Levaquin and Cipro: Signs and Symptoms of a Problem
With the recent “black box” warning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has applied to Levaquin and Cipro, it is important for those who are taking, or have taken the medications know the signs and symptoms of a possible medical problem. Although it is an FDA term, the “black box” warning is the strongest warning the FDA can give a drug short of an all out recall due to issues of product liability.
More than half (approximately 60%) of the tendon ruptures that were reported to the FDA were caused by the use of Levaquin. Additionally, although both medications have been linked to tendon ruptures in the rotary cuff, biceps, hands and thumbs, the Achilles tendon, the tendon that attaches the calf to the heel bone, has been the most prominent tendon to rupture.
An Achilles tendon rupture is an extremely painful injury that often requires extensive surgery to repair. In addition to undergoing the knife, months of rehabilitation and therapy are often both necessary in order to return to a point where the ankle is functional. It is also not uncommon for an individual who has ruptured an Achilles tendon to experience ongoing pain and tendon problems, even after undergoing surgery to mend the rupture.
Some common symptoms often associated with an Achilles tendon rupture are sudden and severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Cases of tendonitis and other tendon related problems have also been linked to these drugs.
Dr. Renata Albrecht, a top health official at the FDA, was cited in Reuters as saying that the estimated risk of tendon rupture is about three times higher among patients who used the concerned antibiotics.
If you are currently taking, or have taken, one of these drugs and experience pain, swelling, or the inflammation of a tendon or tendon rupture, immediately discontinue use of the medication and contact your health care professional immediately. Then call the skilled Missouri personal injury attorneys at Page Cagle for a free consultation at 314.322.8515 or 1.800.500.4658.
