Levaquin and shoulders

I am a 34 yr old registered nurse and I was given Levaquin for a kidney infection. I was very pleased that by the next day my symptoms from the infection were gone. Unfortunately, after 5 out of 7 days of taking Levaquin I developed pain in my knees, wrists,shoulders,ankles and hands. My hands are swollen and difficult to use even to type this. I am very familiar with Levaquin and give it to patients all the time without even considering these symptoms because they are dismissed as "very rare"! Obviously they are under reported because doctors don't attribute these complaints to the drug side effects. I pray that this pain goes away soon for myself and everyone else. I have learned in my career and in my own experience that though doctors are the ones with the ability to diagnose and treat, WE are the ones that must be our own advocates! I will definitely never give Levaquin without warning patients of potential side effects.

I got prescribed Levaquin for a Failed attempt with an IUD. It got stuck in my uterus and caused infection and lots of paid.So she put me on Levaquin and another strong antibiotic. I was really scared to take it because of all the side effects i read in the pamplet they give you at the pharmacy,so when i went back to the doctor i told her i was to scared to take it,she told me if i didn't take it that i could die and she would put me in the hospital with IV's if i didn't. So i felt like i had no choice. After the 2nd pill,i couldn't not sleep at all! it gave me insomnia soo bad..And im one of those people thats in bed by 9 and up at 6. Now im tossing and turning all night,and if i do actually fall asleep i wont get up until like 9 and that totally unusual for me. Now its day 8 and both my shoulders and my neck hurt so bad. Feels like pinched nerves and im so nauseous i cant stand it.Also, was driving to walmart with my kids 2 days ago and i had to call my mom to come get us because all the sudden i couldn't drive anymore. Got really dizzy lightheaded and felt like i was going to pass out at the wheel. i was very scared. i wish that on nobody! then when i got out of the car i felt like my legs hurt so bad they couldn't carry me. I never thought that any of that had to do with the pill until i read this..Im not taking it anymore and i have a week left..

After major surgery in mid-June I got an infection. I took a week-long dose of Levaquin. Approximately a week later, my shoulders, back, wrists, hips, knees and ankles became extremely sore and stiff all at once. It took two and a half weeks for those symptoms to disappear, however, my right hip is still affected so much that it hurts to walk. I am an otherwise healthy, young person. The pain does not dissipate when I sit, lay down, or stand in any position. It's really awful and completely has put a hold on my life. Just about everything I enjoy doing involves the use of my leg, and the pain stops me from living normally. I hate this! I wonder whether it's related to the antibiotic. My doctor has not been able to figure out what it is. I'm going to ask her to look in to this! Thanks for letting me vent..D.M. Washington

I took 1 Levaquin pill 500 mg one evening in September 2007 for a kidney, UTI infection. My left side went numb and started tingling, my left hip hurt, I could not put weight on my left leg, had to limp to walk. I had severe pains shooting through my head, felt dizzy, nauseous, weak, had to stay in bed for 3 days after taking medicine. I could only limp to eat and bathroom. I called doctor, they said KEEP TAKING IT. NOT. They told me that these were normal side effects. I read on the internet that these are NOT NORMAL side effects. I didn't take anymore and read about alternative medicines. I was still in a lot of pain in my kidney and bladder. So I asked for Bactrim, a sulfur based drug. It worked great on the kidney/UTI. But since I took the Levaquin, my joints hurt and pop, my achilles tendon is painful everyday, my shoulders have excruciating intermittent pain and my hip hurts inside when I move it. Also, there is a lot of crackling and strange sounds in my joints now. My wrists have been having a lot of soreness as well. I just read about Levaquin causing these problems for years after you take one pill. I didn't know all of these symptoms might be connected to the Levaquin. Does anyone know how to get the Levaquin out of your body and joints???

I was diagnosed with pneumonia on July 6 and prescribed Levaquin 500 mg for 10 days. I took my last pill tonight and could not understand the pain in my right hip, red eyes which I suspect comes from the insomnia I have been experiencing since July 10. I am still having difficulty sleeping and tonight I feel extremely tire with discomfort in the back and shoulders. I wish I had read these comments earlier, I would have discontinue using this drug. I have not experience any depression, but lack of appetite, stomach pain and upset stomach. I have had intermittent diarrhea. How long will it take for this drug to get out of my system.

