....had not even been outside!!) I also developed a yeast infection.( Expected I guess after 24 days total of antibiotics.)
debilitating headache, Very irritable, weepy,anxious, sore throat, very VIVID nightmares twice.
On the last day of taking it 3/3/09...had to run a couple of errands...felt dangerous behind the wheel..just plain weird & ILL!!!!!
Had taken this twice before since 2006 (also for sinus inf's.) thinking back...I felt like hell then too...but attributed to a Fibro. Flare. Now I believe that it was BAD REACTIONS to the Levaquin. I will NEVER take this med. again, have been so miserable would have rather been dead. (and I KNOW that's terrible to say!!) I take Morphine Sulf SR on a daily basis for the fibro, but it WOULDN'T even begin to touch the pain I've been experiencing while on Levaquin. ( Had mentioned that at the Drs. appointment, she didn't EVEN put 2+2 together....well I have!!) I'm VERY upset about it!! I reported it to the FDA.GOV/medwatch. This drug should be taken off the market in my opinion. I will be returning to see her if these pains,ETC. do not stop by tomorrow.....I'd had my fibro fairly under control before the Levaquin. Just to mention I was drinking plenty of water..due to dry mouth. I'm happy I found this site, I was looking for info as to how long this med. stays in your system. After reading many other postings here, I KNOW that what I've been feeling is NOT just a FMS flare, but caused by this Levaquin.

I have to admit I am dumbfounded. I "stumbled" upon this information tonight.
I am a very healthy and active 40 year old female with no health issues other than seasonal allergies and asthma. I went to the dr. 4 weeks ago for a sinus infection. I was prescribed 5 days of Levaquin (called a “Lev-pak”??). The sinus infection seemed better but the symptoms of that came back after 10 days and I went back to the dr. only to be prescribed a 2nd round of the same medication. Again the sinus infection seemed to get better and now a month later I went to the same dr. again today because the sinus problem came back but worse. Today I was prescribed a different antibiotic called Avalox. Since I had not heard of this drug I decided to look it up before taking it.
I now look back over the last month and am horrified that I have had these bizarre symptoms and here they are experienced by 100's of other people. And this is just one website, with people that took time to speak up. Just one. All of sudden I already feel better because I can explain so much. Not once was I warned about this drug either by the doctor or my pharmacist.
Everything I am about to describe I have either blamed on still being sick (and getting sicker from the presumed infection) or have blamed on other meds taken in addition for congestion, headache, stomach problems, wheezing, etc.

I have had ridiculous sleep patterns. I was either SO awake some nights that I felt like I could run 10 miles or SO exhausted by bedtime that I could barely walk up the stairs to get to bed. I have had extreme nightmares and dreams. In addition I have had at times practically NO peripheral vision combined with a blinding headache. I also had ringing in one or both ears that was very random. I seriously thought several times that I might have a brain tumor. I have had all these weird stomach issues. I have felt bloated and my abdomen area has been painful at times. I also have gone from either having bad diarrhea to being very constipated. My heart has raced at times both while doing physical activity OR sitting still. For about 3 days after the first round I had sharp pains in my left side (abdomen and arm). I have experienced bizarre hot flashes combined with being freezing cold minutes later with no fever at all. And last my right leg, particularly my knee and foot have just hurt at odd times (just waking up, walking up and down stairs, after sitting for a few minutes). All of these things separated seem so random so I never suspected Levaquin. Having read page after page…they are ALL explained.

I can’t tell you how much better I feel right this moment. I feel sane again. I will never, ever take Levaquin again and am so thankful I was smart enough to get information before taking Avalox, which would have been round three of this poisonous family of antibiotics. I don't know how long it will take for the Levaquin symptoms to go away but at least I'll know why these things are happening. Thank you.

