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levaquin side effects
posted by Helen 'Cenzi on 23 Aug 2005 at 2:40 pmYou list the two most common side effects for levaquin as being diarreaha and nausea. The horrible side effects of this drug are tendon damage (irreversible) cns damage, hearing loss, psychotic episodes, etc, etc. This is dangerous medicine to thousands of people and I like many others wasn't properly warned. My life has been ruined by this medicine along with thousands of others. Please check into http://www.fqresearch.org.
Read the news article that this opinion was posted about:
Acute Bacterial Sinusitis - Levaquin(R) (levofloxacin) FDA Approved for Short-Course Treatment
Levaquin is really bad news
posted by Debra Costas on 20 Sept 2005 at 3:58 pm
Several months ago I had a bad viral flu. A doctor perscribed Levaquin which I took 3 doses of. I totally and completely lost my sense of taste and smell. I have regained my sense of taste but my sense of smell is severly impaired. I am fortunate that I only had this minor side effect as others have had horrific experencies. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION, it isn't safe!
Antibiotics for "bad viral flu"?
posted by K. Jones on 24 Sept 2005 at 10:47 pm
Antibiotics do absolutely no good for viruses. I am not disputing the side effects of the drug, but I am questioning why your doctor would put you on an antibiotic for a virus. Perhaps you should ask the doctor why he/she subjected you to side effects of a medication that would do nothing for your condition...Just a thought. If a doctor gave me an antibiotic for a virus, claiming it would help, I think I would find a new doctor...QUICKLY!
Some MDs, druggists, not aware of side effects of levaquin
posted by Paula Moran on 04 Jan 2006 at 1:05 pm
In early March 2004, I caught a cold and
had a sore throat. My husband, who has
advanced Parkinson's Disease, urged me
to go to my doctor. Her PA,with the approval of the MD, prescribed levaquin
plus two other medications which I reacted to immediately and stopped. I
took the levaquin and a few days later
broke out in a rash all over my body. My
tendons began to ache, my right eyelid
drooped. I fainted in the bathroom from the intense pain in my thighs. When I
came to, I had a bump on the back of my
head and had to crawl to bed . I could not stand up. An hour had passed. Unable to call for help and dismissed it
thinking it would go away. After the 7th
pill I realized that I was extremely ill, my
pulse was racing, so I went back to my doctor. Another PA said it could not be
from the levaquin and told me to stop the lipitor, which I already had stopped taking,as that also was one of the side
effects of medication - shin splints. But
the pain didn't stop. Back to the MD,
Another PA saw me and my blood pressure was too high and racing pulse.
In my weakened condition, I was sent to
the ER at St. Agnes Hospital. I told them
that I was reacting to levaquin and needed some benadryl. They ignored me and would not read the read-out from the druggist(who assured me it was a
safe drug) listing all the side effects of which I had so many. I was there from
4:30 to 10:30 pm, had no water to drink, my throat was closing up, hard to swallow even water, so after $4.000 worth of tests they said, "We think you are right -" I said, "I may be an old lady (78) but you don't have to be a rocket scientist to know what the matter is with me" I drove
home to a frantic husband who was being cared for by friends and family.
To this date, 1-4-06, I still suffer from an occasional cramp in my hands while holding a newspaper, midsection cramps if I turn too fast, and cramps if I lift my
thigh. My eyesight has been damaged
and I wonder if this will be a permanent damage to my entire body. I am an active 79 woman who goes to an exercise class three times a week, and a Tai Chi class, plus a Bible Study class each week. I have a lady who comes in
to look after my husband 2 hours five times a week so that I am able to keep
active. I do all my own cooking, cleaning, see to my husband's needs such as shaving, showering and Barbering!!! I am not complaining. I thank My Heavenly Father for keeping me alive to take care
of my husband who loves and appreciates all that I do and that I do it
lovingly. This is to help warn people of
this terrible drug. I lost 30 lbs in one month and lived on chicken soup and soft-boiled eggs. Could not swallow without pain. A college president in Fresno, my city, died as a result of an anti-biotic. I have since changed doctors and druggists and hospitals. God bless all you levaquin survivors and my deepest sympathy to the families of those who did not make it.