I started taking Levaquin on Saturday for preventive measures for knee surgery. I had taken Keflex the week before and had an allergic reaction to it. Extreme itching on my hands, hips, shoulders and feet. I broke out in hives and my lips, eyes, hands and face swelled up. I quit taking Keflex and then a week later, they started me on Levaquin. So this morning, Tuesday, I had been on Levaquin for 3 days, I woke up feeling fine. I was up for about 10 minutes and the back of my head was itchy. I itched it and noticed that my fingers and hands were starting to swell. I took a sip of coffe and my lips were starting to swell. Within 10 min. I was swollen, itchy, in an extreme cold sweat, my throat was swelling and I could not breath very well. I grabbed my phone and called 911 and I could barely remember my address. I told the dispatcher that I was going to pass out and I did. When I came to I could hear the dispatcher trying to get my attention. When I got back on the phone after passing out, she said paramedics were on the way. They showed up about 2 min. later. My blood pressure was 101/53. I ended up going to the hospital and on the way there, they gave me a shot of epipedirine and benadryl. When I got to the hospital there were 8 people working on me. I got a shot of pepcid and a shot for the rash that was covering 90% of my body. I was still having a hard time understanding questions and was having a hard time staying focused to answer questions. I was in the ER for about 4 1/2 hours for anaphylaxis but they finally got it under control. Now I get to have epi pens to carry around with me since this was such a severe reaction. I was told to look into an allergy screening so I think I might see how much the insurance will pay on that and maybe get that done.

I mentioned this a few weeks ago and have found the source of my comments. It is in Peter D'Adamo's book "Eat Right For Your Blood Type". The reason I found this interesting is because my dad had a terrible reaction to Levaquin and was curious about his blood type after reading that AB and B blood types should avoid fluoroquinolones. Dad passed away in March, but ascertained his blood type from mom's, mine, and brother. I am O, brother AB, and mom type A. Dad, therefore had to be B. Food for thought.
Dad had ulnar nerve damage, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, insomnia, pain in calves and shoulders,etc. Succumbed suddenly from rare b-cell lymphoma in lungs, which just appeared out of nowhere while in hospital for Levaquin reaction. Mom unfortunately took Levaquin last month. Then suddenly is now dying from Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. Is this all a coincidence? Is this stuff fertilizer for cancer?

I took Levaquin on multiple occasions for a severe prostate infection. I took a 15 day supply...then off for 1 week...another 15 day supply...off for two weeks...and then a 30 day supply. I took another 30 day supply when the infection resurfaced about a year later. During the time I was on it I experienced extreme "arthritis like" pain in my ankles, wrists, shoulders, and especially my back. The infection was over 3 years ago and I have not taken Levaguin since. However, the joint pain has never went away. I can barely climb stairs as my right knee feels like it is going to pop out of socket. The bone pain in my neck and between my shoulder blades is horrible. I visited a doctor (I never even considered the Levaguin as a possible antagonist) and was told that I had spinal degeneration and needed physical therapy. Protect yourself and your family from this drug.

My Mom was prescribed Levofloxacin ( AKA Levaquin) by her retarded doc for a mild cold and a sore throat.
After taking 2 tablets of 500mg each my mom is down is severe pain all over her body! she has joint pains, neck pain, arms, palms shes got severe pain all over her body!
She also has severe itching on the palms and her arms as well..
Headaches,
Things aren't looking good.

She in real pain! She tells me she just wants the pain to stop and that she was better off with the cold and sore throat.

She has stopped taking Levaquin.

Anyone got anyway to help her? something?? She is asleep now but tmr Im going to ask her to drink some kefir..