February 24,2009
I am a 66 year old woman in good physical condition(that is until I took Levaquin) I took it in December 2008 and it is over two months later and
i am still suffering from extreme jount and muscle pain especially in my left
shoulder and left knee. I took it for twelve days for a sinus infection and
on the eighth day woke up with great swelling lumps on the back of both knees. Initially thought it was just old age and arthritis. Soon all the joints in my body begin to ache and swell causing severe constriction of movement. Could hardly manipulate the stairs in our house. I quit taking the meds as I had never experienced anything like that before and knew it was the Levaquin. I can only hope that the damage is not permanent but am afraid it might be. I can't sleep on my left side for the pain and it never goes away. Left knee is still swollen and sore. Elbow joints are also painful and hands are sore. I know the medical profession will not acknowledge this so I didn't even tell the Dr. This drug is dangerous
and should be taken off the market. L. H., Blanchard, Ok.

Please, help me! I went ER three times.. I'm looking for someone having symptoms like cold and heat on the body, burning sensations, and chemical reactions.(I could not take any medicine and vitamin and mineral) I was off taking this medicine 2months ago but I've suffered with these symptoms and I could not sleep well..A lot of sweating... Getting weaker and weaker..
HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!!!!

It's been almost 1 1/2 years since I have taken Levaquin for Bronchitis. I took it for only 3 days, after that I couldn't stand the pain and that was the only thing different so I knew it must have been the Levaquin. I suffered major, severe joint and muscle pain. I couldn't even walk down the stairs to the living room. As for lasting side effects, I am dealing with arthritis in my knees...which I never had before and I am only 40. I have severe tendinitis in my elbow which may require to correct. I know I am getting older but jeez....I am unsure if the arthritis and tendinitis is completely related to my reaction to the Levaquin, but what else could it be. I am not that old nor am I that out of shape. My only hope to spread the word about this evil toxic poison before someone else gets hurt.

I had horrible side effects (body aches, joint and muscle pain, headaches, hallucinations, insomnia, anxiety, heart palpitations, etc.). I did some research and I am currently trying to detox using calcium (tums or vitamins), magnesium (liquid antacids or vitamins), orange juice, apple juice, and grapefruit juice which all limit the absorption of the drug. A high protein and high fiber diet with no refined sugars is suppose to help. Drink plenty of water and add a B-Complex to help with Anemia (another side effect). Apparently, it takes three weeks to eliminate from your system. Good Luck and God Bless.

Eyes sensitive to light, cloudy vision, tongue metallic taste, jaw pain, tooth pain, loss of circulation in lower extremities, joint, bone, tendon, muscle pain, high frequency buzzing in ears, pain from head to toe literally, chest pain, stomach pain, digestion problems, bloating, pain in liver and pancreas, kidney and lung areas, heart and right side chest pain...

For any of you writing in and asking should I take this drug because I already pain the money, DON'T. My side effects have NOT gone away after a year (muscle pain, dry eye, rashes, anemia, tendinitis, etc.). There is always an alternative to this poison.

Im sad to find out all the problems people are having from levaquin. But now Im able to put 2 and 2 together because Im realizing whats been compromising my health. This is my second year with bronchitis and my second prescription of levaquin. I now believe its what has caused me horrible nightmares, suicidal thoughts, irritation, mental anguish, stress tendon/muscle pain in my arms and shoulders. I bent over to pick up my dog to help him into the car and I got a terrible pain in my chest. I thought I was dying. And I still have a rattle in my lungs after 2 weeks of levaquin so it has not helped at all. If anything it has caused me more problems that has opened the door for additional medications of unknown origin. I wish I could find a real witch doctor.

I am taking Levaquin one time a day, 500 mg. for diverticultis. I have fibromyalgia so attributed symptoms of EXTREME FATIGUE to that but this is fatigue like I've never known. I can't do much of anything. I don't work outside the home so will just deal with it if it cures my infection. I'm using sleep meds too...but that could be fibromyalgia kicking in too. But fatigue is much worse. I hope it kills those bad bacteria!

I was prescribed 7 days 750mg of Levaquin on 9/10 and finished 9/16. I was originally diagnosed with bronchitis but went back to the Dr. yesterday cause I was not doing any better and he now says it's viral. I've gone to the hospital because I passed out on 9/13 and continue to faint at least once a day. I have tingling/numbness in my hands, ankles, toes, my knees hurt, my lower back is in a lot of pain, almost to where it is not tolerable, I'm dehydrated (I'm drinking and eating, just not as much) it is extremely painful to eat, my tongue and my gums hurt terribly. Last night I had a horrible dream (I don't dream usually, not nightmares) and today I started to hallucinate (mildly) A week ago I was functioning normally, a mother of 3, playing with my kids and now I can hardly walk without assistance, I can't go to work, I'm in constant pain. Someone please give me some kind of guidance. Will these feelings ever go away? What should I do? Thank you!!!!