Sincerely, Paula Moran@netscape.com
Beware of Levaquin Side Effects - Is This Permanent?
posted by A.M. Zank on 12 Apr 2006 at 11:00 pm
I was treated with 2 (10 day) rounds of levaquin for a resistant sinus, ear, bronchial infection. I had tried three others and I'm allergic to sulfa and pennicillin, so when the previous antibiotic didn't work my Dr. said," let's take out the big guns!"
He prescribed me 10 days of Levaquin with one refill (depending if it went away after 10 days or not) and 1 week of prednisone at the same time. I asked if I could continue with my other medications, which included guafenisen, sudafed, Flonase, Flovent, albuterol, vicodin, effexor, tramadol, birth control, daypro and verapamil.
Out of all the medeications the only one he said not to take was the sudafed because with the prednisone it would make me nervous and shaky. Since then, I have found out levaquin can have adverse reactions with Steriods(Prednisone), NSAIDS(Daypro), some asthma medications(flovent,flonase). I also believe I have read not to take it with narcotics (Vicodin) and some antidepressants (Effexor).
I feel my Dr. and others are totally misinformed about this medication. Esp. about what meds they can prescribe with it and the potential for severe side effects (including death.)
The drug manufacturer does not want to bring up the severe reactions that people have had since this medication's release because Dr.s wouldn't prescribe it so freely.
So it is being ignored. When I called the Dr. who prescribed it for me he said he had never heard of that happening from Levaquin and to stop taking it. Unfortunately, the damage was already done, I had already taken the 20 days before I figured out what was wrong with me. I asked," what am I supposed to do about my problems?" he told me to see my primary physician since he was a Ear, Nose, Throat Dr. I made my appt. with my Dr. he said he didn't think it was the medication and that I was probably having a Fibromyalgia flare. He then prescribed me Morphine for Fibromyalgia pain. I asked the pharmacist if he ever heard of anyone having severe side effects from Levaquin and he said "Oh yes!" Finally I found someone who knew what I was talking about so I started searching the web. Wow what a scary eduction.
I still have symptoms and pain even though I am taking morphine and using lidocaine patches. I have also been of the levaquin for a month now. Some symptoms are severe knee pain and stiffness(I believe I have a ruptured tendon in my knee or a torn ligament - not sure what kind of Dr. to go to., pain and stiffness in my ankles and heels and feet, burning feet, it is very painful to walk or make it up stairs, all parts of my body are swollen(i gained 15lbs in 21 days?), my stomach looks pregnant, severe fatigue all day, insomnia, hallucinations(I see things moving in the corner of my eye, like a mouse running by), weakness in all muscles, confusuion loss of short term memory, depth perception problems, dizziness, change in taste of foods, loss of appetite(and weight gain?), burning neuropathic pain in my thighs, sometimes burning just from the wind blowing on my skin and I'm sure there are several more but I can't think of them because of memory loss.
My purpose of writing this is to warn people of this medication. Searching the web I see lawyers are trying to get a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer and are trying to get it off the market.
Also, wondering if anyone has gone through this and if the symptoms ever go away and if there is a way to treat it.
Some people have recommended cleanses for the body. I am going through a whole body cleanse, liver cleanse and a candida cleanse right now. I guess I will see how I feel when I'm finished with them. I am "gun shy" of prescription medications right now. Trying to stick to natural cures.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. BEWARE OF LEVAQUIN-tell your family and friends!!! For those of you suffering my prayers go out for you.
Levaquin - Side effects - Yuk!
posted by Tired of this on 17 Apr 2006 at 12:20 pm
I took Levaquin recently for a skin infection. The side effects have not been pleasant. The dizziness and the leg and joint pain are particularly annoying. I hope they disappear quickly.