Thanks

hello i am a 28 year old mother of three i am going to school to become a nursing assistant just started my clinical.i have not been feeling good for the past 4 weeks went to my doc and asked for them to test my urin they took it and only did the dip stick instead of sending it to the lab the doc called me about a week later and told me everything looked good i said to him are you sure i feel like i have a uti so he told me if i am still not feeling well come back in in about a week so a week passes and now i am having pains in my back and trouble going to the bathroom so he does a (ua) i go to the lab to give urine and he put stat so the women said it should be back by tomorrow i called my doc the next day the receptionist says yes your results are in so i told her i am coming down cause she couldn't give me the results over the phone so i get ther and she tells me well it came back abnormal which i knew didn't have to pay $80.00 to tell me that i was the one telling the doctor that so anyway she tells me the doctor is in with another patient that i will have to wait i said oh no i feel like i am dying i am having so much pains in my kidneys so she said ok 1 min she got the doctor he called me down to his office and said well it looks like you had a uti and now it seems a little worse than that it might have traveled into your kidneys so i said i told you a few weeks ago when you said my urine came back fine i was in a lot of pain so now what he told me he was going to put me on levaquin 500 mg for 5 days and lets see how that works and to come back in in 2 weeks to take a repeat ua so i said ok got the prescription filled $50.00 later went home and read all the side effects and was so scared to take it but i was in so much pain and hearing about the actress who died of a ut i was so scared but i took it even know in my heart i knew it was not going to respond to me ok well let me tell you i almost had to quiet school i can hardly take care of my children just to walk up the stairs to go to the bathroom feels like i have been running a marathon for 10 miles we are a young couple and parents of 3 and i am a homemaker till i finish school so we live on my husbands pay check which really is living week by week nothing in saving cause we need every penny for bills and food but now i have been in so much pain not sleeping a wink cause i am so afraid of the nightmares that he has been home and not working which means no money is coming in at all i mean how do you tell your children well sorry i have nothing here and no money to buy you juice boxes for school i just really wanna give up i feel like i became a failure to my husband and children if i wasn't so sick he could be working and at least we can have the basics how do i tell them that we are almost out of oil and might not be able to have hot water i mean my life seems ruined all because of this drug i can not believe it i wish every day if i do fall asleep mybe it would be in my childrens best if i do not wake up but then feel like how can i even think that they love me no matter what i don't know i just can not even believe that my life turned around like this in the matter of a week how can this happen i really need help if anyone is out there please help i just wanna end it but i know deep in my heart my kids need me what to do

Burning aches aches and pains, all over body and in joints, extreme fatigue, headache, insomnia.

Took drug for 20 days, side effects began after a day or two, but I didn't know about the relationship between the drug and the side effects until after I took the last pill. I thought something was just very wrong with me!

Still lacking in energy a week after taking the last pill, still have some severe aches and pains, especially in the shoulders and hips.

I am a 40 year old male diabetic insulin dep. for 31 yrs.I was in the hosp. for 1 month with pneumonia in both lungs, I was given levaquin for the time i was in the hosp. then given 500mg pills. I have been getting pain in my shoulders and chest area. after a week out of the hosp. Also been have been depressed but have been taking drugs for that. Dont know what to do!?

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.

After a sphenoidetomy, it showed that I had a staph and fungal infection that wasn't clearing up so the doctor prescribed 10 days of 500 mg. of levaquin. just 2 days taking it, I developed pains in different areas of my body. I couldn't use my arms as both shoulders were affected. Then, I had edema in my lower legs and ankles. This was 5 months ago and I still have pains all over. They move around. This medicine is deadly for the body and the head. I blacked out while driving and I am sure levaquin caused it. Also, if you are having muscle problems with this drug, ask your doctor to do blood tests to see if your muscles have been damaged. I have had creatine kinase blood test 3 times and they all showed abnormally high levels. I have read that time is the only healer. Good luck!

There may be no way to get Levaquin out of one's body except time. But I wanted to at least try to speed it up. I don't know if it will work for me or others, only time will tell. There is genetics involved since each of us has a unique tolerance for Levaquin. But here is what I am doing:

1. 8 glasses of water daily with fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
2. Lots of fiber - a tblsp of wheat bran 3 times a day with more water.
3. Plain yogurt with live active cultures 5 times a day.
4. A hot bath with epsom salts once a day.
5. Magnesium, Calcium and Iron, a couple of times a day.
6. Vitamins B and C a few times a day.
7. Body Cleanse and Liver Cleanse from the drug store, as directed.

I took 7 Levaquin pills and stopped 10 days ago. Some symptoms have improved. Notably, my appetite is better, the bloated stomach is gone and food moves through normally, anxiety spells are gone, the brain fog is still there but maybe a slightly better each day.

