Levaquin and tendon

I just spent $40 on a 10 day supply of Levaquin (750 mg). I am so upset - for one I am out $40, and now I don't want to take it. Of course the pharmacist will not take it back. I am a 30 year old female, (weigh 105 lbs) and have had serious reactions to medication before. To top it off I have fluid in both ears, which is why I got this medicine in the first place. I am assuming that most of you would tell me to stay away from it. I feel like I should try it since I spent all that money on it, but I am afraid to now. Any thoughts from anyone. I can't believe my doctor didn't say anything about the possible side effects.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

I was prescribed Levaquin in July 2008 for a kidney infection - 500 mg for 7 days. I experienced insomnia, muscle cramping in my calfs, and aching a chilies tendon while taking the drug. Approximately 5 days post Levaquin I started having generalized muscle twitching (head to toe) which is intensely noticed at rest, severe anxiety, burning sensation, vibratory sensation, and most recently weakness accompanied w/ pain in my right arm. I have seen 4 separate doctors in 3 months and have had blood work done along with an MRI of my brain. All tests came back normal... I am scheduled for an EEG and EMG this coming week - which too will probably come back normal. Between all of my doctors I have been diagnosed w/ a virus, anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia, and a mild case of Guillain-Bairre Syndrome. Luckily all the doctors have agreed that they do not believe I have MS or ALS. Before the kidney infection I was healthy and RARELY made a visit to the doctors. I have issued a Medwatch Report to the FDA as I am completely convinced that my medical issues are related to Levaquin. I have been dealing with these symptoms now for 3 months and would appreciate any feedback from individuals who have experienced the same side effects and what they may have done to ease the symptoms.

They deleted my prior post. Apparently I included too much information that might be helpful to someone. I took Cipro and it's in the same class of drugs as Levaquin. If you want to know about herbal remedies that may help you, type in my name on this forum followed by dot com. That's the closest I can get to giving information without being censored. Sorry.

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 was prescribed an 11 day supply of Levaquin - 500 mg. I'm on day 7 and struggling to make it 4 more days. The first day I took the tablet around 5 pm. I was up all night. Since taking in the morning, I've been fine. Now, I'm suffering from very sore biceps, heels and stiff knees. The fatigue is overwhelming. I also experience extreme dizziness as well. I may call the doctor tomorrow to see if I can stop this. I've taken various antibiotics throughout my lifetime and never have experienced the side effects such as this one.

Numerous side effects including but not limited to: spontaneous tendon rupture (right distal bicep), CNS agitation accompanied by anxiety and panic, extreme fatigue, digestive problems, on-going fluctuations of blood sugar level, rapid changes in body temperature, nausea, etc.

Some here insist on reporting the "good" this stuff has done (other than lining some peoples pockets with profits). I disagree. As I post this I see 2250 adverse effects have been posted previously. I urge yo all to look deeper ask the question: "Why so many problems with this class of drug?" The 2250 number is only for Levaquin..... don't forget to add in all the responses for all of the other drugs in the quinolone family. And while you are at it, find out how many other drugs have death as a side effect and how many have been reported. This is a defective drug.

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!

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 taken Cipro & levaquin or several occasions for several years. I DID NOT KNOW OF THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF THESE DRUGS ON TENDONS AND OTHER MUSCULOSKELETAL EFFECTS. A FEW DAYS AGO I HEARD A LEGAL AD ON TV WHICH CAUGHT MY ATTENTION: ' IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAS TAKEN LEVAQUIN AND SUFFERED A RUPTURED TENDON, CALL....... ' OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS , I HAVE HAD THREE ROTATOR CUFF INJURIES, TWO OF WHICH REQUIRED SURGERY AND A LONG REHAB, AND A "PROBABLE" TENDON TEAR OF MY FOREARM FOR WHICH I WAS ON LIGHT DUTY FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, REHABBING W/ PT, STEROIDS, BOTH ORAL AND INJECTIONS, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDS. AS MOST OF THESE INJURIES OCCURRED AT WORK- I AM A CCU NURSE- AND WAS TREATED BY OCC MED DOCTORS, AND THEN REFERRED TO SPECIALISTS WHEN I WASN'T GETTING BETTER, I WAS MADE TO FEEL AS IF THESE INJURIES WERE SOMEHOW MY FAULT, THROUGH POOR LIFTING TECHNIQUES,ETC. AT NO TIME DURING ALL THESE TREATMENTS FOR INJURIES DID ANY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER PUT THESE TWO THINGS TOGETHER AND ASK QUESTIONS, AND NOR DID MY OWN PHYSICIAN. THIS WOULD LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF THIS DRUG HAS NOT BEEN WELL DISSEMINATED TO THE MEDICAL PROVIDERS.