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!

My wife is experiencing severe muscle pain in the back and rib area after taking this drug. Has anyone gotten better after they stopped taking the medication or is everyone still suffering?

I have been on 500mg of Levaquin for 8 out of a 10 day course. I can barely hold my head up, have a headache and severe neck and muscle pain. My stomach is so queezy and I have been unable to get a full night sleep.

Anyone experiencing the same?
I am afraid to take the last 2 days of the course.

I was prescribed Levaquin in Feb./March for 30 days. I have had tremendous pain in my heels since then. I am walking slower as every joint and muscle in my body hurts. I can barely stoop down and it is getting worse. I can not sleep. I thought I was just going through some depression and stress until I started reading about it in the WSJ and now realize I fit many of the symptoms being discussed.
We all need to take some action as this is only going to get worse for everyone.
FDA?????????????????

I took this antibiotic for 2 days. I have no history of mental illness whatsoever and I thought I was losing my mind for 2 days. I had a panic attack 2 nights in a row and stayed up all night starring at front door afraid that someone was going to break into my home and hurt my children. I can not believe that this "antibiotic" is even on the market. This is an extremely dangerous drug. I called the doctor and he sounded like he didn't believe me- maybe I should share some of this stuff with him so he can experience the crazy too!

I have been taking Levaquin for sinus infection after Augmentin didn't keep it from coming back. All I can say is that I am completely exhausted. I wonder if it is the drug or something else. No muscle pain. I don't know if I should stop taking it or continue. Tonight I was walking for exercise and couldn't finish because I thought I might faint. My heart was beating and I was shaking. Do you think it is the drug? HELP!

I have taken several rounds of Levaquin, and recently Avelox. After taking 2 rounds of levaquin for a sinus infection last spring I experience many of the myalgia type symptoms, and was tested for Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Lyme's disease, all negative... eventually felt better. I never attributed to the medication. Last fall I again had a sinus infection levaquin again, 2 rounds of 5 days in February, and then Avelox early April. I have never been sicker in my life. I have had many of the CNS effects, and the joint and muscle pain. Agonizing pain that I had never experienced. worse than passing a kidney stone. I am feeling a bit better, and heading back to work today after being unable to go for 10 days. I have also developed some eye problems, that are being managed with drops. I am trying to eat naturally and drinking lots of water. I pray this will go away, and want to warn everyone not to take this medication! Still have back and hip pain, pain in my feet, insomnia, headaches, and anxiety...but is not as severe as 10 days ago. My prayers are with all of you suffering from the side effects of these dangerous drugs.

I work in a health care system and we have used levaquin for this last cough, cold and flu season. It has worked wonders for the various upper respiratory infections.

No one has developed rashes, boils, or bone/muscle pain. After reading the first response, her abnormal reaction sounds more like a bad case of shingles.

Then, I read the last post where the person drank two glasses of whine to help with the blah blah blah. Mixing alcohol with any type of medication will not help with Your sypmtoms were a "full fledged panic attack" as you stated from the beginning.

Nothing but idiots posting here!

Are you guys for real? In reading through the side effects blogs it really reads like it is all the same person writing, maybe someone trying to beat up on the competition or something. It did scare me out of letting my 24 year old son take it for severe sinus infections, however and I just hope that two days of a 750mg dose per day doesn't show forth the negative effects in the days to come!! Please tell me it's not as bad as it sounds!