I will be watching my body for any signs of tendon pain in the 12 - 18 months ahead. No pain so far, but Levaquin is capable of doing damage with the pain not felt until later. I will ease back into exercising very slowly over the coming months.

I will be posting updates periodically over the next couple of years. I am a 50 year-old man.

Good luck to all and God bless.

I am scared to death after reading what everyone is going through. I was put on Levaquin for 10 days and got to day 9. My joints ached so bad I thought I had arthritis, and even had my Dr. do blood tests for it (I had no idea it was the Levaquin). I am only 35 years old and never worried about arthritis before this. Also, within 5 days I started developing hives all over. Again, I was stupid and didn't realize until day 9 that the hives were because of this med. I told my Dr. and he told me to stop taking it which of course I did. I assumed the hives would go away after the med was out of my system. But a week later the hives were unbearable. I was put on prednisone (another issue altogether) and that helped the itching, but now every time I try to go off or back off the prednisone the hives come back- and they are terrible! Now my Dr. thinks the hives were from something else because there is no way that the Levaquin is still in my body. But after reading what other people are going through on this med, I am convinced this stuff is as everyone says- POISON!! I am so worried about the joint and hip pain that was so bad I couldn't stand for long without excruciating pain in my right hip. It felt like I had a one hundred pound weight just sitting on it. And my hands were the worst. I have a newborn and could barely pick him up without worry that I'd drop him. I don't know what to do.. Is there anything to do?? I'm still on the prednisone, and have been for a month. I need to get off of it but every time I do I itch so bad with the hives that I cannot function. Also because of the prednisone I noticed last night that I am getting "moon face" my face is swelling up and there are a million side effects from that drug too. How long does this last? Has anyone else fought the hives that come with this? Please help me, I am so scared!

I am taking Levaquin now, but after reading all of this I plan on not finishing the 3 pills I have left. My head is numb and feeling so weird. I have a constant headache which I hardly ever have and I feel dizzy and really out of it. My stomach is sick and nauseated. Feeling almost depressed which I don't know why. I just don't feel right. My shoulders feel heavy and tingly and I feel more sick now than when I started taking it 7-8 days ago.

I started Levaquin 500mg on Jan 27th for a sinus infection. Two days later I woke up and almost passed out upon standing. My heart was racing and my blood pressure dropped. I had to call my husband home from work to take me to the ER. I also started to get nauseated,chills and weakness in my legs. After being hydrated at the ER I was sent home to finish my meds which was a 10 day course. My symptoms became increasingly worse over the past week. Dizzyness,weakness,fatigue,rapid heart rate with some PVC"s, no appetite,nausea,pain in my back,shoulders and left hip. I also have a red rash on my chest and face. I experienced a heavy sensation in the back of my head, compounded by a crawling sensation. My body will flush upon standing , I get night sweats and difficulty breathing. I have also suffered with some kind of wierd sensations in my eyes that has my sight screwed up in some weird way. I have also been on this side of confusion or forgetfullness and nearly having panic attacks. This is some kind of freaky horrible drug. The day I went to the ER my left leg went numb. I have one pill left and didnt take it today. The doctor I saw today says it could be the Levaquin. HA!!!! I am praying for all on here..

I started taking 500 mg of Levaquin on Friday. I have a sinus infection, bronchitis and was wheezing. I finished chemo a year ago and have long term effects from it including joint pain. I was improving by working with a trainer, doing basic pilates, etc... My joints are awful and it's not the same pain. My knees hurt all the time, I can't stand for any length of time. My hands, shoulders and hips hurt. My doctor was out today, but the nurse told me to stop taking it and I see her tomorrow.

This is so upsetting, I read the insert from the pharmacy and it mentioned joint pain, so I know it's where the pain is coming from. It took me so long to get to where I am and now this. I am still sick with the sinus infection and bronchitis.

I will post tomorrow after I see my doctor.

N.

I have taken Levaquin for five days for a sinus infection. Day three I started getting muscle soreness. Day four I was so sore I started looking up possible sudden pain. Today I am so sore I can hardly walk and my joints are very painful in my feet,hands and shoulders. I started thinking about what was different and realized the only thing that had changed was that I was taking an antibiotic that I have never taken before. Wow, I am so glad I looked this up. The symptoms that you all are reporting are exactly what I am experiencing! I will never take it again. Hopefully the symptoms will resolve quickly.