I was prescribed Levaquin for a bout of diverticulitis six weeks ago. About a half hour after taking it each morning, I felt completely unwell--dizziness, fatigue, overall weakness, odd sensations of pressure in my head, chest, and bladder, weird bouts of sudden joint pain. The worst side effect was terrible insomnia. I'd go to sleep OK, but wake up after 3 hours and not be able to get back to sleep, sometimes for the rest of the night. Instead of getting the rest I needed to get better, I was getting more and more exhausted. Now, a month after stopping the medication, my sleep hasn't returned to normal. I'm still awake in the middle of the night for two or more hours. Is this a residual side effect from Levaquin? Has anyone else experienced it? When can I expect my sleep to improve? Is there a way to detoxify from this drug?

Have taken 500mg Levaquin for 10 days on numerous ocassions to fight lung infections in between Cat Scan follow-ups for Lung Cancer since 2006.

Worked fine for my lungs, and I've been LC free for some time. Two months ago rt elbow swelled up, first like a mushy sack, now more firm, size of an egg, no pain then or now. Few weeks later Lt elbow began to swell but not as large and no pain. Dr. said wait few weeks and he'll refer me to surgeon. Now this FDA report on Levaquin has me wondering. I have full motion and no pain. Could this be a pre-cursor to possible tendon damage from Levaquin. Your input would be appreciated. Bill B

July 8,2008
In October 2007 I had surgery to remove a salivary gland. Due to severe infection, I was on 500mg of Levaquin for 20 days and an additional 10 days of Avelox. While taking the medication I suddenly had severe leg and knee pain. At times I could hardly walk. I would be awake a night with severe pain in my knees and legs. I also had the tendon in my left shoulder start "snapping" while sitting in a chair. My shoulder became so bad at one point that I could not lift my arm. I never related any of this to Levaquin until at a later date learning of this kind of damage. My shoulder finally got better after weeks of not using it. I still am experiencing pain in the muscles and tendons in my legs. I have just started seeing my doctor about it this past week. She has me taking Celebrex, which has helped somewhat. I keep hoping that tendons will heal eventually.

It is quite amazing how when the story hits the news, the number of postings here jumps up! How sad it is that many people now realize the same things that many of us have known for quite some time. I only hope that the floodgate have now opened and that everyone will now keep the pressure on to limit the use of thee dangerous chemicals.

After 20 months I have had my right distal tendon surgically repaired, I endure tremendous pain in my left arm daily, and I fight the other unmentionable adrs. A black box warning is a start but it is not nearly enough.

New side effects: intense anger with the FDA and drug manufacturers, distrust of the medical community, and the required development of pain management skills.

I have taken Levaquin on and off for the past few years for sinus infections. I am now recovering from my third aquillies tendon surgery where they had to remove/replace the tendon because it was torn beyond repair. I didn't understand how this could happen until I saw the news release yesterday. I will never take this again.

Hello,
I have just found out about this and have been on cipro and levaquin and guess what. 2 weeks ago i was jumping in a pool and the tendon in my arch let loose. I went to the orthopedic doctor and he sent me for MRI then put me in a boot cast. It felt like i stood on a golf ball and it still hurts like hell. I have problems walking on it still. My doctor stated that i will most likely be flat foooted now in the foot that the tendon let loose. then i seen this on the news. Damn i have never had problems in my foot. He called planter facititus.

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.

Everyone make sure you report your ADR's to the FDA. Here is the link. It only takes a few minutes and maybe we can stop this. I have filled one out before but since I have ruptured another tendon I am filling another one out.
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/

If you are having musculo-skeletal symptoms such as soreness, arthritis, tendons, etc., they have known about those side effects for eleven years.

Toxicol Pathol. 1997 Nov-Dec;25(6):635-43.