I was prescribed Levaquin 1000 mg. for 5 days for pneumonia the last week of December 2006. I was also prescribed Prednisone. Everything I ate tasted like metal. A couple of days after I started taking the Levaquin I started experiencing muscle cramps in my rib cage which are so severe it makes me double over in pain. After more than a year I still have the muscle cramps which now include not only my rib cage, but the arch of my feet and sometimes legs. I have a torn tendon in my left arm which didn't happen until about a month ago, but I am sure it is caused from muscle damage from the Levaquin. I am also on Advair Discus 250 which I didn't take before using the Levaquin. I didn't require inhalers or other medication before the pneumonia. My doctor now says I have COPD caused from asthma and chronic bronchitis. I used an Albuterol inhaler when I first got sick because the pneumonia was so bad. I thought after taking the Levaquin I would get back to normal. But even after the infection was cleared up I would get out of breath, so I returned to my doctor. She did an x-ray and said I had COPD and prescribed the inhalant. What I don't understand is that I didn't have breathing problems before the Pneumonia. I didn't have joint pain and muscle cramps either. I have had to quit working this past year because of it. I cannot go without the Advair, I can no longer walk long distances without pain. I have constant muscle pain just trying to do normal housework. How long do the effects last? Must be a lifetime.

I have taken Levaquin 500 mg daily for the last 7 days. I am quitting it today! I am so tired. Cannot sleep! Have severe pain in both of my hips! I do not have a history of sleep disorder or hip pain!!! I even have severe pain in both of my shoulders now as well. My doctors insist this isn't from the med. My pharmacist differs in that opinion!! This stuff is POISON!!!
I am a registered nurse and will preach this to any and everyone who will listen!!!
I only pray I will not suffer a tendon rupture even after I have stopped this med! If that happens I will contact an attorney! Can we get a class-action lawsuit for all of us and to prevent others from this terrible experience???

I started taking Levaquin in December for a respiratory infection (500mg for 10 days). The only side effects I noticed while taking it was a terrible headache, insomnia and anxiety. I experienced that after the first dose. The next day I called my Dr. to tell him and he said he would prescribe Ativan and I should continue with my prescription. I wish I had listened to my common sense, but I listened to the doctor. I finished the prescription and felt somewhat better from the infection but after 10 days of being off the Levaquin, I started to get a burning pain in my left arm. At first I thought it was a blood clot or something. Two days later, the pain had spread to both arms. The pain was so intense I thought I was going to pass out. I had severe joint and muscle pain. I suspected it was the Levaquin when I found this and other websites where people have been describing their experiences. I made copies of a lot of information to take to the doctor. When I went the doctor I described my pain and tried to show him the information, but he didn't believe me. He said it was not caused by the Levaquin. Since then, the pain has spread to my knees. I have decided to find a new doctor since I refuse to waste my time on a doctor who doesn't even believe me. I called the FDA to file a med watch and they said they were going to send me paperwork..guess what..that was last week and I still haven't gotten paperwork. I believe that everyone is trying to keep this undercover! I am going to go to their website and download my own forms and file.
Two weeks ago I started taking a regimen of vitamins: Daily 3000 mg vitamin C, one B Complex, Milk Thistle, 1000 mg Calcium, 500 mg Magnesium, Potassium, and a Probiotic supplement. I don't know if these have helped me, but I do want to say that I feel better than I felt two weeks ago. I still have a lot of pain, but it's not as severe as it was. I'm hoping that it goes away soon. I am spreading the word among family and friends to NEVER take anything in the quinolinone family of antibiotics. I really don't believe that these side effects are as rare as they say. I just believe many people don't report because most don't connect the dots that their symptoms were caused by the antibiotic. My symptoms didn't start until almost two weeks after I completed the antibiotics. I was just lucky enough to have figured it out. The other symptoms I am having are muscle twitching, trouble focusing, insomnia, and cold hands/feet. I also just once had a ringing in my left ear that made me feel like I lost some of my hearing after it finished. I hope that's not the case. I will continue to pray for all of you.

I took Levaquin for 5 days (500mg). By the end of that time I was having
extreme joint and muscle pain. Diagnosed for Pneumonia while I was
out of state over holidays. Upon going to my home doctor she immediately
knew this was the Levaquin and after 10 days of prescribed steroids I seem to be past this. THERE WAS NOTHING IN MY DRUG BOOK OR
IN THE INFO AT THE DRUGSTORE THAT ALERTED ME TO THIS SIDE
EFFECT. Please be aware of this. Also stomach bloat and pains.