I started to take Levaquin on the 7th of January for pneumonia. This is the 10th of January and I woke up in the middle with the three fingers on my right in pain and really stiff. The back of my legs is stiff to walk and I have felt dizzy. I have never taken any medication for over 30 years and just thought the side affects of dizziness were normal. Then I read the booklet that the drug store had given me and realized that this is not a good drug so went on the internet and found out about the lawsuit. I have had headache the past two days, a taste in my mouth that makes all food taste terrible, soreness around my shoulders and legs and when I get up in the morning my hips are just aching. No more of that drug. It should be taken off the the shelves. I hope that I am going to be okay and that I don't suffer any other side affects from taking a drug that shouldn't be prescribed in the first place.I live in Arizona for the winter and this drug was given to me by a doctor here in Arizona. P. B. C. A. Canada

OH MY GOD!!!! I thought I might be imagining things. I was prescribed Levaquin and clyndamycin on December 15 2008 for a urinary tract infection that appeared to have gone systemic. After 2 days my right knee swelled up. I went back to the Dr the next day and he looked up both antibiotics in his little book and said the clyndamycin could cause joint swelling and pain. He told me to stop taking the clyndamycin and take 600 mg of ibuprofen for the joint paig. His little book said nothing about levaquin. Well I kept taking the levaquin and the pain spread literally to every joint in my body. I could not walk and had trouble even holding a coffee cup. The pain was unreal. I completed the 10 day course of the levequin as instructed. The joint pain was getting worse. I called the Dr. again and they did blood work to rule out arthritis and stuff like that. He put me on prednisone which has significantly helped with the pain. He said it may be a coincidence that I have developed arthritis and that it had nothing to do with the UTI. Well as I was watching TV last night I saw a lawyers commercial for a law suit against levaquin and cipro. Then today got on the internet and found this site. I am going to call the Dr. and tell him to update his little book he looked up the levaquin in. My fear is how long after you stop taking this poison does the joint pain end? I wish I would have known all of this sooner. I will never take this drug again.

I was diagnosed with Diverticulitis and put on the usual regime of Levaquin (500mg a day) and Flagel. The case turned worse and was admitted to the hospital (they thought I had a blockage but turned out did not) and was put on IV of the same medication. Released from the hospital 4 days later and stayed on the Levaquin as prescribed. When I ran out, I called my regular doctor who sent in the renewal prescription. However the his aide made an error and the bottle read 500mg 4 times a day…nobody including the pharmacy caught it. So for 3 days I was taking 2000mg a day of Levaquin. When I started getting worse (truly thought I was dying), I got to the doctor and he said I had taken turn for the worse and could not figure out why. He asked if I was taking the meds and I said yes 4 times a day…his face when white. I had the bottle with me and he panicked. They apologized for the error and I was told to stay off my feet, no heels, they ran ekg’s that day and the following Monday, blood work to check the kidneys etc.

Subsequently, I have had extreme pain in my joints and muscles – everyday, all day. Some days I just cry it hurts so bad. If I bend down I can hardly get back up because of my right knee. I have talked with a doctor I happened to run into about this and she said that Levaquin dosage has saturated my body and gotten into the joint and muscles and takes a long time to work it out. I can hardly lift my arms above my shoulder without severe pain. Stabbing pains in my knees, shoulders, arms and hands.

I have not gone back to the doctor because when I mentioned the pain the when I was in that last time…he just wanted to give me more meds! I have been seeing a massage therapist who specializes in deep tissue restoration and repair. It helps some, but he as well says this is going to take a lot to time to work out.

I have depression to the point of feeling like I am a nothing and what good am I to anyone feeling like this. So like snoop45...that is exactly what i feel like!

dawn62

J.

DO NOT TAKE THIS POISON!! I have spent the last 4 years dealing with
adverse side effects of this medication. I have central nervous system damage, digestive disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, dizziness, achiness-it feels like a really really bad flu. My dad who is a doctor didn't believe that Levaquin was the cause at first however he had a chemist look up the compound makeup and was told to never prescribe this or any other fluoroquinolone again (cipro, avelox, etc!) Side effects can last long after you finish this medication. Also animals can get this stuff so it can be in the meat you eat which will make you feel worse or it could kill your beloved pets. Do your research. Warn friends and family-even strangers. Make a mediwatch report. Helpful sites if you are dealing with poisoning.
There is also a yahoo group.