Links Toxic effects of quinolone antibacterial agents on the musculoskeletal system in juvenile rats.Kashida Y, Kato M. Drug Safety Research Laboratory, Daiichi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. JDN07402@niftyserve.or.jp

Quinolone antibacterial agents have adverse effects on the musculoskeletal system in humans, consisting mainly of myalgia and arthralgia, and additionally of tendon disorders and rhabdomyolysis. The present study was conducted to examine the toxic effects of quinolones on the musculoskeletal system in juvenile rats using light microscopy, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Single oral administration of 900 mg/kg pefloxacin (PFLX) or levofloxacin (LVFX) was found to induce lesions in the muscle + fascia, tendon + sheath, and synovial membrane, in addition to articular cartilage in the fore- and hindlimbs. Articular cartilage lesions were not necessarily associated with changes in the muscle, tendon, and synovial membrane, or the reverse. Among all lesions, the ankle and elbow showed the highest incidence and severity. Changes were more severe in the PFLX than in the LVFX group. Lesions in the muscle + fascia, tendon + sheath, and synovial membrane were similar and characterized by edema and increased number of mononuclear cells, many of which were positively stained with BrdU, as well as vascular endothelial cells in the Achilles tendon sheath and synovial membrane in the ankle. Electron microscopic examination revealed an increased number of fibroblasts and macrophages and collagen deposition in the matrix of the synovial membrane and tendon sheath. Capillary endothelial cells were hypertrophied, increased in number, and stratified. These results suggest that quinolones have toxic potentials in the muscle, tendon, and synovial membrane in addition to articular cartilage, and that local vascular hyperpermeability may contribute to the development of these lesions. PMID: 9437810

Also had baddddd viral infection of lungs/pneumonia...was put on Levaquin...hadn't connected the body/joint aches I've had ever since with the medication until now...
Feeding and grooming the horses last Saturday caused me intense pain the next day....
My rt ankle's tendon/ligament? on outside has a burning pain at times now....
I've never really been one to have much joint pain....

I was given a 10 day dose of LEVAQUIN for a mild bronchitis/respiratory ailment on Jan. 29, 2008. I took 1 500mg pill for the full ten days. Three days after I stopped taking this medication, I experienced incredibly painful swelling in both knees. I could barely walk, and couldn't bend my knees. I was scared, upset, and in absolute misery. I spent a week literally throwing myself backwards onto chairs. It was unbelievable. When I could finally get to my normal health care provider 5 days later, she immediately identified the culprit as the Levaquin I had taken. She said she knew it to cause people's tendons to burst. It was obvious since it was both knees that it was not an injury and I never had any other problem with my legs. I am, or shall I say I was an avid walker. I was told to see an orthopedic doctor if I had not improved in one week. I had not improved in a week. The orthopedic doctor sent me for an MRI which showed irreversible, permanent cartilage damage in my left knee. The right knee he didn't MRI at the time, saying he could determine what he needed to know from the one knee and would only be able to do corrective surgery on my knees in 6 week intervals. This horrible drug has permanently altered my way of life. I was a 53 year old active, ambulatory adult who would walk miles a day. Two months later, I still have constant knee pain, cannot stand for long periods of time without leaning on something and can no longer kneel, etc. I can only walk around a bit and if I'm on my feet for long periods of time I experience knee, ankle pain and swelling. I sent a report to the FDA who obviously cares nothing about this situation, since I'm not the only unsuspecting person to have this happen. I've been studying this drug now and there was evidence in animal clinical trials of joint and tendon damage, To me it would have been no different an experience if someone had come up and hit me with a baseball bat across both knees. I am permanently damaged from Levaquin. I think it's criminal this drug is given to younger ambulatory adults at all.

Started Levaquin 500 mg for 14 day treatment 4 days ago for chronic ethmoid sinusitis (15 months of battles!). Within 1 day, my symptoms were significantly better - and now 3 days later are about 95% gone. Only strange side effect happened on day three (3rd pill), got severely nauseated and dizzy and felt disoriented within 20 mins of taking the pill, but all subsided within 3 hours. Might have happened because I had taken a Zyrtec the night before - I believe that the 2 don't really mix well. Have been fine since (not taking Zyrtec with it again!).
Do also feel a little tendon pressure in my knees and elbows, but is very little and doesn't bother me at all.

I'm 17 and I took Levaquin back in November and still have to use a wheelchair to get around. I ended up having to go to the Mayo clinic because there were so many factors to my case, and we were not getting anywhere with my doctors at children's hospital. i also have mono and west nile virus and so all that viral activity made the reaction so much worse. They discovered Levaquin caused severe tendinitis in each and every tendon, but my hips mainly affected causing them to be extremely fluid-filled. I also have a permanent peripheral neuropathy from it. They discovered an autonomic syndrome called POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) , however that can logically be attributed to either the mono or the reaction.
I go to physical therapy every week now for my hips and my ability to be ambulating well enough to go to college in 6 months is being questioned.