Only l day of Levaquin
posted by Helen LeMaire on 02 May 2006 at 10:00 am
Thanks to reading other people's opinions and experiences, I am not taking levaquin. It was prescribed to my for UTI. I have experienced headache, muscle pain, chills, night sweats, rash all over my back, lightheadedness, pain in my back around the mid-range - just between the shoulder blades, and shakiness. Believe me, the cure is worse than the disease - this is a dangerous drug.
LEVAQUIN® - 3 days and NEVER again
posted by Bridget on 07 May 2006 at 10:17 am
I took this drug for three days. The first two nights were miserable. I could not sleep and I felt hopeless. I felt like I wanted to give up on life and that I was TOTALLY on the verge of going over the edge and losing my mind. I am a christian and put my Faith in God and he has always helped me. With this medicine I almost felt powerless. I did not take it one night by accident and I felt great. I slept all night long. I took it two night and skipped one then took it again. That was last night and I felt horrible I could not sleep and felt insane. My mom had mentioned if it was the antibiotic and I thought surely not an antibiotic. I was up at 3 am and decided to investigate on the internet and read horrible things. I know I wasnt going crazy and it was indeed the medicine. This is poision! NEVER ever take it anyone!
Levaquin - Full 5 day treatment
posted by Melena on 09 May 2006 at 7:49 am
My doctor prescribed me Levaquin for a bladder infection. The only side effect I had was a lose of appetite. Other than that it worked for me .
Levaquin 30 days
posted by chip on 15 May 2006 at 2:38 am
Took it for pesky prostate infection for 30 days. No side effects except for strange dreams.
Levaquin® - Goodness Me...
posted by Cathy on 15 May 2006 at 9:18 pm
Goodness..this is awful. I didn't realize this medicine was so bad! I have been on this medicine since last sunday. The only problem I've been having is pain in my legs and knees. I am taking the liquid version 25 mg...(qty 140)2 teaspoons, once a day. Is that equal to a 500 milligram capsule, or is mine less? At any rate I haven't been able to exercise and thought that my leg and knee pain was due to a lack of exercise..perhaps I am wrong. I have to see the doctor on Friday. Mine was prescribed for a draining wound in my groin that refuses to heal, even AFTER Surgery. While it has been draining less, I don't think I could go for another round of Levaquin. Not after all that I have read. I am sorry all of you experienced such awful problems...Thanks for the warning.
Levaquin - Horrible!
posted by Kelli on 18 May 2006 at 2:21 am
This is the first day I have taken Levaquin, it is 4:18am, and I am unable to sleep, experiencing very rapid heartbeat, nervousness, and a caffeine-like high. I have scrolled through hundreds of comments on various websites and have found all the same thing...Levaquin is a very dangerous antibiotic, and should NOT be given to someone with a minor ailment such as a sinus infection. I'd trade the head and sinus congestion for this insomnia anytime! I feel like I have taken narcotic drugs, seriously, it's bad. At first, I thought I was having a panic attack and/or heart attack, and I am only 20 years old! I am very upset that my doctor did not warn against these mind-altering effects. I had sleep problems before, but never like this.
Levaquin Hurts!!
posted by Jeanne on 19 May 2006 at 2:31 pm
I began a two week prescription in January. At the end of the first week I was experiencing severe pain in my elbow and forearm. It is now mid May and the pain has grown to include my wrist and the back of my hand. I feel a considerable weakness and general diminished usage after taking this drug for a short period of time.