I am so upset just reading these posts! I started on a regimen of 500 mg of Levaquin on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 along with an Advair inhaler for treatment of a bronchial infection. On Thursday I started feeling twinges in my knees when I went up and down steps. By Sunday, I could barely bend my knees so I called the Pharmacist. She suggested it was the Advair so I discontinued using it but still called my MD in the morning. She prescribed massive doses of ibuprofen (800 mg) which in a 32 hour period did NOTHING to relieve the pain. If anything it has gotten worse. I spoke to a friend the same evening who said her husband had severe muscle/joint pain in his hands when he took Levaquin this summer. This morning I called my MD twice in tears (she didn't respond until 3:30 PM.) She still doesn't seem to think it's the Levaquin but told me to take Benadryl (after I told her that this is what my friend's husband's MD told him to do!) I am going in to see her on Thursday morning and I will go armed with these comments from all of you brave people who are suffering from the effects of this awful drug!

Nothing new. I took Levaquin for 5 days and now I am still suffering with stiff joints and bad muscle pain. Someone on this site said that magnesium helps the symptoms I am going to try it and see if it helps I will keep you posted.

I was put on Avelox and went on a cruise. Well on the third day of taking it I broke out in hives, had difficulty breathing, could not walk, the pain in my legs were so bad and had a burning sensation from my nose to my pelvis. I felt like I was on fire inside my body. Well, the doctor on the cruise ship gave me many medications to combat the allergic reaction and thankfully I was fine after that. I still to this day have severe joint and muscle pain. I didn't realize until I read all this that it could have been due to the Avelox. I was on Avelox, Cipro, and Levaquin also for a sinus infection. That was Aug. 2006 and quess what still feel like crap with the pain in my legs and feet.

Wow! I am shocked. I have taken Levaquin on several occasions in the last two years for various infections - cellulitis, pneumonia and UTI. Over time my legs, knees and right hip have become so painful that I have actually checked the terms of my life insurance policy because I did not think I could go on. I have been attributing my severe pain, which is not helped by narcotic pain medication to any significant degree, to an old fall injury, new over-use injuries, being overweight, not being fit, etc. I never thought for a minute that my only available antibiotic choice, Levaquin, could be the culprit. I was just researching severe leg pain on the net (again) and stumbled on this site. I have had unusual headaches, loss of appetite, and of course severe leg, knee and hip pain, as well as weird visual perceptions (I keep thinking the light is too low) and horrible muscle pain in my right thigh and calf. I had a trip and fall accident and now have lymphedema in the right thigh and have had many other complications since '92. When I went back to my doctor last Monday, he told me to take a second course of Levaquin for cellulitis in the thigh when I complained about the horrible pain in my thigh muscle, knee and hip. Does he really have no idea that Levaquin has these serious side effects being reported? I am now terrified that these painful conditions are going to persist for a long time to come. I can barely walk at this point and I have chronic severe pain and I have missed many days of work since taking these last three rounds of Levaquin (500 mg. x 10 days each) since September. Again, wow!

I took levaquin, cipro and avalox in a 4 month period due to a severe sinus infection, back in Jan to april of 2006. I had tolerated it most of my life, but at that time, I had had 'neck surgery due to 2 pinched nerves, left shoulder operated on, major tears, due to extreme 'flat roof roofing repair' for 6 months trying to save our 'dream home from satan'. (we lost it, foreclosure)
I complained to my dr the next day, (and most every week) he ignored my halluciations, (actually "snickered" in my face), mood altered, ignored my complaints of feeling like a hot rake tearing my muscle and tendons apart. pain, told me to continue taking it:(, blame me for listening and NOT doing research soon enough, I learned later the dr is supposed to STOP the drugs immediately to rule out tendonitist to prevent pernanent irreverable damage AND it's not to be given to 'muscle challanged people'). after that 3rd round in a 4 month period, I told him I'd rather die than to take them again. mom always told me I was allergic to pennicilin, I wasnt, it helped clear my infection.