I took Levaquin 500 mg for 10 days for pneumonia starting Jan 23, 2008. It got rid of the pneumonia but after about a week being on them I ached all over but especially in my biceps, moving was agony. My doctor said I must now have a virus but I've never had a virus that made my biceps so painful. Yesterday my left knee swelled up twice its size, today after being off it for 18 hours it is still just as big. Sleep is impossible, everything hurts and feel wired. I've been off the Levaquin for five days now and symptoms are still progressing. Was going for a battery of tests today, then last night my daughter who is an RN found this site and said there is your problem. Don't know what to do. Any suggestions?

While taking Levaquin I experienced insomnia and anxiety. One week after completing 500mg a day for 10 days, I began experiencing Tendonitis in my right hand/wrist and have had an incredibly painful earache with tinnitus and vertigo. The ENT doctor diagnosed TMJ, but I do not grind my teeth or clench my teeth. My jaw operates just fine with no immediate pain, but the earache persists almost constantly. The ENT doctor's solution was Vicodin, but I want a cure not a pain treatment. I don't believe I have TMJ and wonder if it could be the temporal tendon. I am indirectly aware of two other people who have had the same experience, and I wonder how many others are out there. If any one else has experienced this and has any knowledge or advice to offer, I would greatly appreciate it. I have no idea who to go to about this. The ENT doctor does not have any solutions, and I doubt a dentist can help me because I don't think it's TMJ.

Levaquin actually worked great when I took it. I was diagnosed with epididymitis after a urine culture was analyzed and the doc gave me a 10 day supply of Levaquin to take once a day. The side effects I felt were pain in the abdominal area, headaches, anxiety, confusion, and dizziness. Those I could live with, because the epididymitis problem had more side effects than the drug. The trade off was worth it. I'm on my 7th day of Levaquin and I feel a whole lot better than without it. But do beware some people do react badly to the Levaquin family of drugs including cipro. This is some powerful stuff not to be messed around with, it is also used to treat HIV patients and people who had post inhalation of Anthrax. Yes it is powerful enough to treat those dangerous conditions. When you take Levaquin just get plenty of rest drink lots of water AND Cranberry juice which prevents unitary tract infections. Do not exercise while on this medicine for it will cause tendon damage, just take it easy for the whole time you are on it with plenty of fluids. Get better and stay healthy.

Hi again, I just wanted to give you all the web link to the copy of the injunction filed against the FDA by Public Citizens Inc. on Jan. 3, 2008.

http://www.citizen.org/documents/ciprocomplaint.pdf

It is for tendon damage only, but it is a start....

Lisa

I was put on Levaquin 750 mg. for 7 days for a sinus infection. After a few days, I was soooooooo sore in every muscle and joint of my body, that I didn't even want to get out of bed. Since I am self-employed and the only one that does my job, (custom sewing and alterations of clothing), I had too. One Friday, shortly after taking the Levaquin, I was in the bathroom, and I had to get my husband's attention to help me get up off the commode, my right leg would not let me raise up. I went to the doctor that was on call, and he said that Levaquin is like using a Elephant gun, and that you can tear a tendon, cartilage (sp?). I was put in a brace and sent for an MRI, which showed nothing other than fluid. Then I was sent to an Ortho. He gave me a cort. shot and had me to come back in 2 weeks, well the shot helped for a few days, in 2 weeks he gave me 3 options: 1: another shot, 2: surgery to see what the MRI and x-rays missed, or 3: learn to just live with it. I opted for the surgery and had it on December 31, 2007 and was informed that my cartilage(sp?) was torn in 2 places with 1 place having a "floppy" place that had to be take off. Now I have to take p.t. and get "back" to where I can work, I can't even drive now, it is my right knee, and the pressure to press the pedal is VERY painful.I have to depend on my husband to do for me and I don't like having to do this. I have never had any problems with my right knee and the doctor asked me how I did this and I told him this happened while taking Levaquin, and he was looking straight at me when he asked, when I answered with Levaquin, he just said OOOOOOOOOO, and looked straight at the computer screen. That told me that I'm not the first that he has seen or heard about. While my husband was in the hospital, there was a nurse, that said that she had heard a lot about the terrible side effects of this medicine, but had not yet met anyone that had been affected.
I also have been very moody, and short tempered since taking this medication. I have no patience, and that is not me at all.
I have also got my right ear stopped up and a ringing in it. I have also had this since taking this so called wonderful cure all antibiotic. Someone should have to pay for everything that everyone has had to go through with, PAIN and ALL. If there is a Lawsuit, count me in. I've never been affected this way with any medicine. It should be taken off the market immediately. Thank you for letting me get this off my chest.

