Louisiana Levaquin Attorneys, and Levaquin Lawsuit Information

Levaquin is a regularly prescribed antibiotic manufactured and sold by Johnson & Johnson and Ortho-McNeil. It was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1996 and is most commonly used to fight bacterial infections.

Levaquin has been prescribed to treat a wide variety of problems, including sinus, skin, lung and urinary tract infections. Levaquin has been used by thousands of people worldwide to treat bacterial infections within the body.

Risks Associated with the use of Levaquin

Until recently, the manufacturer of Levaquin did not warn individuals of the risks associated with taking this medication. Specifically, Levaquin has been linked to ruptured tendons and permanent tendon damage, as well as a serious skin disorder, known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

While injuries to the Achilles tendon are the most common, ruptures of tendons and tendinitis in the shoulder, hand and thumb have also been reported. Ruptures occurred both during and after treatment with Levaquin. Some cases have even reported ruptures or other problems several months after the individual had stopped taking Levaquin.

In a large number of these instances, surgery and extensive rehabilitation have been required. Unfortunately, many of these victims have never fully recovered from their tendon injuries.

Inadequate Warnings of the Side Effects of Levaquin

Despite knowing about these potential side effects, the manufacturers of Levaquin have marketed as a safe medication for many years. Hundreds of people have suffered serious injuries due to the manufacturer's failure to adequately warn patients and doctors.

It wasn't until 2008 that the Food and Drug Administration finally required the manufacturers of Levaquin to place a warning on its label, describing the danger of tendon damage, specifically ruptures of the Achilles tendon. However, this is too little too late. Hundreds of cases of tendon injuries have already been linked to use of Levaquin.