I was prescribed Levaquin yesterday for a severe bronchial infection. I woke up at 3:30am this morning, and my arms were numb from the shoulders to my fingertips. My hands were tingling as if they were "asleep," and my thumbs were drawing inward toward my hand. I could not lift ANYTHING. Also, the joints in my elbows were extremely stiff. I immediately woke my husband up, and we started searching for Levaquin on the internet. I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THE POSTINGS I FOUND ON THIS WEBSITE. I am scared to know what might have happened if I had continued the use of this drug. My fingers, wrists, shoulders, and elbows are so sore right now. I just hope there is no permanent damage to my body.

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.

Three years ago I was prescribed Levaquin for an infection. After the Levaquin I was unable to stay up in my wheelchair for more than two hours. I started taking two extra strength Tylenol and I was able to increase that to three hours. I added Naproxen 325 mg and that has decreased the pain and has also increased the time in my wheelchair by about an hour. I am also on a drug called Lyrica 150 mg which has decreased the pain further. I am a quadriplegic so I cannot feel anything below my shoulders but my body responds to pain. I can tell that my body is in constant pain but of course I cannot feel were it's coming from. Ever since the Levaquin I also have a condition called Terry's nails. I looked at this condition on the Internet and is says that Terry's nails occurs when the body is in distress usually with kidney disease or liver disease or cancer. I've had more blood tests than I can count and all of them are normal. My body's sensitivity to pain appears to be getting worse. I'm not sure what can help anymore, have any of you found anything out about pain management?

To the best of my knowledge I never had any of the 'immediate' symptoms.
My problems are probably due to the fact that I was prescribed Cipro 3 possibly 4 times from Aug 06 - Dec 07 and then finished up Dec 07 with a round of Levaquin. My father is over 60 and was recently given Levaquin and had immediate and serious problems. He is seeing a doctor recommended by the CDC today. Yes, he is even working with the CDC on
this one. Due to all he is being told he is convinced that the medication is behind my medical decline as well. Since taking these medications (symptoms started slowly in 07), but after taking the Levaquin at Christmas time I never got up from the couch. My thyroid gland has quit working, my adrenals are shot, I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, blew out 3 disks in my back, vision is deteriorating rapidly, and really so many things I can't list them all. I had a complete physical
in Oct 05 and was given a perfect bill of health. Through Aug 06 I was riding my bicycle 33 miles per week. I'm still trying to figure out what hit me??
What my father has been told is that in some individuals Levaquin will attack the glands (like the thyroid) and will compromise the immune system. This damage appears to be permanent. All I know is that I went from being extremely healthy to terribly sick. If in a day's time I have enough energy to load and unload the dishwasher it is a banner day. I can
not work and seem to get worse instead of better as each day passes.

My husband also had pneumonia at Christmas and took Levaquin but does not seem to have had an problems. I suspect it was possibly the cumulative effect of having basically 4-5 rounds of the antibiotic in a years time. According to the people at the CDC that have spoken to my father the symptoms that I have can all be traced back to the medication. One never knows what effect a medication will have. Just please be careful when taking this medication, and limit how many times you take it.

Nerve damage to head and face, shoulders, feet.

While taking this, I have experienced water on my knee, aching in my leg and then a problem with the right knee, aching in arms and shoulders. All of this could be something else, or at least the fluid on my knee. I had an MRI Saturday and will hear in a few days.
So what is the best med for sinus infection which is why I am on this.
Thanks.

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 had a hip replacement in June, then contracted a staph infection after that (non-MRSA, thank goodness!), for which I have been on a 12 week antibiotic protocol, in addition to having the hip opened again for cleaning and replacement. For the first 6 weeks, I had a PICC line in my arm, which was infusing Oxacillin every four hours 24/7, as well as two oral doses per day of Rifampin. After the removal of the PICC line, I was put on a daily dose of 750 mg of Levaquin (I was also on Levaquin in the hospital, and couldn't sleep for weeks after coming home from the hospital). I have now been on Levaquin for 4 weeks and have incredible pain. The first symptom and most annoying was insomnia, as well as EXTREME rotator ruff pain, stiff fingers, tendor pain in my left elbow, and right knee. I can't walk well, the bottoms of my feet hurt (what's up with that?), and I can't even put on my bra by myself, my shoulders hurt so much. I thought I could take the pain because I just DO NOT want to have the staph infection come back and have another hip replacement, but I think I will actually have to go off of it. It's just too much pain. And I'm worried about long term damage.