I was prescribed 750 mg of Levaquin for a skin infection after a minor burn. On the third day I noticed flashing lights in my right eye and the next day I felt as though I was looking through a black lace curtain. It has now settled into a large thread like floater that is in my central vision. My eye doctor said it is a large vitreous tear which is permanent. I also had tinnitus and burning on my lips and tongue which stopped after I stopped the medication. Two weeks after stopping the meds, I was biking and lost my balance. I turned my ankle, not violently, but it resulted in ruptured tendons all around the ankle. Three days after that, my right shoulder began popping in and out of its socket. Each evening, I had a low grade fever and chills. I'd wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. I also had a rough eczema-like rash on my elbow and neck, however that has gone away. I'm sleeping better now and last night I did not have a fever or night sweats. My ankle is improving and I can now get through the day without having to take Advil. The shoulder is still popping when I extend my arm, but I'm hoping that will improve with time. So far, the only permanent damage seems to be the eye floater. It's annoying, but I'm adjusting. I'm planning to go back to the gym today, but honestly, I'm feeling like a ticking time bomb and I worry that new symptoms will continue to pop up. Has anyone out there been completely symptom free for any period of time? Has anyone discussed their case with an attorney?

It has been one year since my reaction. My life very gradually gets better but is has been horrible. After recovering for 6 months and starting to feel better, my bicep spontaneously ruptured. I KNOW this was due to the drug. Before taking this poison I led a very active and healthy life. I participate in many sports and do a great deal of physical labor.... or at least I used to.

To see a posting about the benefits of this drug just rubs salt in the wound. I'm sure it has helped some people. I'm also sure the drug companies are not above posting a "planted" message on the benefits. It still doesn't help those of us who have been harmed or the potential persons who may be harmed in the future.

In the paper today I noted that a suit has finally been filed on all of our behalf. It's about time. There is also information about this on:

******

that states:

PUBLIC CITIZEN
FINALLY SUES THE
FDA OVER THE
ADVERSE DRUG
REACTIONS OF THE
FLUOROQUINOLONES

Fluoroquinolones interfere with thyroid hormones. IMany of us (from another site) have found that we have Hashimoto's, which is that our autoimmune systems are attacking our thyroids. Also, there's a possibility that your adrenals are shot too. Now that I am on Armour (pig thyroid) all of the horrible tendon issues, anxiety, fibromyalgia and chronic-fatigue-like symptoms have abated. I am walking long distances again. Suggest that you all have these tests done: FREE T3, FREE T4, and thyroid antibodies test in addition to the TSH test that they will always do. Also, be aware that your TSH test score should NOT be above 2.0. Your docs will erroneously insist that anything under 5.0 is ok. WRONG. My scores were in the 3's before being floxed and in the 4's after. I also take tiny amounts of Cortef for my adrenal fatigue.

I've posted before so I won't bore you with the details just a quick synopsis and an update.

Prescribed Levaquin AND Prednisone for an upper respiratory infection during last December/January. Went through the roof! Two trips to the ER, couldn't eat (lost 10 pounds), thought I was going to die, anxiety out of this world. Then started sleeping constantly. Even light exertion caused profuse sweating and tiredness. Lost 3 months from work.

Gradually started feeling a little better but in August my left arm started hurting very badly. Couldn't turn it or lift with it at all. Presently, it is ok about 90% of the time with only occasional pain. Then bam! Bent over to pick up a light object with the other arm and the tendon connecting my right bicep snaps. Talk about pain! No warning, no discomfort, just snaps.

Visitedthe Ortho today and scheduled surgery to put it back. Not sure if the other side has sustained damage or not. One doctor agreed that it was the combination of Levaquin and Prednisone, the other doctor feels it is "inconclusive" due to the time lapse. Personally? I KNOW it was! I never had a problems with my arms in my life! I'm 47 and in great shape otherwise.

Please stay away from this stuff and spread the word to anyone who will listen. My respiratory problems are gone but I'm just beginning to experience real problems!

