The Mulligan Law Firm is Investigating Injury Claims: The Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic Levaquin® has been linked to Tendonitis and Tendon Rupture
The FDA has determined that a large number of tendon injuries are still being reported by patients who are taking, or have taken, Levaquin.
Dallas, TX (PRWEB) October 9, 2009
The Mulligan Law Firm is a national law firm located in Dallas, Texas, providing information and resources for injured individuals and their families in all 50 states. The firm has successfully resolved over $600,000,000 in claims for its clients since 1995.
The Mulligan Law Firm is currently investigating injury claims involving Levaquin's possible role in tendonitis and tendon rupture. Someone who has experienced tendonitis or tendon rupture after taking Levaquin should consult with a legal professional immediately. Contact Eric Gruenwald, Attorney/Lawyer at (866) 529-0001, Ext. 245. The Mulligan Law Firm takes all cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means the prospective client does not pay for our services unless an award or compensation is received.
On July 8, 2008, the FDA requested that Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceutical, the manufacturer of Levaquin, place a boxed warning on packaging concerning the increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture while and after taking the medication. The FDA has determined that a large number of tendon injuries are being reported by patients who are taking, or have taken, Levaquin.
In October 2008, the Food and Drug Administration issued an alert that stated: "Fluoroquinolones, including Levaquin, are associated with an increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture in all ages. This risk is further increased in older patients usually over 60 years of age, in patients taking corticosteroid drugs, and in patients with kidney, heart and lung transplants."
The FDA added: "Tendon rupture can occur during or after completion of therapy; cases occurring up to several months after completion of therapy have been reported. Levaquin should be discontinued if the patient experiences pain, swelling, inflammation or rupture of a tendon. Patients should be advised to rest at the first sign of tendonitis or tendon rupture, and to contact their health-care provider regarding changing to a non-quinolone antimicrobial drug."
About Levaquin
Levaquin (a brand-name of Levofloxacin) is a powerful antibiotic in a class known as fluroquinones, and is prescribed to treat bacterial infections, most commonly those in the sinus, skin, lungs, or urinary tract. With rare exception, Levaquin is prescribed only to adults, as problems with joints have been observed when used in children.
Tendonitis and Ruptured Tendons
Tendons are the parts of the body that connect muscles to bones, and are essential for proper movement and mobility. Tendonitis (also called tendinitis) refers to the inflammation of a tendon, and is a term used to refer to more-severe injuries to the tendon. Tendonitis can occur in many parts of the body and is extremely painful. Achilles tendinitis of the heel and patellar tendinitis of the knee are common examples.
A ruptured tendon refers to a snapped or torn tendon, which can cause excruciating pain and may result in a permanent disability. Depending on the degree and type of injury, ruptured tendons may be treated with surgery or through immobilization, such as with a cast.
Do not discontinue taking any medication, including Levaquin, without first consulting with a physician.
For more information on the Mulligan Law Firm, visit www. mulliganlaw. com.
For more information on Levaquin and Tendonitis/Tendon Ruptures, see http://www. mulliganlaw. com/drug-injuries/drug-injury-help/levaquinr-tendon-ruptures. html (http://www. mulliganlaw. com/drug-injuries/drug-injury-help/levaquinr-tendon-ruptures. html)
Levaquin informational blog entries: http://www. mulliganlaw. com/blog/ (http://www. mulliganlaw. com/blog/)
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