Levaquin is a horrible drug
posted by Kathy on 22 May 2006 at 4:50 pm
I am 60 years old and given a prescription for 7 days of 500mg Levaquin. That was in March. I developed a small rash on my back which the doctor I was seeing said was dry skin. Then a month later she had me take it again --all because of a small ulcer above my ankle. Well, I developed a rash all over the upper part of my body. It got my back, front, arms, finger, neck. Then the stuff kills all the bacteria in your body--good and bad. Have had one yeast infection after another. Ended up going to ER after the 3rd pill in April of second prescription. I was there 4 days, and still get the rash and itching after about 6 weeks. I would have sooner taken rat poison. It felt like I had. I am still suffering from the reaction to this drug. Wish I could turn back the clock. I have a sort of distrust for doctors right now. The predisone I took in hospital and after felt like I was on speed or something. Sick of this whole thing I can tell you. I have always been in good health all my life till now. I just want to feel like my old self again.
Be warned about Levaquin
posted by karen holbein on 27 May 2006 at 3:34 am
I took Levquin for three weeks. I thought all of this pain was from my bout of bronchitis and sinus infection. I was to take it for two more weeks. Numerous calls to my Dr. about my suffering. trip to E.R. when I could barely walk. I love my Dr. and feel he is very competent. I feel he has not been properly informed of the side effects of Leavquinn.
The drug co. says tendon and muscle pain is unusual when in fact from my research it is a common and debilitating side effect. This drug needs to re-evaluated by the FDA. In fact, I doubt it was ever properly evaluated for safety in the beginning. This is a serious issue and the safe use of this drug is a public issue.
The health of USA citizens is in question. The FDA has failed to protect us and a drug co. is prospering by the sale of a very toxic drug. Misleading and not being properly informed of a drugs' side effects as lethal as these is a crime.
Someone needs to be held accountable for all of this suffering. Not Doctors, they suffer enough from law suits,they are victums of the drug industry as well as their paitients are. Most Drs. mean well, they are as mislead as their patients are. I say this from experience as I am an R.N. I hate law suits but in this case I feel immediate and serious action needs to be taken not for my personal gain but for public safety. At this time I can barely walk and it is impossible to wash my back. I could list numerous symptoms but if you read the previous letters I basically suffer all of the reported symptoms of others. I will add severe chills to the list. I was given IV Dilaulid and Toridal in the ER when my pain was had worm me down. Be aware also that the thoracic diaphram can be inflamed and cause breathing to be an effort. Toridal (antinflammatory) was very helpful, check it out. God Bless and heal your suffering. .
Levaquin 750
posted by D'Lynn on 06 Jun 2006 at 9:26 pm
I took Levaquin 750 and on the 6th day stopped taking it out of desperation. I had severe insomnia and the strong feeling I was going crazy. I had bouts of screaming and crying and my muscles in my upper back hurt terribly. Also suffered from sweating and uncontrollable shaking. BAD, BAD STUFF!!!
Levaquin Side Effects
posted by Ryan on 07 Jun 2006 at 6:23 am
I'm a 26 year old guy and I have been fighting a very very nasty and resistant infection for over three weeks. I had just finished a 10 day dose of Augmentin with some results but not an all clear when my doctor put me on Levaquin. Let me just say this drug is scary for an antibiotic. Here's my side effects...
Now, I didn't even read up on side effects because I don't like worrying. I waited 6 hours before reporting anything to my doctor and reading up on this. I initially had a tight throat feeling for a couple hours on top of weird heart beat feelings in my chest and neck. I ignored that and they went away but I then got a horrible headache. About an hour after the headache started I started feeling extremely disoriented and dizzy with a pretty strong "high" or drunk feeling. It was not enjoyable at all, it was very very awkward and uncomfortable. My vision became very strange as it seemed my eyes were seeing on different levels. It was as if the vision in one eye was coming in an inch or so higher than the other which made things even worse. Then I got SORE, like I worked out at the gym for 12 hours straight sore all over my body.
I went to bed after being told to stop taking it and the 2nd day I still felt disoriented but a lot of the other side effects went away. Still very very sore with some major stomach problems as well.
Today is the 3rd day and I'm still feeling very sore in my muscles. I've also had a light rash on my left arm that comes and goes, it almost seems to get worse when sunlight gets near me. Right now the spots are more visible, not sure why.
