Fluoroquinolones and Achilles Tendon Ruptures | Arthritis Information
Levaquin Tendon Rupture Risks
The most serious Levaquin side effect is the risk of Achilles tendonitis among current and former patients of Levaquin levofloxacin. Several studies published in accredited medical journals including the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, The Annals of Pharmacotherapy and Tthe Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology have all cited case studies in which individuals who have taken Levaquin have been adversely affected by levofloxacin-induced tendonopathy and tendon rupture.
According to the report from The Journal of American Board of Family Medicine, the onset of tendon ruptures among patients characteristically is abrupt in onset causing extreme sharp pains and swelling of legs when walking. The study also reports that while most of the tendonitis among Leva
quin patients occurs within the first two weeks of taking the drug., Hhowever, it can occur in patients long after the drug's cycle has been completed.
In some patients, the Levaquin tendon ruptures occurred longer than six months after treatment administration of the drug. The study noted that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA ) first cited the link of tendon rupture to drugs in the quinolone drug class was in 1991.
Although it wasn't until 1996 when the FDA issued its first "Report of adverse Events" on the fluoroquinolones. However, since then, it has been recorded that at least 200 reports of tendon rupture induced through the class of drugs has been reported within a 10-year period and no recall or major investigation has occurred to increase warning labelings on the drugs, especially Levaquin. Additionally, a report from the United Kingdom found that levofloxacin-induced tendonitis potentially affects approximately 3.2 out of every 1,000 patients who have taken Levaquin.
"200 reports of tendon rupture induced through the class of drugs has been reported within a 10-year period"
Yes, it's a side effect but apparently an exceedingly rare one. And if they're counting up to 6 months after the drug was stopped...well, it makes me question cause and effect. That weird science article I posted says tendonitis might be part of the disease. Just like...oh...heart disease, or lymphoma....in RA. And we all know that cancer and strokes and heart disease can't possibly be caused by the meds we're on.
Pip
I had a biopsy two years ago, and was prescribed a one week course of Levaquin to stave off infection. Both of my Achilles tendons began hurting by day two. I took one more pill and then stopped after reading some disturbing reports on the internet. It took almost a year for my tendons to stop feeling like they were going to rupture at any minute. The same thing happened to somebody I know at work. The stuff is a very effective antibiotic, but it's dangerous, and doubly dangerous when taken by people suffering from chronic inflammation ... like folks with RA. I can't believe it took this long for quinolones to finally be black labeled. It should have happened long ago.
Yes, I agree - 10 years and 200 patients.
Too bad it's starting to show in Enbrel.
Pip
Amen to that Treefrog...You are so right!
My biggest beef is with the urologist who prescribed the Levaquin to me but failed to warn me to watch for tenderness in my achilles tendons. When I called him to tell him about my symptoms, he claimed that he was unaware of that particular side effect. I found that to be amazing, and not quite believable. At least with a promient warning label, people will be more aware of what to look out for in case their doctors fail to warn them.
This drug is EVIL. I was prescribed this drug and took ONE pill and my body literally went into shock. I generally take different drugs well, but this one was awful! I immediately started throwing up and so much so that I eventually began throwing up blood. I went extremely cold and my head felt like it was going to explode. It took me all day to snap out of it. The doc said it sent my body into shock. I realize it has helped some people, but the reports of adverse effects are astounding. I am so glad they have finally black labeled it. Levaquin is a rough one, but for me, it was the only thing that finally got rid of a nasty sinus infection. I would definitely take the risk again if other antibiotics fail me. But doctors and pharmacists should definitely be more cognizant of the potential problems associated with the drugs they pass out.
OMG, now we're being spammed by lawyers!
[QUOTE=LinB]OMG, now we're being spammed by lawyers! [/QUOTE]
Lawyers can be sued for malpractice too, right?
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