I now have hodgkins lyphoma, (affects men mostly, i'm female, 51 yrs of age), I shouldnt have 'this cancer'. My face started breaking out w/2 types of skin cancer, basal cell, and precancer A. keratosis eveywhere. I was 120 lbs, cut muscles, always had been physical. Now, flab, lost mucle strength everywhere. Every day now is filled w/severe pain and NO dr will listen, I've been called crazy so many times, I could puke. The dr's dont WANT TO KNOW because of the extensive lawsuits that will exist due to them NOT knowing side effects and stopping meds, it's their 'brotherhood', protect each other no matter what the patients 'cost' is, as in mine, complete mind and body destruction:(
To MOST people, this drug is okay. To many of us, it's a life destroying slow death. Cant work, cant get disability. Have reached for 'help to heaven' so many times, but never followed through:(. I still HOPE for some dr to listen and do necessary tests so I can sue the crap out of my previous g.p. He should have known . HOPE is a forbidden 4 letter word, yet I cuss like a sailor.
Peace my fellow quin sufferers, Sandie in S.C.

I took Levaquin in March of 2004, for a spider bite. I had a 5 day dose pack. After the 2nd pill, I started having nightmares (I usually never remember my dreams), but attributed them to the spider bite. By the time I finished the meds, I had swollen hands, almost fell over when I got out of bed one morning, as I have no sense of balance, was having nighttime chills, along with many other things. Three and 1/2 years later, I have had to make my rings bigger, and my muscle pain still exists. I believe it is getting worse. I have been tested for Lupus, RA, and other autoimmune diseases, all neg. I still have an abnormally low platelet count which stated shortly after the levaquin too. I am thinking of contacting a lawyer, as this drug needs to be taken off of the market.

Just an update! First off, PLEASE I implore you, CONTACT the mfg! They need to submit these side effects to the FDA which can alert and prevent this from happening to other unsuspecting patients like ourselves!

Okay just got back from the dr's (rhumotologist) Good News, Bad News and Good News! First she knew IMMEDIATELY what was going on and this is what happens with this drug (to those who get the burning of the knees and muscle pains) you get tendonitits from the medicine and it works so rapidly it breaks down all your muscles in your legs, joint areas ect. Your arms and hands bounce back easily because they're not weight baring joints for the most part, however, the legs, knees, ankles are not so easy to build back up. The bad news is that this did happen and it is going to take 3 to 6 months of aggressive therapy (my choice on aggressive, I could have done low impact, but I don't have the patience, would rather brave the pain and get it over with!) to build your muscles back to where the medication broke them all down. The other good news is that it will go away (according to dr.) So I am VERY optimistic and have a great outlook now!

To the poster who asked about gaining weight, I lost weight, had nightmare, sleeplessness, tremors and nausia, all that disappeared (tremors being the longest lasting out of them) pretty much after I stopped the medication. The knees, ankles and thigh muscle contractions, are still going strong but I am being careful where I was not before I knew what was going on and now I am looking forward to getting back to the gym and therapy and get this over and done with!

Okay PLEASE again EVERYONE www.levaquin.com will give you the manufacturer's information, PLEASE contact them, PLEASE if they are forced to put warnings on the lables, then someone else will know when to stop taking the medication if they start to feel muscle pain and burning. Thanks everyone and I hope everyone is feeling better!!

My father was in for a quintuple bypass and had a stroke on the table. After surgery they put him on Levaquin, unbeknownest to me. He is now in a rehab facility and had I not walked in one morning and saw the IV drip, I would not have known. He has been having wild hallucinations and confusions so I asked them about it and they discontinued the drug right then. He was on this drug for 22 days, and 6 days later there has been very little change in him. I am very concerned about this, he was always very independent (only 73 years old) he did everything for himself and to see him like this breaks my heart. I hope it will eventually will get out of his system, but from what I have read I am doubtful. Make sure no one you know and love is put on this crap, I sure wish I would have known 22 days sooner.

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.

I took Levaquin 750 mg for 2 days. The first night it made me sleepy and drowsy. The second night I took it, I was high. I felt like I was a zombie. I sat in front of my computer rocking back and forward. And al I wanted to do while I sat there was take more and more and more levaquin. I wanted sit there and eat them like they were candy. That urge was so overwhelming. So, I hurried up and I flushed them down the toilet except for 3. Knowing that they were there, I wanted to eat those 3, so I flushed them.
That was the worst night of my life. I said to myself if this is how high suppose to feel. I don't ever be high.
This drug need to be taken off the market.