I cannot believe an antibiotic can cause this many problems. I really advise ANYONE to be careful taking this drug even if you're fighting an infection as bad as the one I'm fighting. I'm still not better and the infection may rebound so hopefully the doctors find a safer strong alternative for me.
Levaquin - Joint pain - need advice!
posted by melanie on 07 Jun 2006 at 7:00 pm
I've been on Levaquin for about a week, and noticed severe pain in my left knee and other joints. The joint pain is steady. A severe headache - it felt like a lightening bolt had shot through my head - also occured, but only once. Can anyone tell me how long the joint pain will last and how I can (safely and carefully) ease it?
Sore Achiles Tendons
posted by Pete on 08 Jun 2006 at 5:13 pm
Took 500 Mg a day for 14 days back in January 2006. Have had sore achiles tendons ever since. When I get up in the morning they feel like they are going to rip. Doctor says I have acute tendonitus in both. Only found out today by chance hearing a lawyer commercial on TV about the side affects. Does anyone know about a class action?
Unsafe at any dose
posted by mr. david t. fuller on 09 Jun 2006 at 5:52 am
"In fact, I doubt it was ever properly evaluated for safety in the beginning. "
Within the NDA (New Drug Application) we find an ADR rate of 42% (one or more reactions) with Levofloxacin. The medical examiner had SERIOUS concerns regarding the approval of this drug. The FDA approved it anyhow. In 1995 Public Citizen filed a petition with the FDA demanding "Dear Doctor" letters as well as black box warnings regarding the tendon issues. The FDA refused to do so. The Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Research Foundation (for over four years now) has forwarded tens of thousands of spontaneous reports to the FDA regarding the serious and NON ABATING adverse reactions to these drugs. The FDA added stronger warnings in the fall of 2005 which included IRREVERSABLE PERIPHERIAL NUEROPATHY. Yet the treating physician remians oblivious to these side effects. It is absolutely insane that Ortho McNeil would state that the common side effects are nausea and vomiting when the clinical trials submitted to the FDA when this drug was approved clearly state otherwise. (these studies also included a number of fatalities) Currently there are a number of law firms seeking clients who have been injured by these drugs as well as several class action lawsuits filed. Yet the FDA, as noted within this article has choosen to ignore the severe adverse reactions and approve yet another indication. More than 1/2 of the drugs found within this class have been removed from clinicial use or severely restricted due to such toxicity issues. Recently TEQUIN joined those that are no longer manufactured (due to severe blood sugar problems that resulted in fatalities). Fluoroquinolnes are the largest selling drugs in the WORLD, they are also the most abused drug found within the physicians war chest. A recent study showed that one time out of a hundred is the drug properly prescribed in the correct dose. 99% of the time the patient is exposed to these side effects without justification. We find this article to be just another piece of propaganda encouraging such scripting abuse. For further information log unto the home page of the Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Research Foundation.
fqresearch.org
Novo-Trimel DS
posted by Ricco on 12 Jun 2006 at 4:02 am
I was not on Levaquin, thank God. However my Doc put me on another anitbiotic (Novo-Trimel DS) for a stubborn bout of bronchitis and sinus infection. Well, I'll tell you one thing, never again! This stuff sent me ino a spiral of adverse side effects which included a constant crippling headache, fever, extreme aches and pains throughout the body, insomnia, sore jaws,eyes, severe neck pain and abdominal pain. I was on a 10 day dose but quit after day 7. It's 3 days later and I'm still recovering from the side effects.
Ruptured Rotor Cuff Tendons
posted by Lynn King on 14 Jun 2006 at 2:56 pm
My Mom who is now in her 80's & very active suffered a right arm rotorcuff tear after being on Cipro from a knee replacement surgery back in 2001. At that time, had no clue that it was related to drugs.
Then she had several toe surgeries in a row, 2 years ago and was put on Levaquin after a severe infection from the hospital. And after just 1 or 2 doses she called me to say that her left arm hurt like hell and it felt just like her right arm did several years ago and couldn't figure out what happened.