I took this drug for 9 days of a 10 day prescription. I suffered from insomnia, but didn't connect that to the meds. On day 9 I awoke with slight pain in one knee. As the day wore on, that pain got acute and spread to the other knee, elbows, shoulders and hands. I thought perhaps it was a severe attack of osteoarthritis, but that didn't seem right. Three days later in a newspaper column called "The People's Pharmacy" I read about Levaquin causing severe tendon problem. A light went off in my head and I heard a "Boing!" It is now day 5 of my symptoms, some of which have abated. I still have to wear a knee brace on one leg, can't bend either knee very far, and am in acute discomfort. I took some naproxin to alleviate the inflammation and it seemed to work, but I won't take NSAIDS for a long period of time. I'm furious. Neither the doctor nor the instructions for the medication warned me of this side effect. Now I'm left to hope this goes away with time and I can walk comfortably again without this giant brace on my left knee. I remind myself of Igor in "Young Frankenstein!" Sleeping is uncomfortable as well - I awoke in severe pain last night because I had rolled onto my side and my right knee was resting on my sore left knee. Not good. I'm furious.

Has anyone experienced bilateral achilles tendon tears on Levaquin therapy?

TO GUEST 29274
IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR'RE TALKING ABOUT, PLEASE KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT. I HAVE PERMANENT DAMAGE FROM THIS POISON. HEARING LOSS, TINNITUS, TENDON DAMAGE, PERIFERAL NEUROPATHY, HEART PROBLEMS, INSOMNIA, DEPRESSION, ETC. I CAN NO LONGER WALK WITHOUT SOME HELP. I WAS POISONED 3 YEARS AGO. THIS POISON DOES SOME SERIOUS DAMAGE AND A LOT OF IT IS PERMANENT. PLEASE PEOPLE, GET ON THOSE WEBSITES AND GET SOME HELP. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE RECOVERED AND THEY THANK THESE WEBSITES FOR HELPIONG THEM. I THINK THERE IS SOMEONE FROM THE POISON MAKER (ORTHO-MCNEILL) TRYING TO MAKE SOME TROUBLE.
ONCE AGAIN, PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO REPORT THIS TO THE FDA BY GOING TO WWW.FDA.GOV SO THAT THIS POISON DOESN'T HURT ANYONE IN YOUR FAMILY.

STOP WITH THESE POSTS LEADING PEOPLE TO THAT HORRIBLE WEBSITE WHICH OFFERS NO HOPE FOR THESE PEOPLE!!! THIS WEBSITE: WWW.FQVICTIMS.ORG TELLS THESE POOR PEOPLE THERE IS NO HOPE AND THE SIDE EFFECTS ARE PERMANENT, WHICH THEY ARE NOT! LISTEN GUYS, IF YOU ONLY TOOK 1 OR 2 DOSES OF THIS MEDICATION AND HAVE SUFFERED THERE IS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. THE SYMPTOMS DO GO AWAY. FOR SOME OF THESE PEOPLE OVER THE AGE OF 40 WHO WERE ON THIS MED LONGER THAN A WEEK, SOME OF THEM HAVE SUFFERED PERMANENT MUSCLE AND TENDON DAMAGE AFTER THEY STOPED THE MEDICATION... PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTORS FIRST INSTEAD OF READING THESE HORRIBLE STORIES ON THESE DEPRESSING WEBSITES THAT OFFER NO REAL HELP. THERE WAS A SUICIDE A MONTH AGO BECAUSE OF THAT WEBSITE. THE PERSON FELT THERE WAS NO HOPE FROM WHAT HE READ AND TOOK HIS OWN LIFE... PLEASE PEOPLE, AFTER READING THIS, KEEP THE FAITH... CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR AND FIND PEPOLE IN YOUR FAMILY THAT CAN HELP YOU... WE DON'T NEED ANOTHER PERSON FEELING HELPLESS BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY READ ON SOME CONSPIRACY WEBSITE... ITS JUST HORRIBLE. PAY NO MIND TO WWW.FQVICTIMS.ORG ... FOR YOUR OWN SANITY...

I stopped taking Levaquin 11 days ago (was on 750 mg. for 11 days before throwing the remaining 9 tablets in the trash) and am still plagued with very bad muscle, joint and tendon aches - some of which feel bruised to the touch. I have no idea how long these effects last and am longing to find answers - from what I can tell by other testimonials, anywhere from a month to a year!!! PLEASE, if anyone has input as to when there is relief (and I certainly hope that is the case), please post. These effects are getting to be very tiresome. Never would I imagine that an antibiotic could produce side effects such as these.

