Levaquin Information
What is Levaquin?
Levaquin
(levofloxacin)
is a fluoroquinolone class antibiotic manufactured by Ortho-McNeil, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, which is indicated for use by adults ages 18 and older. It is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections ranging from pneumonia and bronchitis to urinary tract infections. It may be administered by injection, oral solution, or tablets.
Levaquin was FDA approved in 1996. However, in 2002 and 2007 the warning label was amended to include a warning about the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. In July of 2008 the warning label changed again to include the so-called "black box" warning which emphasizes the risk for tendinitis and tendon rupture in all ages, but especially for those over 60 and who are also taking corticosteroids.
Injuries associated with the use of Levaquin and other antibiotics of the fluoroquinolone class such as Cipro and Avelox, include tendinitis and ruptures of the Achilles tendon, the rotator cuff (shoulder), the biceps, the hand, and the thumb.
Among Several Antibiotics In The Fluoroquinolone Class, Levaquin Has The Most Tendon Injury Lawsuits Filed To Date
While all of the fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as Levaquin, Cipro, Avelox, and others, received a "black-box" warning citing the associated increased risk of tendon injury, Levaquin stands out has having the most lawsuits filed by injured patients using this drug.
A “Black Box” Warning About Tendon Injury Is Added To The Levaquin Package Insert In July 2008
The FDA finally pushes Ortho-McNeil to add a "black box" warning to the package insert, or label, of its fluoroquinolone antibiotic, Levaquin. The black box warning was a long-awaited amendment to the former label which only mentioned the risk for tendon rupture in a long list of other side effects.
Putting Pressure On The FDA: Public Citizen Petition To Add Stronger Warnings To Levaquin Label
Public Citizen's August 2006 Petition states that warnings about the risk of tendon injury on the label for Levaquin and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics are not strong enough. Requesting that "Dear Doctor" letters be sent out and that "black box" warnings be added, the Petition forces the FDA to take a closer look at Levaquin.
Levaquin Class Actions
We believe that people who suffered a serious injury due to the Levaquin antibiotic are better served when an individual lawsuit is filed on their behalf. A serious injury case should not be filed as part of any Levaquin class action together with the claims of many other people who may have had different injuries caused by this fluoroquinolone antibiotic.
Legal Compensation for Levaquin Injuries
If you experienced serious side effects or adverse reaction from the use of Levaquin, you may have a claim for legal compensation. Legal compensation claims involving injuries caused by the use of Levaquin are made by filing a lawsuit in court. All states have statutes of limitations that determine the time period allowed to file a Levaquin lawsuit.
Levaquin Case Evaluation
The information you provide to us for this Free Case Evaluation will be treated as strictly confidential. You will get a reply from us no later than the next business day. Submitting a case evaluation does not obligate you to hire our law firm for your lawsuit. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will make no payment for our legal services until after we have succeeded in getting legal compensation for you.
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