I am extremely upset after reading all of the letters regarding levaquin. I was prescribed levaquin for a severe lung infection. Told to take it for 10 days. Around the eighth day I started to feel pain in all of my joints, i.e. shoulders, hips, knees and especially both elbows. Also, had a tight feeling pain in the backs of both my legs. Doctor advised that I should take the whole ten day dose since my infection had been quite severe. I had told the doctor that I am sensitive to most antibiotics but was told that the Levaquin would probably be well tolerated. It has been six days since I took the last pill and I still have joint and muscle pain which has not decreased. I was beginning to think that I had developed arthritis throughout my body, but since reading the other horror stories I am inclined to believe it has to be the levaquin. Does anyone know how long this drug stays in your system and is the joint and muscle pain something that will continue? I have had reactions to other antibiotics in the past but nothing like this. I will add this drug to my list of things that I am unable to tolerate.

I am on my 13th day of a 14 day course of Levaquin. I have had severe restlessness due to body tremors, and anxiety. On the 7th day I threw up and had severe stomach pain, and today I have muscle aches which have been getting progressivly worse over the course. Considering the side effects, I called my Dr. who told me to complete my course of medication, and not to worry about the side effects; this has made me seriously consider continuing seeing him. I will NOT take the last pill as I simply cannot continue to attempt to function with little to no sleep, muscle pain and panic attacks. I'm glad to have found this web site, thank you all for sharing, at least now I am sure my symptoms are from the terrible medication.

I started taking Levaquin 500mg 3 22 07 on the 3rd day My legs hurt so bad I could hardly walk. My knees also hurt, My hips & back of legs allthe way down my legs the muscles hurt so bad I cried,even when I walked the back of my ankles it would pull I would have to set down, My memory has changed, like short term it is so weird, My son asked me yesturday If I was ok. My joints or so sore, i can't hardly do my hair, lifting my arms it is so painful. My fingers also are hurting so bad.

I was given Levaquin in August 2004 for a sinus infection. I have had joint pain, muscle pain, headaches, and other strange, unexplainable aching. I have had severe aching in my lower back, knees and legs, causing extreme pain to walk or bend. Sometimes it is almost impossible to get out of bed. The pain seems to move around my body. The doctor could not give me any explanation for this. It has been over two years now and I'm not any better, in fact, it is worse. If I try to exercise, walk for any distance, or do any small project, it leaves me in agony the next several days.

After taking Levaquin for 7 of the proscribed 10 days, I awoke with severe lower back ache, running down the front and backs of both legs. I did not connect the pain to the drug, as I have seen a chiropractor for similar pain. He said that it was highly unusual for a back issue to effect both legs, and that the hamstring pain must be some unrelated, coincidental muscle strain. After my treatment the pain got progressively worse. I could not sleep, and drank milk to ease the cramping in my legs in the night. The next day, I discontinued use of Levaquin, started drinking gallons of water and green tea to purse my system. On the 8th day, I strarted with the nausea, which I treated with crackers. No nausea on the 9th day. Receding muscle pain the night of the 9th day, and last night, the 10th day, receding still. Trouble is, the pain seems to magnify when I sit and espcially when I lay down. I am moving around pretty well during the day now, but my ability to sleep has been impaired and finally seems to be improving. Last night was pretty good.

I had pneumonia 3 times in 2004 and was prescribed Levaquin every month for 3 months. I began having terrible burning sensations in my arms, then legs and hips. After 2 months I was unable to even get out of bed. Lab tests showed high levels of inflammation in my system and I saw 3 different autoimmune specialists trying to figure out what was wrong with me. Then I had bronchitis 3 weeks ago and was put on the Levaquin again. My still present muscle pain became excrutiating and my finger joints started hurting. Then I realized it was the Levaquin!! Thousands of dollars and hundreds of tests later, I am sure it was the drug. It is time to start an active campaign with the FDA to get this medication off the market. Maybe a few major law suits will get the ball rolling.