I was prescribed 750mg Levaquin for a sinus infection - having never taken this antibiotic before, and never having any allergic reactions to others I thought nothing of my 20 day prescription. After 7 days on this medication, I started feeling HORRIBLE - achy, flu like symptoms, and worst of all, every muscle, joint and tendon ached so badly that I had trouble walking at times. I had such bad nightmare on the 9th day of taking this, that I was afraid to attempt going back to sleep. After thinking all thoughts of bad things that could be happening to me (lupus, rapid onset of arthritis, etc.) I finally googled Levaquin and, fortunately came up with this site that showed others that had similar reactions to this terrible medication. After taking this for 11 days, I threw the remaining pills in the garbage and will never take this again. My only question is, when does this get out of your system where you will feel normal again? I have not taken this medication for eight days now and still my muscles, joints and tendons ache - at times, my body just feels flu like still. This is very frightening as I have never had a bad reaction to a medication and it is hard to believe that an antibiotic can wreak havoc on your muscular system such as this one has. Thank heavens for this website - I may have ended up taking Levaquin for the prescribed 20 days and who knows when these aches and pains would go away - they are far worse than the sinus infection!

I started taking Levaquin for a Strep infection that didn't go away on another antibiotic. The second day on it, I noticed a tightening in the backs of my legs, and my fingers felt funny when I woke up. I hobbled through that day, thinking that maybe the Strep had gotten into my system and was doing damage. By day 4, the bottoms of my feet burned when I tried to walk on them, and using my hands for leverage when getting up caused burning in the palms of my hands, too. By day 5, I needed help getting in and out of the car, and needed help getting up the TWO steps from my garage into my house. By day 6, I wasn't able to sleep because of the deep aching in every joint, muscle and tendon in my body - and when up, needed support to get from place to place. Heat helped some, so used an electric throw when sitting in my den, and the electric blanket at night. I didn't take anymore Levaquin after the sixth day when my daughter looked up my symptoms, and it all came down to the Levaquin. I don't have any swelling, but the pain is almost unbearable at times - heat still helps somewhat. I have been off the Levaquin for two months now, and no relief in sight. I still wake from sleeping unable to use my hands for the first 5-10 minutes - and the pain in my ring fingers and pinkies are not describable. I am on Ultracet for the pain, and though it doesn't stop the pain, it seems to make it a bit more manageable. I still have to pull myself up the stairs one at a time, I can't squat without pain behind my knees severe enough to nauseate me and I almost pass out. I can't straighten my arms because of the pain in the tendons, I think, in my forearm and around my elbow. I can't lift my arms over my head without pain. I am more concerned now that I've been on this site because it sounds like this may not go away, or if it does, it will take a long, long time. That's scary to me!!

I took Levaquin for 8 months due to chronic sinusitus. Since then I have had surgery on my elbow due to tendonitis. I am also having difficulty in one hip. It appeared to be bursitis and now the docs are thinking some kind of tendon involvement also. Has anyone had an experience like this?

I JUST TOOK LEVAQIN OR 5 DAYS FOR A CLOGGED EAR AFTER A PLANE TRIP. THE EAR STAYED CLOGGED FOR A WEEK BEFORE I WENT TO THE DR. ON THE 5TH DAY I WOKE UP TO SWOLLEN KNEES AND PAIN IN BOTH, AND THE TENDON BEHIND THEM. I STOPPED THE PILLS. I'VE BEEN PRESCRIBED AVELOX ON MANY OCCASIONS WITH NO PROBLEM AND IT'S IN THE SAME FAMILY OF DRUGS.I KEEP READING ALL THESE HORROR STORIES,HAS ANYONE GOTTEN BETTER AFTER STOPPING THE PILLS? I'M GOING TO THE DR. TOMORROW TO SEE WHAT SHE SAYS. SHE'LL PROBABLY TELL ME TO STOP SMOKING, SINCE SHE SAYS THAT CAUSES ALL MY PROBLEMS,LOL

It's been 2yrs. now,nearly every tendon in my body,has some level of pain.My feet are swollen ,my calfes look like thighs,there swollen so bad.3 doc's make me feel like a liar.so my hands,arms,and legs hurt 24/7 taking 60mg,ms cotin and 30mg oxycodone and does not stop the pain.Just recently my lungs have been getting fliud in them,and my throat is swelling shut,but my Dr. always aviods the possibity of levaquin toxicity when I mention it.I also have vision problems,and its like I dream while I'm awake,IT'S very scary and can't get any help..******chuck.....