Wow, this is so scary! My boyfriend, incredibly strong and physically fit was put on the antibiotic for a UTI and has used the antibiotic maybe 5 or 6 times over the past couple years. He noticed severe pain in his feet and went to his family doctor as well as an Orthopedic doctor, neither came to the conclusion that this drug was his problem. We just found all of this information that has answered so many questions as his tendons have been torn in both feet for quite a while now with no explanation. Does anyone know....IS THERE PERMANENT???? He is also having soreness in his biceps as well as in his shoulder area? He just stopped taking the drug and any information would be great! I believe that everyone should get together and sue these drug companies...this shocks me!

I started taking Levaquin on Aug 8th for bronchitis 6 days after taking medication I was awoken about 2am with severe shoulder pains in both shoulders I went to the ER to find out why I told them that I was taken Levaquin they took an X-ray of my shoulders and said they were fine prescribed percocet for pain. Pain got worse went back to ER was given a shot for pain and was told to get an appointment with bone and joint Dr. On the day of appointment my right forearm, wrist and hand swelled up. I told my Bone and Joint Dr.that I was taken Levaquin I told him that I stopped it immediately after reading side effects He prescribed an anti-imflammitory Pain got more severe went back to ER was given EKG and took blood and urine test all test came back fine. Went to another doctor he then checked me for Lyme disease. which came back neg. I then went back to first doctor that prescribed the Levaquin. she thought that I had arthritis. 8 different blood test were given all came back fine. Ended back in ER because by the end of day I could not walk, had high fever, sore throat, severe head ache, and was sick to stomach. Several more blood test were done. all came back fine. ER doctor prescribed prednisone which seem to help some. I went and seen another Dr. Still no one knows what is really wrong. I believe it is the LEVAQUIN it has messed me up bad.

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 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.

I have just finished taking Levaquin for a 10day treatment for pneumonia. In the last 5 days or so I have noticed stiffness in my achilles tendon (no pain) until I get moving. I have also notice a tremor in my hands and no muscle weakness and shaking in my triceps and quads. Of course I hadn't read the precautions to this drug before noticing these symptoms. I contacted both my pharmacist and physician and neither seemed concerned and told me if I was really worried to go to the emergency room. I am wondering if these symptoms will disappear since I am no longer on the drug, how long it will take, and how long I should worry about tendon damage----is the possibility of rupture forever???

I was prescribed Levaquin 750mg for a cough and cold. Day 6, the day after my last pill, my shoulders started to hurt. I took Motrin which did not help at all. 17 days after taking the drug I was still having shoulder pain and the doctor prescribed a pain killer for Tendinitis.
Last week I read about the black box warning from the FDA and then realized that the Levaquin was the source of my Tendinitis. I am now on my third pain killer, Ibuprofen 800mg. After six days I still have the shoulder pain and will have to be making a fourth visit to the doctors.

Question for you all. I have been on levaquin for 6 days 750 mg. For the last 3 to 4 days my hands have been killing me and it is getting worse, my knees, and shoulders hurt now. After reading your remarks I am calling doc first thing in the morning. Please let me know if you have any advice for me.

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

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

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

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

I started taking Levaquin last Monday, today is Saturday the 17th of May. I have a chronic sinus infection which i was given Augmentin that did not work. The Augmentin was taken for 10 days. Then I was told to wait 5 or 6 days to see if the infection would clear up. No it did not. So my doctor gave me 10 days of 750mg of Levaquin. I started taking Levaquin last Monday, today is Saturday the 17th of May. I decided to get back to walking for exercise to loose a little extra weight gained this past winter. I walked about 1 mile. I am used to walking and that is nothing. I usually try to walk 5 to 6 miles each evening. Today, I can hardly move. My hips are sour and my shoulders are killing me. I thought I must be really out of shape, but why are my arms and shoulder hurting. After reading the postings here, I am sure it is the Levaquin. I was fine Monday as far as muscle aches and pains just the sinus infection. Now I can hardly move. I will call my doctor first thing Monday morning. Thanks to you all for your postings and good luck.