I immediately researched the internet and found the "floxies" group and spoke with several people. And scary as it was I absolutely believed that the levaquin created the tendon rupture and called my Mom and said DO NOT TAKE THE LEVAQUIN AT ALL. Thank goodness I made that call & all of her doctors said I was nuts.
MANY of her doctors at that time said basically what do you know and who are you to tell us (the Drs) what to prescribe or not.
Well, it's been 2 years and I think she still has several remaining side effects, but I did get one great satisfaction about making that right call for my Mom. Her Doctor called me just a few months ago and she said " You Were Absolutely Right" She had just attended a seminar on the fluoroquolines and it advised the Drs. not to prescribe to elderly and as a 1st line of defense.
had no problems with levaquin
posted by mary on 17 Jun 2006 at 3:04 pm
I had no problems with this drug at 500 mg x 10 for an abscess. Maybe a little drowsy. This is the first anti-b I can tolerate.
Be careful with Levaquin
posted by Monty on 22 Jun 2006 at 10:31 am
I'm 37 years old and I've been taking Levaquin for four weeks, just took my last dose yesterday, and these are the side effects I experienced.
During the first 2 to 3 days my wife noticed that my skin looked sickly and yellow. This subsided and I experienced no other side effects besides mild nausea from time to time so I figured I was ok, until.... About a week to ten days ago I began experienceing severe pain in my knees. It was so bad I could barely get up after kneeling on the floor. I'm not in great physical condition so I assumed it was due to lack of exercise and dismissed it. The pain continued and spread to my calf muscles, triceps muscles and elbows. My muscles ache as if I had just done a hard days work or worked out in the gym.
I decided today to do some research to see if my aches and pains might be associated with the anibiotic. I'm now convinced that they are because all of my symptoms are listed as possible side effects of Levaquin. I also discovered that yellowing of the skin can be a sign of liver damage.
Remedies: Glucosamine seems to help with the joint pain. I took a 1000mg pill twice a day with vitamin C (1000mg in the morning and 500mg at night). After a couple of days my knees felt better. I have recently heard that Milk Thistle can help to prevent or repair liver ailments so I'm going to start taking that as well.
A word of advice: Always pay close attention to your body when you take any medications, especially ones you haven't had before, and make note of how you feel. Doctors don't know everything. If you suspect that how you feel is due to a medication you're taking you're most likey right. Let the doctors take a consulting role and you be the manager of your own health. You're the only one that knows how your body behaves.
God bless!
Levaquin - I Wish Doctor Knewew About Side Effects
posted by Ginny Edwards on 24 Jun 2006 at 3:59 pm
I was precribed Levaquin for a bad sinus infection 7 mths ago. After first dose I experienced severe pain and burning in feet and legs. Could barely walk. After 2nd dose had same problems but worse and also arms and especially hands painful, stiff and numb. Could not wash and fix my own hair. Now can't walk or grip things. Am thinking i've had some sort of stroke or a brain tumor. Family Dr. says not caused by Levaquin. After 4 th dose things got so bad that I quit taking the Levaquin. There has been slight improvement since then but at times it starts all over again. Have had nerve conduction study that was okay and neurology exam confirmed levaquin caused these problems. Hope people and Dr's will be aware of how badly this drug can affect you.
Leviquin Nightmare
posted by Danita Lampi on 24 Jun 2006 at 6:54 pm
I took Leviquin for a sinus infection and the 2nd day I started getting horrible pain in my wrist. I didn't realize at the time it was from the drug. I've been waiting for it to get better but so far it is still painful at the joint. I will be seeing a doctor about it this week. My husband was also on the same medication for a bronchial infection. He now has severe knee pain in his joints and has a hard time getting up from a sitting position because of the pain. Neither one of us had any of these problems before we went on the leviquin. I found out about the side effects of it after the fact.. I can't beleive they are still selling this drug. It is poison!!!
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