I took 14 days of 750mg of levaquin for a tooth problem. After about 10 days I developed spontaneous swelling in the achilles area. This was much more severe in the left leg and it was very difficult to walk. Ice and elevation did not ease the pain and stiffness. The left leg was noticibly more swelled and red than the right. I went to the docotors and was sent to a specialist. Since by this time I had been off the Levaquin for about a week, it did not occur to me to tell him that I had taken the drug. He put me in a boot to prevent further damage and the leg is slightly better. I checked out the web to see what can cause the swelling of the tendon, without an injury and found all the discussion regarding Levaquin. Bingo! Obviously this is what caused my problem since I had not done anything to injure the tendon. It seems that this is now going to be a lifelong problem for me. Has anyone ever fully recovered from this problem?

was using levaquin for a bout with pnuemonia after the 7th day, i couldn't walk because of severe pain in my legs, hips and arms. I called the pharmicist who suggested hospital.
Which i went and I had severe adverse reaction of muscle and tendon tearing...............it's been two months and i am still in pain

Severe itching & tinglling all over body. Been 5 months & just getting less severe. Exhausted feeling some days. Have to sometimes take naps to build back strength. Intense, sharp pain in both shoulders. Especially in right shoulder. Ex-rays show nothing. May be tendon repture. Will be taking MRI. Pain in right side of neck generating up skull to middle of skull. I believe this drug affects the nerves in your body. After 5 months of researching the after effects I (& those allergic to Quinolones) should only take this drug if life threatening. Not all are allergic to this drug but if you are you will be sorry you ever took it. I certainly am.

On July 5, I started a 10 day regimine of 500 mg once a day. The first day was horrible, decreased cognative skills,insomnia, twitching in left hand, tingling and numbness is the foot and lower right leg. I never thought it was the levaquin. I thought it was my inhaler or decongestant. So I continued on with my "kill pills" for another seven days. After feeling like I was on my death bed, I came across these web sights and stopped taking it after my eighth day. I am now four days and I have new symptoms. My mouth feels like cotton with a metallic taste, I feel like I am choking on my foamy clear spit, my throat seems swollen and I have a hard time swallowing. My right rib cage feels like it is cracked. I'm scared and would wish this nightmare would end. I'm afraid to go running for fear of rupturing a tendon. Any ideas on natural detox method? I really don't want to support the pharmaceutical industry in my demise.

I had a stubborn sinus infection and received a prescription for Levaquin after two other antibiotics failed. In my doctor's defense, she used it as a 3rd line defense.

Still, after taking 7 days of a a 10-day, 500 mg course, I woke up with severe pain in my left ankle, as if I had turned it and sprained it playing basketball or soccer or something. The topside of my foot just under the ankle was swollen. I could hardly walk from the pain. I also had a duller, non-specific pain in my lower back. I had not been particularly active for about a week, so I could not imagine what was wrong.

Because of the lingering sinus infection, I decided to see the doctor, who identified the possibility that Levaquin might have caused the pain. He recommended I stop taking the Levaquin and treat the ankle like a sprain. He also said that if the pain continued for more than a few days, I should get an MRI to investigate the possibility of tendon or ligament damage.

This is the most bizarre medical thing that has ever happened to me. I usually investigate the drugs I am prescribed, but I could not have imagined the prevalence of side effects to Levaquin. The main web sites just include "joint pain" as a possible side effect, but that doesn't come close to describing what has happened to me. I just hope the symptoms do not linger as they have for so many others.

Some lady entered that we should all quit complaining about
the bad side effects because she loves this drug and to just
use something else. I now need an antidote to counter act it.
This site isn't for people who don't have a badside effect.
We arn't being selfish and trying to deprive her of this drug. I have serious joint and tendon and muscle tenderness. Have trouble sleeping from pain. Perhaps my fault, but I had mild arthritus when I took this drug, nothing really bad, within five days I couldn't get down the stairs. I thought ,what, after years of mild arthritis It had attacked me. Well I continued for another round and then it got worse. Yeah, I thought then. Its a reation! Antidote - I'm afraid it's going to get worse.

Normal, healthy male, 57, with suspected prostrate infection. Prescribed 500MG Levaquin for 30 days. I've used it before over the years for sinus infection (10 day regimen) and it was quite effective, although I had noticed some muscle and tendon soreness. This time, 14 days into it, I'm experiencing severe irritability, and stress. The muscle soreness and joint stiffness are constant, particularly in the feet and hands. I've read a number of postings about accompanying stomach and digestive problems - you must use acidophilus when taking a drug like this - all the beneficial flora in the digestive tract are being destroyed and you have to replace them or you'll get bloating, gas, stomach and intestinal cramping, etc. The mental distress is new for me on this one and it concerns me.