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

October of 2006....I could not get out of bed. My shoulders were hurting so bad,I could not move my arms.I was stiff and in pain.The month of December, I was mostly in bed, missed a lot of work , I felt really bad.
Today, my shoulders are stiff and burning.Still every muscle in my body hurts.Some days I feel like I was run over by a mac truck.
It hurts to hold my head up.

Hi,

I took Levaquin for one day, the first pill out of a pack of five.
Next day I had severe pain in legs back, shoulders and across my chest,
I thought I'd had a heart attack. I immediately suspected the medication
because it was the only one I had taken.
The pain is still with me but it only three days out, am hoping that it
will go away. Recently today I have begun to notice knee pain.
Anyway I have warned everyone I know not to take Levaquin under any circumstances.

I took Levaquin the first time (that I know of and remember) in Dec 2006..probably for bronchitis or pneumonia. I started having strange symptoms, headaches, achy body, etc but chalked it all up to being sick. I have since taken in 4 more times - even after talking to my Dr about the strange things that were happening to me. I just realized by reading everything online that all of these things are more than just me being out of shape...I have had about 75% of the problems associated with this drug, but simply thought I was getting older, out of shape and ill. The headaches are the worst, the sharp pains that radiate through my skull at any given time for no apparent reason and the constant radiating pain coming from my shoulders, the funny vision issues that happen off and on, the incredible pain in my jaw that leads to what I call a 'pulled muscle' in the right side of my jaw, the severe pain in my muscles, mostly in my feet and shoulders but has now started in my wrists, taste of metal, night sweats are ridiculous! and I have started missing my period with this dose of Levaquin, however the new lower back pain that I am feeling is about 10 times worse than that of meses cramps, the sharp shooting pains in muscles sometimes happen in my arms, legs and knees. The very odd feeling of having a bruise when I touch any part of my body to scratch or rub it....the pain is extreme. I have made about 100 excuses for each of these things that I have experienced over the last year and a half and now I feel that I can probably blame it all on Levaquin, I have a doctor's appointment with a new doctor Thursday and am hoping she/he can provide some relief of some of these issues. Please make sure all your loved ones know not to take this drug!

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 last Friday ( the 11th) for a severe sinus infection. I was prescribed 750 mg for 5 days. I finished that but my sinus infection didn't improve so I was prescribed another 5 days of 750 mg. I took the pill yesterday and today ( totally 7 pills) I noticed on about day 2 or 3 that my legs felt tight, but thought it was a normal side effect. Then my lower back. I wasn't in serious pain at all so I ignored it. Today my knees, knuckles, shoulders, elbows, are extremely sore and i get sharp pains every now and then. It also hurts to sit for too long. I started researching the drug and now am so terrified after reading all these horror stories. Has anyone had this only last while taking it and not for months afterwards? Or am I pretty much in this for the long haul. And to the people who say that it lasts for months or years is it pain that disables you from working and doing daily things? I'm only 23 and I live a very active life and I'm totally freaked out now. PLEASE HELP

I have been on Levaquin for close to 4 weeks. 27 days at 500mg and the rest at 750. I have a severe open wound after a foot surgery. I started feeling like my shoulders had been hit by a bat. Slowly every single joint in my body is in pain. I cry with every move I make and dread going to sleep for fear of how painful and stiff my body will be in the morning. I begged the Dr. to remove me and he has agreed. i just pray it leaves quickly.

I was given levaquin 500 mg 6 days ago for phlebitis. Since I started I have had terrible anxiety, panic attacks, fear of dying, nightmares, crying jags, and very sore neck and shoulders. I called my doctor today and asked about the side effects of this medicine. I am NOT going to finish my 10 day dosage. I'm done. I've never been so miserable. This is strange because all this past summer I took low-dose levaquin, 250 mg 4 days a week because I have bartonellosis, a co-infection of Lyme disease. It didn't bother me beyond some leg pain then, but now it's a whole new story. I am TERRIFIED of this antibiotic and modern Western medicine in general.